Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) has announced its first wave of big names on the lineup for the 2026 festival this autumn.
Returning to the city in October, LIFI is set to bring together some of the most innovative and thought-provoking minds from around the world for five days of talks, panels, and ideas that encourage conversation, connection, and curiosity - with the first three speakers having been announced today as Tim Minchin, Ashley James, and Dr Mya-Rose Craig.
The festival, which'll be taking place 6-10 October at Leeds Playhouse, says it's 'delighted' to reveal the first three names on the bill.
Tim Minchin is a musician, writer, actor and comedian, and the multiple Olivier and Helpmann Award-winning, Tony and Grammy nominated composer-lyricist of two stage musicals - including the beloved Matilda the Musical.
At LIFI26, he is set to bring three decades of songwriting, storytelling, and sharp social commentary to the stage.
LIFI26 has announced its first three speakers / Credit: Supplied
Ashley James is the Sunday Times No.1 bestselling author of BIMBO and a social and political commentator on ITV's This Morning, and her LIFI26 appearance promises a 'frank, funny, and fearless' contribution to an important conversation.
Finally, Dr Mya-Rose Craig is an environmentalist and race activist campaigning for equal access to nature, to stop biodiversity loss and climate change, and to ensure global climate justice, and she's set to bring a vital voice to LIFI26 on the intersections of nature, equality, and the future of our planet.
"We're thrilled to be back for another exciting year of LIFI, and these first three names set the tone for what's to come," commented Festival Director Martin Dickson as the first three speakers were announced.
"Tim, Ashley and Mya-Rose each bring something truly different - music and satire, feminism, and cultural commentary, environmental activism and youth voice.
"LIFI26 is shaping up to be our most ambitious programme yet, and we can't wait to bring it to Leeds Playhouse this October."Â
LIFI26 will take place from 6-10 October 2026 at Leeds Playhouse, and is brought to the city by LeedsBID and Welcome to Leeds, supported by Weightman, City of Maths, Pinsent Mason, and AV Matrix.
The full programme announcement is expected on 3 June, with tickets going on priority sale on 4 June and general sale on 10 June.
All the latest LIFI26 information can be found online here.
Featured Image - Supplied
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Leeds Palestinian Film Festival announces dates for 12th annual edition
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.Â
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
Viral Yorkshire shop urges visitors to avoid weekends as huge queues form
Clementine Hall
A viral apothecary shop in Yorkshire has warned visitors about huge queues forming outside its doors, urging people to visit during the week if they want to avoid the crowds.
The Cabinet of Curiosities in Haworth has become a popular destination for those looking to really get into the autumn spirit.
And it seems like there's a lot of people who are looking to do so, as huge queues have been forming along the quaint cobbled streets of Haworth.
So much so, that owner Carolin had to issue a statement via The Cabinet of Curiosities Instagram page.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It reads: "Weekends in Haworth have become particularly busy during Autumn and we are so grateful to all those lovely souls who have patiently queued to visit the shop.
"We are so honoured that you are happy to wait to come in to our magical apothecary shop, and I can’t quite believe it when I look out of the windows and see the queue snaking up the cobbles. Be assured that the queue does move fast and it makes for a far more pleasurable visit if there are fewer people in the shop at once.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"If you would rather avoid the busy times it’s best to visit during the week if you can. Our shop is open 7 days a week 10-5, but to make sure all the shops in Haworth are open then Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are probably the best days to visit.
"We are doing our best to keep up with restocking and our fabulous workshop witches are busy blending, filling and packing every day to keep to keep the shelves stocked. We are humbled and forever grateful that you love our little shoppe, and hope you enjoy your potions and your visit to The Cabinet of Curiosities."
Emily Sergeant -
30th April 2026 
