Leeds International Festival of Ideas

Conversations that inspire , 6 -10 October, 2026 | #LIFI26 | @leedsplayhouse

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

Missed our news earlier? We've revealed the full #LIFI26 programme of talks and discussions. See who's appearing — and there's still time to sign up for priority access tonight.
https://t.co/GoSvGaED52

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

The LIFI26 response this morning was overwhelming. Read more 👇
https://t.co/ChTGzRHGCx

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

This is #LIFI26.

Louis Theroux. Elizabeth Day. A reckoning with the 90s. A hard look at who belongs in Britain now. Ten nights. Conversations that inspire. 

Leeds Playhouse, 6 to 10 Oct. Priority tickets 4 June 9am.
https://t.co/pt1ZKEMa3H

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

Something big is coming to Leeds this October.

The full #LIFI26 line-up drops soon, and subscribers find out first, with first access to tickets. Get on the list 👇
https://t.co/pt1ZKEMa3H

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

A heads-up: the #LIFI26 line-up lands 3 June. Some events are likely to sell out during priority access.

Newsletter subscribers go first → https://t.co/8hXJaO1usr

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

We're thrilled to reveal the first three names for #LIFI26 🎤

🎹 Tim Minchin
📚 Ashley James
🐦 Dr Mya-Rose Craig

Leeds Playhouse, 6–10 October 2026. Subscriber priority sale 4 June, general sale 10 June.

Full story 👇
https://t.co/8b2g7lstkA

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

After the stage. After the applause. With wine 🍷

LIFITV catches up with Claire Warren, Joeli Brearley and Annie Price following Can Mums Have It All? an honest, unfiltered post-talk conversation about motherhood, work and reality.

🎥 Watch & read: https://t.co/TOwT5xvygS

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

Before the stage, before the spotlight.

LIFITV caught up with William Hanson backstage at #LIFI25 to talk Leeds, northern roots and why manners still matter at home and around the world.

🎥 Watch & read: https://t.co/0AVRzlMTqX 
#LIFITV #LIFI25 #MannersCostNowt #Etiquette

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

Before the stage. Before the debate.

In this LIFITV backstage chat, David talks about atheism and why he wanted to be part of this event. not a book tour, not a literary festival, but a bigger conversation.

🎥 https://t.co/eDMbjn38Ou 
#LIFITV #LIFI25 #ReligionAndSociety

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

LIFITV is back! 👋

Who pays for a hospitable city? LIFITV sits down with hospitality and tourism leaders after their #LIFI25 talk to explore rising costs, careers in hospitality and the future of city centres.

🎥 Watch & read here 👇
https://t.co/YCHV4BLe0m

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

What happens after the applause fades?
LIFITV caught up with Sally, Tamsin and Gaynor moments after I Predict a Riot at #LIFI25.

Watch the full backstage conversation 👇
🔗 https://t.co/USh9jnAKWt

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

🎬 LIFITV is here.

A rare pre-show chat with Chuck D & Nihal, raw, honest, and full of energy.

Watch the full episode 👇
https://t.co/fFXb2uJNsQ

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

🎬 LIFITV is coming…

Ideas, stories, big questions and some of the most fascinating minds on the planet.
Here’s your first look. Watch the trailer. Get ready.

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

What a year. What a festival. What an ideas movement 💭

#LIFI25 brought together thinkers, creators and changemakers from around the world and we’re not done yet. Watch the highlights 👇

PS 🎬 LIFITV coming soon…

[Laura Collins @LauraCollinsYPN]

'Why Leeds is taking a stand for women’s sport - and for every girl who dares to dream' Such an inspiring evening at @LeedsIntFest hearing @fara_williams47 @Brownskinjessie @VeritySmith19 @shebahn talk about levelling the playing field https://t.co/YYB6YxPGwS

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

What a week. What a festival 💫

Thank you to our incredible speakers, @LeedsPlayhouse, the curious minds who filled every seat, and the team who brought #LIFI25 to life. We’re done for a year, but the ideas live on. More coming soon…

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

Hosted by Shebahn Aherne, “How Level Is the Playing Field?” #LIFI25 event brought together Emily Campbell, Professor Leanne Norman,  Verity Smith, and Fara Williams to explore equality in sport and how far it has to go.

🔗 Further info can be found here - https://t.co/2XPK9mzw5D

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

Finding Hope in Creativity: Music is Medicine celebrated how music can support people living with dementia at #LIFI25.

Actor Vicky McClure joined Dr Nicky Taylor and Andrew Edwards to discuss the impact of Our Dementia Choir.

🔗 Find more info here-  https://t.co/YB5MjURtzO

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

🎥 Highlights from the penultimate day at #LIFI25...

From being sold lies as mums, to belly laughs, powerful conversations, and a gentle nudge to join the queue, it was a day to remember!

[Leeds International Festival of Ideas @LeedsIntFest]

@MaggieM59892656 @RadioAndrewE @LeedsPlayhouse @OurDemChoir @Vicky_McClure It sure is tonight 🙂