Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) returns in September, exploring some of the significant questions in our lives and looking at new perspectives.
The Festival’s debut in 2021 was packed with key figures and stirring subjects, placing the emphasis firmly on ideas. 1,200 people attended the events, hearing from 30 inspiring speakers in 3 venues. Headliners Katherine Ryan, George Clarke and Kanya King CBE delivered keynote speeches, and panel events considered topics ranging from sustainable growth to the future of eating to loneliness.
Starting on September 22nd and running until 25th, all events will take place in the Howard Assembly Room and Howard Opera Centre, forming a central hub for all that is the Festival this year.
British-Nigerian historian and broadcaster David Olusoga OBE; acclaimed chef, restaurateur and food writer Yotam Ottolenghi; and TV presenter and journalist Lara Lewington are the first speakers to be announced. They will offer a range of perspectives covering the topics, questions and opinions of today. Themes include mental health, sports and social justice, climate inequality, comedy and the metaverse.
Tickets go on sale on April 26th, and you’ll be able to explore the line-up and buy your tickets here.
Martin Dickson, Head of Festival: “After the initial success of Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2021, it is great to be announcing that the festival is back in 2022. With new dates and a new City centre home, we have another amazing line-up of speakers to once again discuss and debate some of those thought-provoking issues of our time. As one of the showcase events which LeedsBID brings to the City, we strive to provide something special to shine the spotlight on Leeds, enhancing the cultural offering and providing that added appeal for audiences to come and enjoy.”
Dominic Gray, Projects Director, Opera North/Howard Assembly Room: “We’re thrilled that LIFI has chosen to work with the Howard Assembly Room on this amazing programme. The quality, range and diversity of speakers and thinkers coming to the Festival is world-class. Audiences love our venue for music and gigs, and the LIFI line up will reach out to new people and communities across the City and far beyond.”
Lara Lewington, Technology Presenter: “Looking forward to Leeds International Festival of Ideas, where I’ll be talking to a panel of experts about the metaverse. Do they see it as a dark, dangerous path, or a liberating online life?”
LIFI’s organisers are partnered with Opera North, Bruntwood and Weightmans.
Photography provided by Chapter81. Feature photograph is Yotam Ottolenghi.
