What Is The Leeds International Festival Of Ideas LIFI25 With Chuck D And Kirsty Wark

Ever feel like the world is spinning a bit too fast, and the big questions are getting lost in the noise? Well, the Leeds International Festival of Ideas, or LIFI25, kicked off this week, and it's all about tackling those huge topics head-on. From the moment the doors opened at Leeds Playhouse on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, it was clear this wasn't going to be a quiet affair.

With sold-out crowds and some seriously big names, the festival jumped straight into conversations about power, music, and who's really pulling the strings in the world.

Chuck D on how hip-hop shaped the world

Things got going with a proper legend. Imagine a packed theatre, completely silent as Chuck D from the iconic group Public Enemy took the stage. He sat down for a chat with broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake to talk about something that's more than just music: hip-hop. They didn't just scratch the surface, either. They got deep into how hip-hop gave a voice to people who felt they didn't have one, becoming a massive force for social justice and shaping identities. The audience was hooked, clapping and asking questions, proving that this music genre is still a huge part of the global dialogue. It was a reminder of the raw power music has to create new narratives and challenge the status quo.

The conversation showed how hip-hop wasn't just about entertainment; it was a form of cultural resistance, a way for communities to speak their truth. This session wasn't just a talk; it felt like a vital conversation about the ongoing influence of a movement that changed the world.

Kirsty Wark's panel asks who's really in charge

Earlier that evening, another massive question was on the table: "Who Rules the World?" Broadcaster Kirsty Wark led a panel that tried to untangle the messy web of global power and influence. It sounds complicated, but think of it like this: who actually makes the big decisions that affect our lives? Is it the politicians we see on TV, or are there hidden forces at play? The panel, which included Sam McAlister, Tom Burgis, Mike Bates, and Matthew Syed, talked about everything from giant tech companies and who owns the news, to the secret lobbying that shapes government policy.

The discussion got pretty intense. Human intelligence specialist Mike Bates put it brilliantly: "Geopolitics is like a chessboard, but there's a game going on under the table that we can't even see." It's a chilling thought, isn't it? Then Matthew Syed pointed to a growing alliance between countries like China, North Korea, and Russia, saying, "a group of autocratic nations that want to reset the world order. That conflict is coming. Will NATO stand strong?" To top it off, Tom Burgis gave a stark warning about corruption: "Trump is a kleptocrat. But he's not alone - self-interested kleptocrats are enriching themselves the world over. They don't care about the masses." The panel left everyone with a lot to think about regarding who holds the real power.

More than just talks: a festival of urgent ideas

Walking out of these sessions, you could feel a real buzz. People in the foyer were saying these aren't just stuffy debates; they're urgent conversations we all need to be having. And that's exactly what the festival is all about. The Festival Director, Martin Dickson, explained the vision for LIFI25 perfectly.

"From the moment we launched LIFI25, we set out not just to stage talks, but to create an open, genuine space - where music, power, art and politics meet in dialogue," he said. "It was never enough to bring names to a stage; what matters most is that those names provoke, unsettle, challenge, and invite participation. Tonight, with Chuck D and Kirsty Wark leading, we've signalled exactly what this festival must be: urgent, unafraid, necessary."

He also mentioned that Leeds deserves a space for big ideas and tough questions. "In a world where conversations are too often siloed or superficial, LIFI is here to push past the noise, to invite scrutiny, new angles, and real listening. Leeds deserves a festival of ideas that isn't complacent, that doesn't shy from difficulty, that honours curiosity." Judging by the sold-out opening night, it's clear that people are hungry for exactly that. These city events are fostering a real sense of community dialogue.

What's on for the rest of the festival?

The opening night set a high bar, but the LIFI25 programme is packed with fascinating topics right through to Saturday, 18th October. With over 90% of tickets already gone, it's clear the whole city is getting involved. Here's a little taste of the ideas being discussed over the next few days in Leeds.

Date	Event	What it's about
Wednesday 15th October	Where Have All the Good Men Gone?	A deep look at modern manhood and mental health.
Thursday 16th October	Why Do We Need to Talk About Domestic Abuse?	Survivors and experts discuss the national emergency of domestic abuse.
Thursday 16th October	David Baddiel: Is Religion the Ultimate Culture War?	A discussion on faith and division in what feels like a constant culture war.
Friday 17th October	Young LIFI: How do young people acquire bouncebackability?	A new session for schools about helping young people develop resilience, or 'bouncebackability'.
Friday 17th October	Can Mums Have It All?	A frank look at the realities of modern motherhood and mental load.
Friday 17th October	William Hanson: Manners Cost Nowt	A fun look at why good manners still matter today.
Saturday 18th October	Vicky McClure's Our Dementia Choir	An uplifting event showing the power of music and creativity in the face of dementia.
Saturday 18th October	How Level is the Playing Field?	Top athletes discuss the ongoing fight for equality in sport.

There are still a few tickets left for some events, so if you want to be part of the conversation, check out leedsintfest.com before they're all gone.