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.
Images: Supplied, Chapter 81
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”.
Images: Supplied, Chapter 81
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.
After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.
They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.
Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.
New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.
And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.
Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.
So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.
Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.
Inside Proof – Sheffield’s new bookshop, bar and cafe all rolled into one
Clementine Hall
A beloved Sheffield bookshop is back but this time, there's booze.
You may remember back in January when Novel sadly had to close its doors due to circumstances beyond the team’s control.
Since opening in Crookes in 2024, co-owner Katie and the team had experienced ongoing intimidation and harassment, eventually leading to the decision to close the much-loved bookshop and bar indefinitely.
It was a heartbreaking turn of events for a business that had quickly become a much-loved part of the Crookes community.
Images: The Sheff
At the time, it felt like it might be the end of Novel but thankfully, it wasn't. Because Novel is back - but not quite as you might remember it.
Introducing Proof, your new bookshop/cafe/wine/beer bar.
It's basically everything we love in this world rolled into one, and we're big fans of it along with the rest of Crookes.
Of course the book selection is just as brilliant as it was at Novel, with shelves stacked with some of the hottest books around, all hand-picked by Kate, so you know you’re in safe hands when it comes to the reading recommendations.
Images: The Sheff
Great coffee is on hand courtesy of Cloud so you can settle in for a brew and a browse, but if that won't quite cut it they've also got a selection of natural wines and beer on offer. Genuinely, what more could you want?
Just grab a brew, pick up a book and settle in for a while. Is this one of the coolest new openings to hit Crookes? We reckon so.
They're open Fridays and Saturdays 12 - 10:30pm, so make sure you swing by and welcome Proof back to Crookes.
Clementine Hall -
3rd September 2024 
