Leeds International Festival of Ideas: Just One Month to Go!

The countdown is officially on – Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) is back in less than a month, running from 14–18 October 2025, and it’s shaping up to be the boldest edition yet.

This year’s programme spans five days at Leeds Playhouse with 46 speakers tackling the biggest questions of our time – from power and politics to parenthood, identity and resilience. And if ticket sales are anything to go by, #LIFI25 is already the fastest-selling festival to date.

Fresh faces on the line-up

Two new panellists have just been announced. Broadcaster and Well Woman Club founder Annie Price joins Myleene Klass MBE on Can Mums Have It All? – a frank discussion on modern motherhood and the mental load. Meanwhile, Joanna Reeve, UK Director at Intrepid Travel, steps onto the Who Picks Up the Tab for a Hospitable City? panel, alongside Fred Sirieix, to debate the future of hospitality and tourism.

Meet Young LIFI

Brand new for 2025 is Young LIFI, a special strand co-curated with The Ruth Gorse Academy, created to inspire the next generation. Its debut event, How Do Young People Acquire Bouncebackability?, explores resilience in a world of online pressure, negative news and school stress.

Hosted by BBC Newsround’s Shanequa Paris, the panel features an all-star line-up: rugby league legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, wellbeing expert Dr Radha Modgil, entrepreneur Matthew Akpan, and social media motivator Ami Charles. Expect uplifting conversations and practical advice on bouncing back from life’s challenges.

Festival Director Martin Dickson said:

“This year, we’re opening up the conversation to younger audiences with the launch of Young LIFI. Leeds is a city of voices and it’s vital that our younger voices are part of that.”

Headline highlights

Across the week, audiences can catch Chuck D on how hip-hop changed the world, David Baddiel debating whether religion is the ultimate culture war, and Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir performing live. Other big names include Caitlin Moran, Sally Wainwright OBE, Victoria Derbyshire, Fara Williams MBE, and many more.

With topics ranging from toxic masculinity and domestic abuse to equality in sport and the future of politics, LIFI25 promises to be urgent, inspiring and unmissable.

Tickets are limited and going fast, grab yours now at leedsintfest.com

The countdown is on. Leeds – are you ready?