The countdown is on until one the Yorkshire's biggest festivals of culture kicks off - and there's a seriously exciting line-up for this year.
That's right, we've got the likes of Davina McCall, Dame Prue Leith and Will Young taking to the stage alongside huge names from the world of entertainment, politics and business. This includes Matt Baker MBE, Gemma Whelan, Amber Rudd, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Rob Rinder, Sir Jon Cuncliffe, and many more.
These exciting names will be joining TV personality Bimini, who will be talking about ‘a world beyond the binary’; author and comedian Ruby Wax OBE will be bringing ‘my journey to mindfulness’ to life with a key note speaker show whilst ‘a new generation of entrepreneurism’ will be covered by Diary of a CEO’s Steven Bartlett.
And for those wondering how to grab tickets or where the festival is located this year (yes, new year, new venue) keep reading for everything you need to know about Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2023...
What is Leeds International Festival of Ideas?
Leeds International Festival of Ideas has announced its full festival lineup, and it’s combining some of the UK’s most influential speakers with some of the most important questions of our time.
Working in partnership with LeedsBID, The Hoot Leeds (that's us!) and Weightmans, the idea of the festival is to bring conversations to the surface, using a combination of panels, fireside chats and speeches to inspire, provoke and encourage discussions.
Questions vary from ‘what’s our obsession with true crime?’ to ‘who does our political system benefit?’ and ‘how do we talk about grief?’ – and this year’s lineup is perfectly certainly won’t be shying away from the hard questions.
The four day festival will take place from Wednesday 27 September - Saturday 30 September 2023 with most events running at 7pm and 7.30pm - and an additional 2.30pm slot on the Saturday.
Where is the festival?
This year Leeds International Festival of Ideas is held at Leeds Playhouse.
The award-winning cultural hub was recently recognised at the UK Theatre Awards as the Most Welcoming Theatre in 2022. With a mission to seek out the best companies and artists to create inspirational theatre in the heart of Yorkshire, Leeds Internationals Festival of Ideas, will be joining the long list of exciting productions, festivals and events that Leeds Playhouse have hosted over the past 50 years.
The full address for Leeds Playhouse is: Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP
Leeds International Festival of Idas Full Lineup
The full programme schedule is as followed:
Wednesday 27 September 2023
Davina McCall will be on the panel for ‘when will women’s health be taken seriously’. / Image: Chapter 81
7pmPanel: When will women’s health be taken seriously? with Davina McCall, Dr Christine Ekechi Lauren Mahon, Cherry Healey, Gabby Jahanshahi-Edlin and Kenny Ethan Jones
7.30pmFireside chat: A New Generation Of Entrepreneurism with Steven Bartlett
Tickets cost £8 - £12 depending on whether you're heading off to a gireside chat or panel discussion, with additional discounts available to those with a Leeds Card, registered unemployed or Under 18.
Plus there's a multi-buy discount for those buying tickets to more than three events. Book 3-4 events and get a 15% discount or book five or more for 20% off.
Where can I read more about the events and the thoughts behind the speakers?
Leeds International Festival of Ideas has its very own journal on the LIFI website here.
Plus, there's a dedicated podcast series named LIFIcast discussing everything from wellness, adult entertainment, Brexit and music hosted by journalist Lotty Leaming. All episodes are available the LIFI website here.
How to get to Leeds Playhouse
Image: Anthony Robling via Wikicommons
Leeds Playhouse is about a 15-minute walk from Leeds Train Station and less than five from Leeds Bus Station.
Leeds International Festival of Ideas has collaborated with partners North Brew to make a very special LIFI beer.
The vegan session pale ale for all you beer enthusiasts has 'aromas of lemon zest and freshly cut grass, bringing a note of vibrancy that balances against the juicy flavours of white peach and sweet mango'.
The following locations will be serving North Brew X LIFI until the festival's end:
Leeds has welcomed a whole host of new places to eat and drink recently, and there’s a lot to get excited about.
We all love our food, and it's safe to say we love writing about it.
So please, allow us to indulge by telling you all about five of our favourite new foodie openings that have popped up in and around Leeds over the past few months.
But fair warning, continuing to read on may cause extreme hunger...
Moods
98 Kirkgate, Leeds LS2 7DJ
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Just over a month ago, one of Leeds' most historic buildings was transformed into an all-day cafe, bar, restaurant and events space.
Moods is the brainchild of husband-and-wife founders Will and Hayley Moody, the team behind Buzz Club Tattoo.
They do it all, whether you're popping in for a coffee and a spot of brunch or swinging by for a few carefully curated cocktails and some small plates to share with friends. With a kitchen led by Head Chef Craig Rogan, who trained within Simon Rogan's Michelin-starred restaurant group, you know you're in good hands.
Taking over the old Flannels site on Vicar Lane, Dishoom Leeds is nothing short of beautiful and has been in the pipeline for quite some time.
Dusty pink exteriors welcome you into a huge dining room complete with gold picture frames, baby blue walls and huge arched windows. They've really thought of every little detail, even down to the relaxing incense burning on the windowsill.
The menu is large and can seem overwhelming, featuring everything from breakfast naan rolls and small plates and to big sharing curries, but the staff are keen to lend you a helping hand.
If you order anything - let it be the lamb chops (thank us later).
Rizia's Bottega, on Bolling Road on the outskirts of Ilkley, officially opened at the end of August following a soft launch, serving authentic schiacciata sandwiches, colourful salads, and light Sicilian breakfasts.
The new neighbourhood spot comes from the team behind Ilkley favourite Emporio Italia and has been created as somewhere locals can pop in for their morning coffee, sit down for a bite to eat, or pick up some high-quality Italian treats to enjoy at home.
One of Manchester’s most popular brunch spots, which always has queues down the street, has made its way across to Leeds at last.
Bruncho has opened on The Headrow, bringing its hit products like French toasts, Middle Eastern brunches, and iced matchas, to Leeds city centre.
Bruncho has also made a name for itself with its viral creations, including Labubu Dubai pistachio French toast (how many 2025 buzzwords can you get in one menu item?) and its collection of drinks served at -86°C. We're sure that their weird and wonderful creations will go down just as well here in Leeds.
Domo is an independent restaurant born in Sheffield that is loved by many for its delicious food, inviting atmosphere and stellar service.
Run by Raffaele Busceddu and Sarah May Elliott, Domo serves a range of traditional Sardinian specialities that aren't often seen outside the island, all made entirely in-house.
Located right on the water's edge, you could do a lot worse than plonking yourself on the terrace with mates, ordering a selection of their cocktails and tucking into a heaping plate of fried calamari and prawns or a carefully curated plate of Sardinian cured meats and cheeses.
Here’s 10 of the best student-friendly cheap eats in and around Leeds
Clementine Hall
Just moved to lovely Leeds for uni? Here’s how to eat out for less than a tenner.
With Freshers’ Week fast approaching, you're probably trying to work out exactly how far your student loan is going to stretch.
But don't worry, we're here to help.
Whether you’re after a cheap lunch between lectures, somewhere to grab dinner with your new flatmates or a bite to eat before heading out for the night, Leeds city centre is packed with places where you can eat well without blowing your budget.
So, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite places where you can grab a bite for under £10.
Let’s get into it...
Bundobust
Mill Hill
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It wouldn't be a cheap eat round up without Bundobust. These Indian street food legends are the GOATS of dishes for under tenner, because every single thing is.
We recommend the Vada Pav - a deep-fried mashed potato ball stuffed in a springy bun. It'll fill you up good and proper and you can get two Vada Pav sliders for just £8. Class.
Mommy Thai
Duncan Street and Vicar Lane
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Okay you may have to forgive us on this one...but we couldn't not include it.
For just £10.95 (close enough) you can get two courses at one of Leeds' best Thai restaurants. And there's loads to choose from, from chicken satay and Pad Thai to corn cakes and Pad Grapow - you won't be going home hungry. The perfect fuel before a mad night out on Call Lane we think.
Brod
Great George Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Brod is a staple for those looking for a lunch in the city, famous for their stacked sandwiches for super low prices. Most sandwiches are around the £6 mark, using fresh and homemade ingredients prepped daily.
Karpaty Bakery
Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Now this one really is a bargain. In the market hall of Kirkgate Market you'll find Karpaty Bakery, a wonderful Polish bakery serving traditional baked goods for under £3. They're absolutely massive and such great value for money.
Bánh and Mee
Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Another classic from the market is Bánh and Mee, a brilliant lunchtime option for those wanting hot and fresh Vietnamese food all for under a tenner.
Our favourite is the lemongrass chicken rice box or the aromatic pho that'll warm you up in an instant.
Eastern Oven
Kirkgate Market
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you hadn't gathered by now, Kirkgate Market is an absolute honeypot for cheap eats in the city centre where you'll find hundreds of dishes for under a tenner.
Another one of our favourites is Eastern Oven, a family-run stall selling fresh falafel wraps and pittas.
Meat:Stack
Bishopgate Street
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you're looking to be a bit naughty and get stuck into a burger and chips, then Meat:Stack is the spot for you.
American smash burgers, loaded fries and thick milkshakes all for great prices. They do a lunch deal where you can get a burger for just a fiver, or you can add on chips, a dip and a drink for a total of just £10. Available Monday - Friday from 11 - 3pm, it doesn't get much better then that.
Bakery 164
164 Woodhouse Ln, Woodhouse
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Based in Headingley just opposite the Parkinson Steps, this spot is the OG of great student deals. Gourmet sandwiches, all made fresh in-house for great prices - we wouldn't be surprised if you found yourself here every day of the week.
Kefiyo
17 Ash Rd, Headingley
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're after a sweet treat, then look no further than Kefiyo in Headingley. Here you can get a large tub of frozen yoghurt with unlimited toppings (yes, unlimited) for just £6.49.
Dough Boys
Belgrave Music Hall
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As a student in Leeds you will no doubt find yourself in Belgrave Music Hall, but don't sleep on their food options. Dough Boys specialise in unusual flavours for their pizza, with one standout, the Queen Brie, featuring roasted grapes to complement its namesake French brie.
All the slices are under a fiver, and between 12-7pm Sunday to Thursday and 12-5pm Friday and Saturday they're all half price. Class.
Sophie Smith -
6th September 2023 
