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
News
Claire’s shutting down all standalone shops in UK and Ireland
In another hit to the high streets, Claire's Accessories is shutting up shop across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration yet again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire's will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
In case you haven't heard about the latest hit to the high street. 😢https://t.co/65x9fDNa4c
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire's closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded in America way back in 1961, Claire's has enjoyed a presence across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they've struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They filed for bankruptcy in the US in August 2025 after having already concluded operations in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
For many, the outcome isn't all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Slam Dunk festival’s statement in full as director steps down amid allegations
Daisy Jackson
Slam Dunk festival has shared a statement confirming one of its directors has stepped down, in the wake of allegations.
The popular punk festival takes place next month across two sites, one of which is here in Leeds.
This year's line-up is set to include headline performances from the likes of Good Charlotte, Knocked Loose, Sublime, and Taking Back Sunday.
But Slam Dunk has been hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week after allegations against one of its directors came to light.
Slam Dunk said in its statement, which did not get into specifics about the nature of the allegations, that the festival 'remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and customers'.
They added that the director has stepped down, but 'strongly refutes' the allegations.
The statement then promised 'transparency and honesty' and said that more updates would be provided when appropriate.
Slam Dunk wrote: "We are aware of allegations published yesterday relating to one of our directors. We take these allegations seriously and understand that they may be distressing and hard to process for our community.
"Our Slam Dunk fans, staff, and artists are, as always, our top priority.
"While he strongly refutes these allegations, the director in question has agreed, in consultation with the board, to step down from Slam Dunk operations while this matter is ongoing.
"Slam Dunk remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all employees, partners, and customers.
"Our values and culture are fundamental to how we operate, and we are committed to upholding them.
"It would be inappropriate for us to comment further on an ongoing legal matter.
"However, we promise transparency and honesty to our Slam Dunk community and will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so."
Slam Dunk returns to Temple Newsam in Leeds on Sunday 24 May.
Emily Sergeant -
30th April 2026 
