Big Ideas, Big Conversations: LIFI25

Five days. 5,500 people. One unforgettable week of ideas and inspiration in Leeds.

The Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2025 (LIFI25) took over the city from 14–18 October, transforming Leeds into a buzzing hub of debate, creativity, and connection.

Across five extraordinary days, more than 5,500 people came together to hear from some of the UK’s biggest thinkers, writers, and creators — exploring everything from hip-hop and activism to motherhood, masculinity, and mental health.

This year was LIFI’s biggest edition yet, with a powerful mix of keynotes and panels that reminded us why Leeds is one of the UK’s most exciting cities for conversation and culture.

Highlights that had Leeds talking

Chuck D of Public Enemy opened the festival with an electric keynote on hip-hop’s power to change the world — even making time to surprise fans with an impromptu meet-and-greet.

Sally Wainwright, Tamsin Greig, and Gaynor Faye brought humour and honesty to the stage in Riot Women, celebrating rebellion, resilience, and the importance of women in storytelling.

Honest discussions tackled big issues — from men’s mental health to domestic abuse, with audiences leaving thoughtful, moved, and more aware of the world around them.

 The final night brought a standing ovation at Leeds Playhouse, as Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir delivered a deeply emotional performance that had the entire theatre singing together.

Leeds’ next generation takes the stage

One of the standout moments of the festival was Young LIFI, a brand-new strand created with students from The Ruth Gorse Academy. They helped shape the line-up, led discussions, and filled the room with energy, optimism, and ideas for the future.

A festival that belongs to Leeds

Festival Director Martin Dickson summed it up perfectly:

“LIFI25 has been a truly special year — our first-ever five-day festival, with 5,500 people coming together to share ideas, stories, and inspiration. Leeds has once again shown that it’s a city that loves conversation, creativity, and community.”

Delivered by LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District), LIFI is part of the city’s growing line-up of cultural powerhouses — alongside events like Wonderland Awaits, MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover, and Leeds Jurassic Trail — all helping to make Leeds a place where ideas and imagination thrive.

The people behind the panels

This year’s incredible line-up included:
Chuck D, Caitlin Moran, David Baddiel, Vicky McClure, Myleene Klass, Fred Sirieix, Sally Wainwright, Tamsin Greig, Dr Alex George, Fara Williams, and many more, all sharing fresh perspectives on the questions that shape our lives.

What’s next?

As the lights dim on LIFI25, one thing’s clear, the Leeds International Festival of Ideas has cemented its place as one of the UK’s most distinctive and thought-provoking events. Leeds, you showed up, asked big questions, and filled every venue with energy and curiosity.

Here’s to even more ideas, inspiration, and conversation in 2026.