Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2022 has unveiled its full programme of panels and keynotes- tickets are now on sale.
Christopher Wylie, Gail Porter, David Harewood, Mary Beard, Rosie Jones, Simon Jordan and Gareth Thomas amongst new names announced joining Yotam Ottolenghi, David Olusoga at this year's Leeds International Festival of Ideas.
Tackling some of the most crucial questions of our time, Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) has just launched its full panel and keynote speakers for 2022. From the future of technology, to climate justice and the social duty of sports professionals, this will be an international festival to remember.
Consisting of four keynote talks and six panels from Thursday 22 September - Sunday 25 September 2022, LIFI will take place in Leeds’ new premier venue, Howard Assembly Room and Howard Opera Centre.
FIFI in 2021. / Image: Tom Martin for Chapter 81
At each event, a host of household names and industry experts will debate and discuss thought-provoking subjects, and more, at length in expertly chaired panels.
Joining the previously announced chef and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi and British-Nigerian historian and broadcaster David Olusoga OBE in delivering the festival’s keynote addresses, an array of speakers have been added to this exciting line-up.
Award-winning stand-up, writer and actor, Aisling Bea, and classicist and national treasure Mary Beard have been added to the keynote line-up, whilst Christopher Wylie, best known for his role in setting up - and taking down - the cyberwarfare firm Cambridge Analytica, will join the Sonia Sodha-chaired panel ‘Is social media ruling the world?’.
Aisling Bea, Speaking at LIFI22 / Image: Supplied
Sodha, chief leader writer and columnist at the Observer and Guardian, will also be joined on the panel by Dr Al Baker, editorial director at misinformation-fighting tech start-up Logically and consultant, speaker, writer and podcaster Africa Brooke.
Award winning journalist, author and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon will host ‘How do we talk about mental health?’, where her panel will discuss if there is still more to be added to the conversation, or if it has now been normalised.
Environmental activist, and honorary president of Black Environment Network, Judy Ling Wong CBE will also be joining the LIFI panel alongside policy and advocacy expert Pauline Castres, president of Swedish youth organisation Sáminuorra Sara-Elvira Kuhmunen, climate justice activist Dominique Palmer, Miami-based artist Lee Pivnik and wildlife cameraman and photographer Hamza Yassin.
David Olusoga, speaking at Leeds International Festival of Ideas says: "The world is in a strange place right now and having festivals like this, bringing people together to discuss topics is exactly what is needed. I will be talking about the history of great inventions and the inventors and can they ever be separated."
Headline names include Yotam Ottolenghi, David Olusoga and Lara Lewington. / Image: Supplied
Over the four days, each household name will chair a panel of events, with headline questions like: 'is the metaverse our future reality?' hosted by Lara Lewington, and 'how do we talk about mental health?' with mental health campaigner, journalist and author Byrony Gordon.
Lane7, a bowling and gaming bar, is opening a massive new venue in the heart of Leeds city centre.
The independent bowling brand is set to open at Trinity Leeds in late spring, spanning a whopping 23,000 sq ft.
As well as 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, Lane7 will be home to other games including darts, pool tables, beer pong, golf simulators, and even an interactive 'Playground'.
There'll also be retro arcade games to make it a vibrant destination for your next night out.
Signs have already gone up at Trinity Leeds on Albion Street, ahead of Lane7's arrival into the city centre.
It's set to take over the huge site that was formerly home to Wilko.
Gavin Hughes, managing director at Lane7, said: "It's no secret that we've been itching to bring Lane7 to Leeds for some time, and we're thrilled to have found a venue in Trinity Leeds that we know our guests will love.
"Everyone knows Leeds is one of the UK's great nights out, and Lane7 is a venue where you can have all your best nights in one. It's the perfect match. We can't wait to get the doors open."
Lane7 is opening at Trinity Leeds. Credit: SuppliedLane7 is opening at Trinity Leeds. Credit: Supplied
Steven Foster, centre director at Trinity Leeds, said: "The arrival of Lane7 this spring marks a fantastic addition to Trinity Leeds and represents exactly the kind of dynamic, experience-led brand we are proud to offer our visitors.
"Its unique entertainment concept brings an exciting new dimension to our leisure offering, enhancing the experiences available at the centre.
"This announcement follows a wave of big names set to open at Trinity Leeds, including Footasylum, schuh and Freight Island, alongside LEGO’s upsized store, highlighting our continued success in evolving and strengthening the centre’s overall offering.
"Welcoming Lane7’s to Leeds reinforces our position as a leading destination for innovative, social and experiential brands, and we’re confident it will be a huge hit with our visitors."
Jason Derulo at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
American chart topper Jason Derulo is visiting Leeds for a night of radio bangers that will get stuck 'In My Head' and yours too.
Known for soundtracking the early 2010s and beyond, Derulo is heading back to Leeds playing out at the iconic First Direct Arena.
The Florida-born performer has five UK number one singles to his name, so it's safe to say his setlist will be stacked with massive hits sure to 'Take You Dancing' all night long.
His latest effort The Last Dance is an eight track EP featuring collaborations with INNA and Melody as well as the bouncy lead single 'Sexy For Me'.
This leg of shows is titled after this project and Derulo is asking anyone going to wear their best futuristic or metallic attire and accessories - You might end up being his 'It Girl'.
Jason Derulo gig guide
Jason Derulo is coming to First Direct Arena Leeds on 6 February / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
Jason Derulo UK tour dates
Fri 30 Jan - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
Sat 31 Jan - London, UK - The O2
Mon 2 Feb - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Tue 3 Feb - Brighton, UK - The Brighton Centre
Thu 5 Feb - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Fri 6 Feb - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
Sat 7 Feb - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Mon 9 Feb - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Jason Derulo tickets for First Direct Arena gig
If you want to see Jason Derulo 'Talk Dirty' to a huge 13,000 arena crowd over some 'Trumpets' then you'll want to get tickets to this event.
Luckily there's plenty of opportunities for you to see Mr. Derulo 'Wiggle' right in front of your eyes as there's tickets available HERE.
Jason Derulo setlist
Although the tour hasn't kicked off yet, here's one of the Pop/ R&B champs latest sets from September last year which contains some 2010s classics and big belters.
Swalla
Wiggle
Take You Dancing
Acapulco
Savage Love
Whatcha Say
Who Hurt You
Tip Toe
Breathing
In My Head
Ridin' Solo
Spicy Margarita
Love Tonight
The Other Side
Dame Un Grrr
Talk Dirty
Want to Want Me
Don't Wanna Go Home / Shots
Who Hurt You
What are the stage times for Jason Derulo in Leeds?
The 'It Girl' hitmaker is visiting the UK for his The Last Dance Tour / Credit: Supplied via Wikimedia Commons
First Direct Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning as much as we ′Don't Wanna Go Home', at least we'll be tucked up in bed before the early hours.
Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6.30pm with a kick-off time expected to be 7.30pm with support from Czech rising star THERA and Manchester EDM group LZ7.
How to get to first direct arena
Bus Station
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
Sophie Smith -
27th April 2022 
