This autumn, Leeds once again cements its reputation as a city of bold voices and boundary-pushing conversations as the Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) returns with an electrifying programme for 2025. From Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 October, audiences can look forward to a week of headline talks, live performances and hard-hitting debates that promise to tackle some of the biggest questions of our time.
Celebrated for its fearless approach to challenging ideas and championing diverse perspectives, LIFI25 invites an impressive line-up of cultural icons, campaigners and storytellers to the heart of the city. Highlights for this year include hip-hop pioneer and activist Chuck D, award-winning comedian and author David Baddiel, acclaimed journalist Victoria Derbyshire, beloved broadcaster Myleene Klass MBE, celebrated screenwriter Sally Wainwright OBE, Line of Duty star Vicky McClure MBE, writer Caitlin Moran, footballer Fara Williams MBE and etiquette expert William Hanson.
This year’s themes span politics, power, motherhood, masculinity, faith and more. Chuck D’s headline session, How Hip-Hop Changed the World, sees the Public Enemy frontman in conversation with broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake, exploring music’s enduring power as a tool for activism and change. Comedy icon David Baddiel brings his trademark honesty to the stage in Is Religion the Ultimate Culture War?, questioning faith and identity in an increasingly divided world.
Sally Wainwright and Tamsin Greig give audiences an exclusive look behind the scenes of their new drama Riot Women in I Predict a Riot, while Myleene Klass MBE leads Can Mums Have It All?, a candid discussion about the mental load and modern motherhood.
Equality in sport takes centre stage with How Level is the Playing Field?, a powerful panel featuring Fara Williams MBE, Verity Smith, Emily Campbell and others, examining gender, opportunity and barriers in athletic careers. Vicky McClure MBE brings a special live edition of Our Dementia Choir to Leeds, celebrating the transformative power of music for those living with dementia.
Across five days, festival-goers can engage with panels exploring overtourism, domestic abuse, toxic masculinity and the forces shaping global power and misinformation. The aim, says Festival Director Martin Dickson, is to create a space where curiosity, empathy and robust debate thrive.
“LIFI25 is our most urgent and exciting programme yet. In an increasingly polarised world, spaces like this are more important than ever. We’re bringing together voices that challenge, inspire and open up vital conversations,” Dickson says.
Once again, the festival takes place at the iconic Leeds Playhouse, with events spread across its Quarry and Courtyard theatres. With daytime and evening sessions and accessible pricing, LIFI remains committed to keeping ideas open to everyone.
Tickets go on priority sale to newsletter subscribers on 19 June at 1pm, with general sale starting 24 June. To get early access and see the full programme, audiences are encouraged to sign up by 19 June at 11am at leedsintfest.com.
Whether you’re passionate about politics, curious about culture or simply love a lively debate, Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2025 promises another unforgettable week of insight, entertainment and fresh perspectives.
