Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI25) has announced its initial three speakers for this year’s festival, set to take place in October 2025.
We can't believe it's that time of the year already, but it's time to get excited about the Leeds International Festival of Ideas as they announce their first wave of speakers.
The festival will bring over 40 speakers together, from some of the most innovative and thought-provoking minds from around the world to encourage conversation, connection and curiosity.
The festival, taking place from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 October 2025 at Leeds Playhouse, is set to be the best one yet.
So, who are the first three speakers announced for LIFI2025 then? Let's get into it:
Chuck D, founder of the pioneering hip-hop group Public Enemy, is not only a musical icon but a powerful voice in social and political commentary. Known for his uncompromising stance on race, justice, and activism, Chuck will bring decades of cultural insight and provocation to the LIFI stage.
Image: Supplied
Myleene Klass MBE, celebrated musician, broadcaster and tireless campaigner for women’s health, has been instrumental in changing miscarriage policy and speaking openly about taboo topics. Her appearance promises a deeply personal and passionate conversation as she hosts a special panel.
Image: Supplied
William Hanson, the UK’s leading etiquette expert and co-host of the wildly popular podcast Help I Sexted My Boss and author of the Sunday Times Bestselling book ‘Just Good Manners’, will offer a humorous yet incisive take on modern manners, class and the strange rules that govern our behaviour.
Image: Supplied
Martin Dickson, Festival Director, said: “We’re delighted to reveal the first three names for LIFI25, each bringing something truly different, challenging and exciting to the festival. Our full programme, which lands on 17 June, is packed with incredible speakers and new voices.
"With themes spanning politics, culture, motherhood, men, health, etiquette and more, this year’s line-up is the boldest and broadest we’ve ever delivered. We can’t wait to share it and to see audiences join us in the incredible surroundings of Leeds Playhouse this October.”
Tickets will go on sale to priority subscribers via the LIFI newsletter on 19 June, with general sale opening on 24 June. Fans are encouraged to sign up now at leedsintfest.com to secure first access
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Inside FaceGym – Leeds’ newest facial fitness studio loved by celebrities
Clementine Hall
We hope you're ready for your workout, because FaceGym has landed in Leeds.
You may be wondering...what on earth is Facegym? And to be fair, you've got a point.
FaceGym, as they themselves describe it, a 'non-invasive fitness studio concept for the face' using high-intensity facial massage, hand manipulation, and electrical muscle stimulation technology to tone, lift, and sculpt the face without surgery.
Sounds pretty fancy if you ask us, and it feels just as fancy from the moment you step through the door.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Unsurprisingly, it's loved by celebrities worldwide who are looking to get snatched and ditch their gua sha.
Currently occupying five standalone stores in London, one in Cambridge as well as a pop-up in Space NK in Selfridges Manchester, FaceGym will be opening this Friday 18 September inside the coveted Victoria Gate, taking over a 1,772 square foot studio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The space really does look like a gym, ditching the standard beauty salon aesthetic for an American-style gym interior complete with the iconic red FaceGym balls all over the place.
A signature sculpt costs £110 for a 45 minute treatment, so it's definitely a treat if you're looking to have skin that can reflect the sun and cheekbones for days.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Angelo Castello, chief executive at Facegym, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Facegym to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio.
“We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the benefits of facial fitness.”
You can find out more and book a treatment at FaceGym via their website here.
Clementine Hall -
6th June 2025 
