The BIG #LIFI24 Preview

It’s four years since Leeds Business Improvement District (BID) relaunched the Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) as a platform for idea generation, discovery, and discussion in response to the world’s most pressing challenges. LIFI24 returns to the Leeds Playhouse this autumn between October 2 and 5, and its relevance is more significant than ever–as of early September, it’s already close to a sell out. So, what’s on the agenda this year? Here’s our BIG LIFI24 preview.

Wednesday, October 2

Talk: The evolution of creativity with Nile Rodgers and BEKA

7:30 pm in the Quarry Theatre. Tickets are priced at £12 to £15.

Join multi-award-winning songwriter, composer, producer, guitarist and winner of the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Nile Rodgers for inspiring insights into creativity and transformation in the context of the music industry. 

Listen as musical pioneer Niles and host BEKA, whose music explores the complexities of heritage and identity and the transformative power of self-love and self-acceptance, discuss how music and the industry have changed beyond recognition in the last fifty years, what this means for today’s artists and listeners, and how to build a progressive landscape for tomorrow.

___

Panel Discussion: How do we talk about addiction? With Lauren Windle, Marverine Cole, Claire Rimmer, Matt Willis, Taylor Little & Chris Sylvester

7pm in the Courtyard Theatre. Tickets are priced at £8 to £10

Addiction is a notoriously difficult subject to tackle. So, what can be done to make speaking out about it easier? Recognised experts Lauren Windle, Marverine Cole, Claire Rimmer, Taylor Little and Chris Sylvester, as well as actor, broadcaster, and one-third of the iconic British pop trio Busted, Matt Willis, give first-hand insights into living with addiction and the obstacles that can stand in the way of open, honest conversations. 

This panel discussion explores how talking is the first step towards acceptance, support, education, and recovery.

Thursday, October 3

Talk: How to break the mould and influence people with Grace Beverley and Daniella Draper

12pm in the Courtyard Theatre. Tickets are priced at £8 to £10

In a progressive discussion around everything from the gender pay gap to the power of social media, entrepreneur, influencer, speaker, and activist Grace Beverley, whose sustainable fitness business has amassed over three million followers, shines a light on shaping a business model driven by empowerment, engagement and personality. 

This talk, hosted by renowned jewellery designer Daniella Draper, who herself took a business from kitchen table to six UK stores and a Lincolnshire workshop, explores what it takes to be a strong businesswoman in the creator economy.

___

Talk: Trust your gut with Tim Spector OBE and DR Amir Khan

7:30 pm in the Quarry Theatre. Sold out.

Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at King’s College London and founder of ZOE, Tim Spector’s approach to nutrition has changed how thousands think about food and health. Tim and host Dr Amir Khan, resident doctor on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, will offer fascinating insights into how to live and feel better–all starting with your gut and all-important microbiome–in this already sold-out event.

___

Panel Discussion: Could AI be humanity’s saviour? With Georgie Barrat, Paterson Joseph, Dr Nisha Sharma, Nigel Toon, Adrienne Williams

7pm in the Courtyard Theatre. Tickets are priced at £8 to £10

Opportunity or threat to humanity? AI is the hottest of topics right now, but what does it all mean for humans as advancements race ahead? An expert panel, including Paterson Joseph, Dr Nisha Sharma, Nigel Toon, Adrienne Williams and Georgie Barrat from Channel 5’s The Gadget Show, dive into the extremes of AI, from actor strikes to cancer screening, exploring a technology that could be our lifeline–or death sentence.

Friday, October 4

Talk: Sensationalism and stereotypes with Carol Vorderman and Self-Esteem

7:30pm in the Quarry Theatre. Tickets are priced at £12 to £15

Hear from icons multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, theatre composer and actor Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem) and TV personality Carol Vorderman as they delve into archaic portrayals of powerful women in the media and how things have evolved (or not) when it comes to sensationalism and stereotypes. 

It’s a no-holds-barred, from-the-heart take on the genuine challenges women in the media face and how to overcome them to work towards a more inclusive and empowering narrative. And it’s 95% sold out, so get in fast to join the conversation.

__

Panel Discussion: How is TV distorting our reality? With Pandora Sykes, Dr Charlotte Armitage, Rylan, Prof Tim Wilson, Jazz Boatswain

7pm in the Courtyard Theatre. Tickets are priced at £8 to £10

Join an expert panel of well-known faces, including Pandora Sykes, Dr Charlotte Armitage, Rylan, Prof Tim Wilson and Jazz Boatswain, to uncover the light and dark sides of the popular reality TV genre. Captivating as it is–more than 40% of UK 25-34-year-olds regularly tune in–false narratives can leave viewers struggling to differentiate fact from fiction, negatively shaping and changing perspectives. But who are the heroes and villains? Come along and decide for yourself…

Saturday, October 5

Talk: This means war with Kate Adie CBE DL and Stacey Dooley

7:30pm in the Quarry Theatre. Tickets are priced at £12 to £15

Look at the news; war seems more present than ever. And in an era where disinformation has a significant impact, pursuing a picture of reality is all important. In a conversation like no other, join Kate Adie, CBE DL, a multi-award-winning journalist and one of the world’s most prolific and pioneering female danger zone reporters and thought-provoking documentary producer Stacey Dooley for an inside account of what goes on beyond the scenes of the reports unfolding in our feeds. It’s sure to be eye-opening.

___

Panel Discussion: We’re all neurodiverse, aren’t we? With Dr Alice Siberry, Doddz, Christine McGuinness, Ellie Middleton, Tumi Sotire

2pm in the Quarry Theatre. New Tickets out now

Witness new perspectives, busted myths and practical advice from an expert panel of neurodiversity experts, Dr Alice Siberry, Doddz, Christine McGuinness, Ellie Middleton, and Tumi Sotire. 15-20% of the world’s population is estimated to have brains that work or develop differently. From ADHD and autism to dyspraxia and dyslexia, the conversation around neurodiversity and how to embrace, celebrate and advocate for inclusion and empowerment needs to change. Are you ready to get started? 

___

Panel Discussion: Who really cares? With Kate Garraway, Goldie, Emily Kenway, Paul McNamee, Lizzy Oma

7pm in the Courtyard Theatre. Tickets are priced at £8 to £10

There’s a lot to unpack regarding the current state of the UK care system–what’s happening, who’s impacted, and what needs to change. Expert panellists Kate Garraway, Goldie, Emily Kenway, Paul McNamee, and Lizzy Oma give first-hand insight into their experiences, discussing what can be done to take on one of society’s most intricate, emotive and indispensable services and ensure that our illness, age, disability and poverty needs are met.

For more information and to book tickets, visit Leeds International Festival.