Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2025

Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) returns this October with five days of bold conversations, big names and fresh perspectives. This year’s programme features 46 speakers tackling the biggest questions shaping our world – from power and politics to parenthood, identity, resilience and equality in sport. Expect headline appearances from Chuck D, David Baddiel, Caitlin Moran, Sally Wainwright OBE, Vicky McClure MBE, Fara Williams MBE, Victoria Derbyshire, and many more. New for 2025, Young LIFI brings inspiring voices to younger audiences in partnership with The Ruth Gorse Academy, featuring rugby league legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, BBC Newsround’s Shanequa Paris, and wellbeing expert Dr Radha Modgil. With urgent debates, candid conversations and uplifting live events – from Can Mums Have It All? to Who Picks Up the Tab for a Hospitable City? – LIFI25 promises to be the most exciting edition yet. Tickets are limited and on sale now: leedsintfest.com