LIFI25 Kicks Off with a Sold-Out, Star-Studded Opening Night

Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI25) exploded into action last night as a packed Leeds Playhouse welcomed two headline sessions — “How Hip-Hop Changed the World” with legendary Chuck D, and “Who Rules the World?” hosted by Kirsty Wark.

The atmosphere was electric as Chuck D took to the stage with Nihal Arthanayake for a powerful fireside conversation about hip-hop’s global impact — from social justice to cultural identity. Across the building, Kirsty Wark led a sold-out debate on power and influence featuring Sam McAlister, Tom Burgis, Mike Bates and Matthew Syed, who tackled everything from media ownership to political lobbying and the hidden forces shaping our world.

Festival Director Martin Dickson said:

“We wanted to create an open, genuine space — where music, power, art and politics meet in dialogue. Tonight showed exactly why LIFI exists: to spark urgent, unafraid, necessary conversations.”

With more than 90% of tickets already sold, this year’s festival promises a week of powerful discussions, performances and provocations exploring topics from motherhood to religion, equality in sport, domestic abuse and more.

Check out highlights from opening night below — the energy, the conversations, the moments that kicked off #LIFI25 in spectacular style.

Full programme and tickets: leedsintfest.com