It’s time to prepare for four days of captivating conversation, dynamic dialogue and thought-provoking debate.
It’s all getting very exciting, as Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) is just one month away from transforming Leeds Playhouse into a hub of dialogue and thought-provoking debate.
Due to unprecedented demand, the festival has announce that one of its main events has been upgraded to a larger venue so more of the city can engage in the conversation.
“We’re All Neurodiverse, Ain’t We?” is a nod to the iconic Leeds United chant, from ADHD and autism to dyspraxia and dyslexia, neurodivergence touches every corner of society.
This panel will challenge us all to embrace, celebrate, and advocate for inclusion and empowerment. Featuring a powerhouse lineup—Christine McGuinness, Ellie Middleton, Dr. Alice Siberry, Doddz, and Tumi Sotire—this discussion promises to be a standout moment of the festival.
This year, conversations span from addiction, artificial intelligence, care, and the impact of reality TV on our perception of reality amongst other exciting topics.
Among the other standout events, Nile Rodgers’ discussion on “The Evolution of Creativity” and the Sold Out Tim Spector chat on gut health “Trust Your Gut”.
Festival Director Martin Dickson remarked, “The overwhelming response to this year’s festival is a testament to the city’s passion for bold, courageous conversations. We’re thrilled to see such high demand, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to what promises to be our most impactful festival yet.”
James Brining, Artistic Director and CEO of Leeds Playhouse, added, “Hosting LIFI for the second year is a privilege. The festival not only brings some of the world’s most exciting thinkers to Leeds but also creates a space for our community to engage with these ideas in a way that’s unique to this city.”
When is LIFI24?
Taking place from Wednesday 2 October – Saturday 5 October 2024, the full event timetable for 2024 is as follows:
| Courtyard Theatre | Quarry Theatre | |
| Wed 2 Oct | ||
| 7pm – How do we talk about addiction? | 7:30pm – The evolution of creativity with Nile Rodgers (hosted by BEKA) | |
| Thu 3 Oct | 12pm – How to break moulds and influence people with Grace Beverley | |
| 7pm – Could AI be humanity’s saviour? | 7:30pm – Trust your gut with Tim Spector (hosted by Dr Amir Khan) | |
| Fri 4 Oct | 7pm – How is TV distorting our reality? | 7:30pm – Does the media need to grow a pair? With Carol Vorderman and Self Esteem |
| Sat 5 Oct | 2pm – We’re all neurodiverse aren’t we? | |
| 7pm – Who really cares? | 7:30pm – This means war with Kate Adie (hosted by Stacey Dooley) |
How can I get tickets for Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2024?
Tickets are on sale and you can buy yours via the LIFI website here.
Read more: Leeds International Festival of Ideas is back for 2024 – here’s everything you need to know
Feature Image – Supplied, Chapter 81
