Alastair Campbell, Rory Stewart and Badly Drawn Boy at How The Light Gets In: Full info, how to get tickets

Alastair Campbell, Rory Stewart, David Baddiel, Ruby Wax and Badly Drawn Boy are among the public figures appearing at this year’s How The Light Gets In.

The festival of philosophy, science, politics and music takes place in the grounds of Kenwood House, at Hampstead Heath, on September 23-24.

This year’s theme is ‘Dangers Desires and Destiny’, and the event, now in its fifth year, will feature debates, talks and live performances.

Following a record attendance for the festival’s Hay event, the London edition features more than 150 speakers, performers and comedians across 120 events in 12 venues.

How The Light Gets In highlights

Headline speakers include Financial Times economist Martin Wolf, actor and writer Ruby Wax; ethics philosopher Peter Singer (via Zoom); Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, from The Rest Is Politics podcast; physicist Michio Kaku; comedian and writer David Baddiel; and feminist philosopher and psychologist Carol Gilligan.

‘Dangers Desires and Destiny’

Addressing this year’s theme, panels and talks will look at the existential threats of our era, on topics including ‘The Dream of Democracy’, exploring the failures of political systems; ‘Homes and Hierarchy’, addressing the escalating housing crisis; and ‘The Politics of Desire’ interrogating our sexual prejudices.

Live music

This year’s festival sees Mercury Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy headline the music line-up.

The indie legend will be joined by queer glam rock band Walt Disco, whose avant-pop sound saw them shortlisted for 2022 Scottish Album of the Year, and Blaire Dunlop whose folk talent, earned him the BBC Radio 2 Horizons award.

This year the event is partnering with BBC Introducing London, giving visitors the chance to catch the city’s most exciting up-and-coming talent.

How to get tickets

Tickets are currently on sale and students and under 25s get a 30% discount on tickets. Visit the festival’s website.