LIFI25 – Leeds International Festival of Ideas confirms blockbuster 2025 line-up

Leeds International Festival of Ideas – better known to most of us as LIFI – has confirmed its blockbuster line-up of speakers and performers for 2025.

Starring in the brilliant cultural event this year will be the likes of David Baddiel, Victoria Derbyshire, Vicky McClure, Caitlin Moran, Sally Wainwright and loads more.

Speakers at this year’s LIFI range from hip-hop legends to comedy icons, who will take part in the packed programme of panels, talks and performances this autumn.

Taking place between 14 and 18 October, LIFI25 will touch on a wide range of subjects, including power, politics, parenthood, identity and resilience.

The festival will once again take place at Leeds Playhouse, across its Quarry and Courtyard spaces, with daytime and evening sessions, accessible pricing, and community programming.

Headline events will include a fireside conversation with Chuck D, called How Hip-Hop Changed the World, hosted by broadcaster Nihal Arthanayake.

The legendary Sally Wainwright OBE – creator of Happy Valley, among other Yorkshire-based dramas – will sit down with actress Tamsin Greig to discuss their bold new upcoming drama Riot Women.

David Baddiel will present ‘Is Religion the Ultimate Culture War?’, while Myleene Klass MBE leads a relatable conversation around the mental load of motherhood, called ‘Can Mums Have It All?’.

‘How Level is the Playing Field?’ will be a debate on gender equality in sport, featuring Fara Williams MBE, Verity Smith, Emily Campbell and more.

Celebrated actress Vicky McClure MBE is set to bring her inspiring project Our Dementia Choir Live to Leeds for this year’s LIFI programme.

There’ll also be loads of panel discussions which will touch on everything from domestic abuse and toxic masculinity to geopolitics, overtourism and motherhood.

Martin Dickson, Festival Director, said: “LIFI25 is the most urgent and exciting edition yet. In an increasingly polarised world, we need safe spaces to explore difficult topics with empathy, expertise and a sense of hope.

“This year’s line-up reflects the richness of public discourse, from legendary cultural icons to everyday change-makers, all ready to challenge ideas, share truths and spark curiosity. Leeds has always been a city of voices. LIFI is where they come together.”

Tickets will go on sale to priority subscribers via the LIFI newsletter on 19 June at 1pm, with general sale opening on 24 June at 1pm.

Fans are encouraged to sign up by 19th June at 11am at leedsinternationalfestival.com to secure first access and see the full programme.

Read more: Leeds Bradford Airport has officially opened its brand-new £100m terminal extension

Featured image: Supplied