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.
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 -
3rd September 2024 
