Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) returns 14th to 18th October with an unmissable programme of ideas, impact, and inspiration, featuring a thought-provoking blend of panels, talks, and performances tackling society’s biggest questions, from power and politics to parenthood, identity, and resilience.
Now in its fifth year, LIFI was conceived to showcase Leeds as a vibrant, creative hub bringing inspiring voices to the heart of the city. The festival has featured more than 150 thought leaders, from renowned authors and cultural figures to experts in science, sport, health, politics, and the arts.
This year’s festival welcomes globally renowned names including Jewish Comedian David Baddiel, Chuck D, Victoria Derbyshire, Myleene Klass MBE, Vicky McClure MBE, Caitlin Moran, Sally Wainwright OBE, Fara Williams MBE, and many more. Taking place at Leeds Playhouse, panel discussions will delve into major issues facing society today, taking in domestic abuse and toxic masculinity, geopolitics, overtourism, and motherhood.
From hip-hop legends and comedy icons to fearless writers and world-class campaigners, the programme boasts a superabundance of events to fire the mind and stir the soul.
“LIFI25 is the most urgent and exciting edition yet. In an increasingly polarised world, we need safe spaces to explore difficult topics with empathy, expertise, and a sense of hope,” says Festival Director, Martin Dickson: “This year’s line-up reflects the richness of public discourse, from legendary cultural icons to everyday change-makers, all ready to challenge ideas, share truths, and spark curiosity. Leeds has always been a city of voices. LIFI is where they come together.”
Among the many highlights will be Public Enemy’s Chuck D discussing how hip-hop changed the world in terms of activism, justice, and seismic social change. David Baddiel explores faith, identity, and division, asking: “is religion the ultimate culture war?” The life-changing and healing power of music will be explored with Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir, and Sally Wainwright and Tamsin Greig will talk about smashing clichés and female stereotypes from Riot Grrrls to rebellious storytelling.
Other topics for discussion will include power, influence, misinformation, and the reshaping of the global order, interrogating contemporary masculinity – tackling toxic traits, modern manhood, and male mental health – and top athletes on the state of equality in sport today, from pay gaps to prejudice.
New this year, Young LIFI is a festival strand created to inspire and educate younger audiences, co-curated with The Ruth Gorse Academy. The debut event on 17th October asks: How do young people acquire bouncebackability? In a world flooded with negative noise, from social media and the news to pressures at school, how can they tackle challenges, defy stereotypes, and recover stronger from setbacks?
With its varied and prestigious programme, LIFI continues to prove itself as a space for inspiring talks, challenging questions, and dynamic debates that open minds and spark new perspectives.
For full programme information, dates, and tickets visit: leedsinternationalfestival.com
