The line-up for Leeds international Festival of Ideas has been revealed - and there are some huge names on there for 2021.
The festival, formerly known as Leeds International Festival. will take place this year from September 13th to 27th at a number of key venues across the city centre.
Keynote speakers confirmed for the event include Sir Lenny Henry CBE, comedian Katherine Ryan, MOBO Awards founder Kanya King CBE and architect and TV presenter George Clarke.
This year's festival will present five thought-provoking panel debates as part of this year's ambitious programme.
LIF
Speakers due to appear on the panel debates include Masterchef judge, Guardian food critic and Author Grace Dent, speaker and writer Gina Martin, economic expert and BBC presenter Evan Davis and award-winning writer and broadcaster Alix Fox.
New Labour's former Communications Strategist and chief spokesman Alastair Campbell is also confirmed to be taking part.
This year's festival of ideas intends to explore new ideas and innovations, while confronting the challenges of our time and looking critically towards the world of tomorrow.
Speaking on the upcoming event, organiser Mr Cooper said: "We are delighted to be bringing Leeds International Festival of Ideas to the city this year, presenting a programme which promises to be innovative in its exploring of new ideas while reflecting how thinking has been affected during recent times.”
LIF
“After a challenging year for everyone, it is exciting for LeedsBID to be collaborating with city centre partners and it is great to be working together in planning events in the city once again.”
Martin Dickson, Leeds International Festival of Ideas lead, said: "After a long time planning we are so pleased to reveal the initial plans.
"From Sir Lenny Henry headlining and talking at Leeds’ premier venue to chatting over why the UK media is broken with some of its best journalists, to the important chats around businesses growing whilst being sustainable after a pandemic with hot topics in Leeds around the airport, to what does the future of food hold for us. This is only the tip of the iceberg.
"We recommend setting an alarm for July 2 as tickets are expected to fly out. We can’t wait to bring this series of strong discussions and debates to Leeds’ iconic venues this year."
Tickets for this year's festival go live from 2nd July and can be bought via the event's website here.
Feature image - Leeds International Festival of Ideas.
News
Korn announce huge Leeds gig on first UK tour in a decade
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
A brand-new frozen yoghurt bar is set to open in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The frozen yoghurt craze is on its way to Leeds as Kefiyo is set to open in Headingley very soon.
It's a phenomenon that has caught the attention of the TikTok girlies, with frozen yoghurt bars popping up in Manchester and going viral online.
The ice cold sweet treat is supposedly 'healthy' and with a slogan of 'eat Clean. feel Light. live Better.' - this new spot in Leeds seems to be going down that route too.m
Kefiyo will be opening in the old Sixes site on Ash Road in Headingley, and although we don't have a confirmed opening date we've got a feeling they'll be 'scooping' very soon.
The space is already sporting a super cute pastel green and pink exterior, and it's exactly matching the aesthetic that you'd expect with froyo.
Kefiyo will offer a range of frozen yoghurt flavours with a whole bunch of toppings for you to customise to your tastebuds, as well as fresh acai bowls.
Situated slap bang in the centre of Headingley, we've got a feeling it'll be very busy with students on their way to their morning lecture or at night for those looking for a sweet treat that doesn't feel too naughty.
We'll keep you updated on more Kefiyo updates as and when we find out.
But in the meantime, you can keep an eye on their socials here. We'll see you soon for a scoop Leeds.
Georgina Pellant -
25th June 2021 
