Bringing together some of the most curious minds in the country, Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2022 is perhaps one of the most exciting and thought provoking festivals the city has to offer.
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Catherine Ryan, Alistair Campbell and Deborah Frances White, keynote speakers and huge panel names like Kevin McCloud, Aisling Bea, David Olusoga, Mary Beard, Yotam Ottolenghi (and so many more) are set to take over Howard Assembly Room and the Mantle Music Studio at the Howard Opera Centre next weekend, and each bringing a unique perspective of the world around us.
Hear from some of the UK's biggest voices at LIFI22. / Image: Supplied
Finding that sweet spot between a collective narrative that weaves society together and individual opinion that point of difference, LIFI is all about discussing ideas, and there's plenty of subjects up for debate this year.
Sports, mental health, climate change, activism, the arts and the power of food, history and screenwriting will all be key topics at this year's festival- and although all the panel and keynote discussions centre around one theme, there's going to be everything from emotional speeches to fits of laughter erupting from the audience to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Keep reading to find out all you need to know about dates, times and key lineups, as well as how you can listen to the LIFIcast podcast ahead of the festival and spark some conversation before the live events.
LIFI returns to Howard Assembly Room next week. / Image: Chapter 81
The full programme for Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2022 is as followed:
Wednesday 21 September 2022
Jon Hopkins Polarity 2022 UK Exclusive Live Show (8-9pm) SOLD OUT
Thursday 22 September 2022
Kevin McCloud: The (Built) Environment (12-1pm) Tickets available here.
Panel: Is the Metaverse our future reality? (7-8.30pm) Tickets available here.
Yotam Ottolenghi: Universal Language of Food (7.30-8.30pm) SOLD OUT
Friday 23 September 2022
Panel: How do we talk about mental health? (7-8.30pm) SOLD OUT
Aisling Bea: Contemporary Voice of Screenwriting (7.30-8.30pm) SOLD OUT
Saturday 24 September 2022
Panel: What’s wrong with climate activism? (3-4pm) Tickets available here.
Panel: What can you laugh about? (7-8.30pm) Tickets available here.
David Olusoga: Britain and the History Wars (7.30-8.30pm) SOLD OUT
Sunday 25 September 2022
Panel: Is social media ruling the world? (3-4.30pm) Tickets available here.
Panel: Does sport have a social responsibility? (7-8.30pm) Tickets available here.
Mary Beard: Art and Culture- a price worth paying? (7.30-8.30pm) SOLD OUT
Weigh in on the debate with LIFIcast
For curious minds wanting to find out more about the crucial topics of discussion ahead of the festival, LIFI has a dedicated website with articles, podcasts and plenty of food for thought.
On the LIFIcast, you can catch Professor Paul Wragg, Professor of Media Law at Leeds University chatting with Octavia Maparura, KPMG's Diversity Lead and Writer/Comedian Thomas Clemants discussing what it's like to navigate the modern world of comedy with host Johnny I’Anson.
Meanwhile, there's ample opportunity to hear what former Extinction Rebellion Leeds' Social Justice Coordinator Steve Connor and Jubilee for Climate's Ci Davis have to say about the ongoing climate crisis, and how the social and media perspective is shaping households around the globe. Taking on 'what's wrong with climate change' ahead of the panel discussion at LIFI, this debate centres around the key question: without equality, can we achieve climate justice?
Taking the conversation home with you
It's not just the Howard Opera Centre that will be hosting all LIFI-inspired conversation, the idea is that the entire of Leeds will be inspired to take home a new idea, concept or just act as a listening ear throughout the event itself.
For those wanting to carry on the conversation and find out more about the world of comedy, sports, food and everything in-between, Waterstones will be setting up a pop-up shop for the duration of the festival and selling books from all the speakers at LIFI22.
No doubt, the exciting discussions will also find themselves online (and this is likely to be brushed on in plenty of the panel discussions like Is Social Media Ruling The World?). To find any Leeds International Festival of Ideas content, use the hashtag #LIFI22.
For all the information you need about Leeds International Festival of Ideas, including how to get your hands on the last remaining tickets and get an insight on what to expect from each of the events, visit the LIFI website.
Feature Image-Leeds International Festival of Ideas
News
A Leeds-based theatre company are spreading awareness on the aftermath of spiking
From nights out to trips to the beach, Rebel Roots Theatre Company's latest production explores how spiking can change lives and why young people need to hear its message.
Imagine heading out with your mates, having what should be a brilliant night, only for one decision to change everything.
It's an uncomfortable thought, but it's one that Leeds-based Rebel Roots Theatre Company is bringing to the forefront with Aftermath, a play written by Lottie Burns that explores the devastating impact of spiking on individuals and their families.
At the centre of the story is Layla, a young woman preparing to leave home for university, and her father, David, who must confront the realities of women's safety as his daughter prepares to start a new chapter.
But Layla isn't the only one affected. Her brother Ethan is also spiked by his own friends during a trip to the beach, opening up another side to a conversation that often focuses predominantly on women.
His experience challenges the assumption that spiking is exclusively a women's issue, highlighting how men can also become victims, sometimes at the hands of people they trust. It raises important questions about male friendships, peer pressure and the way harmful behaviour can be dismissed as a joke.
Written by Burns while studying at Leeds Conservatoire, the play was inspired by growing concerns about spiking in 2021 and the way these fears were changing women's experiences of nights out.
Through Layla, Ethan and their father, David, Aftermath looks beyond the incident itself to explore its wider consequences, from damaged relationships to the difficult conversations that follow.
And it's exactly why this production deserves to reach young people in colleges and universities.
For many, heading to university means newfound independence, making new friends and experiencing student nightlife for the first time. Taking Aftermath into educational settings could help open young people's eyes to the realities of spiking, encouraging conversations around consent, trust, peer pressure and supporting those affected.
Rather than simply telling students to watch their drinks, the production offers an opportunity to understand the human consequences through a story they can connect with. It could also challenge audiences to reconsider their own behaviour and recognise when something that seems like a joke can have serious consequences.
The project has also received support from anti-spiking organisation CounterSpike. Rebel Roots Theatre Company is passionate about taking theatre beyond traditional venues, bringing new writing and important stories into pubs, community spaces and other accessible settings.
Ultimately, Aftermath is about more than one night out. It's about trust, family and the lasting impact of experiences that can affect anyone.
And if bringing this story into a college or university helps even one young person rethink their actions or better understand what someone else might go through, it's a conversation worth having.
We’re sure this production will enjoy another run thanks to its important message and core values. But if you want to catch it for yourself, you can see it this Saturday, 24 October, at The Attic in Leeds. It’s a pay-what-you-can event, starting at 7:30 pm, so don’t miss out.
Featured image - Supplied
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
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!
Sophie Smith -
16th September 2022 
