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.
A much-loved black cat at Huddersfield Railway Station has died in a tragic road accident.
You may remember back in 2018 when a couple of adorable kittens went viral on the internet for being exceptional members of the Transpennine Express crew at Huddersfield Railway Station.
Bolt first joined as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite of the team and of people at home.
So much so, that a Facebook page set up for Bolt and Felix gained more than 167,000 followers.
Sadly, Transpennine Express released the news yesterday that Bolt had sadly passed away in a road traffic accident.
Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
Announcing the news, they said: "It is with heavy hearts that TransPennine Express (TPE) announces the passing of Bolt, Huddersfield’s much-loved former station cat, following a road traffic accident.
"Bolt joined the team at Huddersfield station in 2018 as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite with colleagues, customers and visitors from around the world."
Of course, tributes have been pouring in with fans expressing their sadness.
One person said: "Oh no! I remember when Bolt first arrived. R.I.P. Sweet Bolt, may Felix be waiting to show you around just as when you first arrived at Huddersfield."
Whilst another said: "This is such very sad news. When all the work is completed at Huddersfield Station, might it be possible to give another deserving cat or kitten, a home there? There are so many cats and kittens in sanctuaries all over, who need a safe and loving home."
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director for TPE said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bolt. He was a much-loved member of the Huddersfield station family and brought joy and comfort to so many people over the years.
“From his early days learning from Felix to becoming a star in his own right, Bolt left his paw prints on the hearts of colleagues, customers and fans across the world. He will be very sadly missed.”
Bolt’s former companion Felix, another much-loved member of the Huddersfield station team, sadly passed away in 2023.
Featured image - Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
News
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Clementine Hall
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Sophie Smith -
27th April 2022 
