Chuck D, Myleene Klass MBE and William Hanson for #LIFI25

One of the UK’s most exciting ideas festivals returns to the city this October – and Leeds is proudly hosting it.

Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI25) will take over Leeds Playhouse from 14–18 October 2025, bringing with it over 40 world-class speakers and bold new conversations designed to inspire, challenge, and spark debate.

The first wave of speakers has just been announced – and it’s big.

Chuck D (pictured at the top), founder of Public Enemy and one of the most powerful voices in music and activism, will headline with an unmissable talk on race, culture and change.
Myleene Klass MBE, broadcaster and campaigner for women’s health rights, will lead a deeply personal panel exploring taboo topics and policy reform.
William Hanson, Britain’s most in-demand etiquette expert, will bring humour and insight to a conversation about class, behaviour, and the curious world of social rules.

LIFI25 also unveils a brand new look this year, a fresh visual identity that reflects the bold ideas and cultural innovation at the heart of the festival.

As a proud partner of the festival, Welcome to Leeds is thrilled to support an event that brings globally renowned voices to our city while platforming vital conversations around politics, identity, health, class, and more.

Key Dates for Your Diary:

• 17 June – Full LIFI25 line-up revealed
• 19 June – Early access tickets for newsletter subscribers (at last year’s prices)
• 24 June – General sale opens with a price increase

Want to be first in line for tickets? Head to LeedsIntFest.com and sign up for the newsletter.

LIFI25 is produced by LeedsBID and supported by key city centre partners including Bruntwood SciTech, SOYO Leeds, Weightmans, and Victoria Leeds.

This October, Leeds becomes the city of ideas – and you won’t want to miss it.