Leeds International Festival of Ideas - better known to most of us as LIFI - has confirmed its blockbuster line-up of speakers and performers for 2025.
Starring in the brilliant cultural event this year will be the likes of David Baddiel, Victoria Derbyshire, Vicky McClure, Caitlin Moran, Sally Wainwright and loads more.
Speakers at this year's LIFI range from hip-hop legends to comedy icons, who will take part in the packed programme of panels, talks and performances this autumn.
Taking place between 14 and 18 October, LIFI25 will touch on a wide range of subjects, including power, politics, parenthood, identity and resilience.
The festival will once again take place at Leeds Playhouse, across its Quarry and Courtyard spaces, with daytime and evening sessions, accessible pricing, and community programming.
Headline events will include a fireside conversation with Chuck D, called How Hip-Hop Changed the World, hosted by broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake.
The legendary Sally Wainwright OBE - creator of Happy Valley, among other Yorkshire-based dramas - will sit down with actress Tamsin Greig to discuss their bold new upcoming drama Riot Women.
David Baddiel will present 'Is Religion the Ultimate Culture War?', while Myleene Klass MBE leads a relatable conversation around the mental load of motherhood, called 'Can Mums Have It All?'.
'How Level is the Playing Field?' will be a debate on gender equality in sport, featuring Fara Williams MBE, Verity Smith, Emily Campbell and more.
Myleene KlassSally Wainwright OBEVicky McClureWilliam HansonSome of the speakers confirmed for this year's LIFI
Celebrated actress Vicky McClure MBE is set to bring her inspiring project Our Dementia Choir Live to Leeds for this year's LIFI programme.
There'll also be loads of panel discussions which will touch on everything from domestic abuse and toxic masculinity to geopolitics, overtourism and motherhood.
Martin Dickson, Festival Director, said: “LIFI25 is the most urgent and exciting edition yet. In an increasingly polarised world, we need safe spaces to explore difficult topics with empathy, expertise and a sense of hope.
"This year’s line-up reflects the richness of public discourse, from legendary cultural icons to everyday change-makers, all ready to challenge ideas, share truths and spark curiosity. Leeds has always been a city of voices. LIFI is where they come together."
Tickets will go on sale to priority subscribers via the LIFI newsletter on 19 June at 1pm, with general sale opening on 24 June at 1pm.
Fans are encouraged to sign up by 19th June at 11am at leedsinternationalfestival.com to secure first access and see the full programme.
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
M&S launches massive recruitment drive in Leeds with hundreds of jobs available
Emily Sergeant
M&S has launched a massive recruitment drive across Yorkshire.
With the festive season fast approaching, and most British stores having already unveiled their Christmas ranges for 2026, one of the country’s largest brands has launched a massive UK-wide seasonal recruitment drives to gear up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year for the retail industry.
M&S has announced it will recruit for plenty of new colleagues across the UK.
As mentioned Christmas is one of the busiest moments of the year for M&S, and seasonal colleagues play a ‘vital’ part in delivering that.
Image: Supplied
New recruits will be tasked with helping M&S deliver a ‘brilliant’ service for customers.
Stores with vacancies span the whole of Leeds - including city centre, Moortown, Crown Point, White Rose Shopping Centre and Pudsey.
M&S says the roles are ‘fast-moving and hands-on’, with colleagues required to work together to make sure customers still get the very best of M&S, even at its busiest.
The roles will pay £13.41 per hour, with successful applicants receiving the training, tools and support needed to get up to speed quickly.
“We can’t wait to welcome over 300 new colleagues to our store teams here in Greater Manchester,” commented Zeba Khan, who is the Regional Manager at M&S.
“As we get ready for our busiest time of year, it’s a great opportunity to join us and help bring a magical M&S Christmas to our customers.
“We have a range of opportunities available, whether joining our city centre flagship or our fresh market-style foodhalls. We’re looking for colleagues who are passionate about delivering great customer service and being part of a team.”
Fancy it then? Applications are now open, and you can find out more and apply on the M&S Christmas careers page here.
Daisy Jackson -
18th June 2025 
