MORE than 100 music and performance events will feature during the four days of this year’s How the Light Gets in Festival.
Described as the "world’s largest philosophy and music festival" it takes place in Hay-on-Wye from May 22 to 25.
Musician and Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Nitin Sawhney has already been confirmed as appearing at the festival and organisers announced more acts this week.
London six-piece Molotov Jukebox are headed up by actress Natalia Tena, who played Tonks in Harry Potter and also featured in Game of Thrones.
Described as seasoned purveyors of world music they have played Glastonbury, Eurosonic, and Womad, and are set to make an unforgettable HowTheLightGetsIn debut show.
Joining them will be singer-songwriter Aoife O’Donovan, fresh off the red carpet with her recent Grammy for Best American Roots song. The ethereal, intimate singer-songwriter has been hailed as “a vocalist of unerring instinct” by the New York Times; the Guardian says her bluesy, late summer folk yarns "linger lightly, like half-remembered dreams".
Acoustic indie-poppers Coco and the Butterfields are back in Hay-on-Wye for another fist-pumping performance. On a steady and unmistakable upward incline, Coco have developed quite a reputation for their exhilarating live shows with their jangle-rich acoustic sound.
Wiyaala has emerged over the last few years as one of Ghana’s leading international touring artists with her fusion of West African folk songs and contemporary Afro-pop. Her name means “the doer” in her local Sissala dialect, and she’s spent the last few years achieving just that – doing it all. As well as composing two studio albums, she’s been an active influencer for UNICEF and organised the Djimba World Music Festival to spotlight and support young Ghanaian musical talent.
Also on the billing are Ferris and Sylvester, described as an “Alt Simon & Garfunkel” by the Guardian, whose 60s sound has just won them the Emerging Artist of the Year Award at the UK Americana Awards 2020; Dadaist art-rockers Harpo Smith; bluegrass rockers Flats & Sharps; ska/doo-wop/rhythm & blues outfit The Black Kat Boppers; and the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir who will close out the festival as it has done since 2009.
Acts previously announced include soulful singer and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson; Richard Colburn and Chris Geddes of Scottish indie pop legends Belle and Sebastian, who’ll command the decks for an inspired deejaying session; electroswing rascals The Correspondents; and many more.
The festival will feature r 200 events overall, including over 80 debates and talks featuring the world’s leading thinkers, plus a handpicked cast of comedians, banquets, documentary screenings, parties, cabaret, and so much more.
Tickets for the full weekend are available from £144 and all students and those under 25 are eligible for a 30% discount while there is no charge for under 12.