#LIFI25 Reveals Star-Studded Line-Up

Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) is back – and the 2025 edition is shaping up to be the biggest and most thought-provoking yet.

Running from 14–18 October 2025, the much-loved festival returns to Leeds Playhouse with five days of powerful conversations, live performances, and unforgettable guest speakers – all exploring the big questions shaping our world today.

This year’s line-up is packed with household names, cultural icons and changemakers, including:

• Chuck D – the legendary Public Enemy frontman on how hip-hop changed the world

• David Baddiel – diving into religion and identity in a bold new conversation

• Sally Wainwright & Tamsin Greig – going behind the scenes of Riot Women, a new drama made in Leeds

• Myleene Klass MBE – leading a frank talk on the realities of modern motherhood

• Vicky McClure MBE – bringing Our Dementia Choir to the stage for an emotional live event

• Caitlin Moran, Victoria Derbyshire, Fara Williams MBE, William Hanson, Emily Campbell, and many more.

Expect panels, keynotes and talks that spark discussion on everything from toxic masculinity and domestic abuse to sport, hospitality, and the future of faith.

The festival is once again based at Leeds Playhouse, with events taking place across the Quarry and Courtyard stages. Whether you’re an ideas enthusiast, a curious first-timer, or just love hearing great people talk about real issues – this is the place to be.

Tickets go on sale to LIFI newsletter subscribers on 19 June at 1PM, with general sale starting 24 June.

To get early access and explore the full programme, sign up at leedsintfest.com by 11AM on 19 June.

This is the Leeds we love – open, honest, creative, and full of conversation. Don’t miss it.