Leeds International Festival of Ideas – Line-up Finalised and ready to go!

With the Festival now less than a month away, Emma Young, Peg Alexander and Stephanie Hirst complete the final line-up of those showcasing panel discussions such as ‘Can we ever be who we want to be?’, ‘Does the future have enough food?’ and ‘Are we more lonely?’

Emma Young is joining the ‘Green or Growth?’ Panel, alongside host Michael Strachan, activist Noga Levy-Rapoport, Henri Muriston and Professor Paul Chatterton. Emma is VP Global Communications for Bulb Energy, a company dedicated to renewable energy, and is responsible for the company’s communications strategy.

Stephanie Hirst will be joining the “Can we ever be who we want to be?” panel event, alongside host Amrou Al-Kadhi, Gina Martin, Hashi Mohammed and Anne-Marie Imafidon.

Leeds lass, presenter and ex-politician Peg Alexander meanwhile will be joining the “Is the UK media broken?” panel, alongside host Evan Davis, Amol Rajan, Robyn Vinter, Alastair Campbell and Matthew Parris.

Peg Alexander: “I’m so excited to be joining this important discussion at the fabulous Leeds International Festival of Ideas. Ideas, innovation and practical ways to change the world are part of our history in Leeds. It’s so apt that we now have an international festival tackling some of the most interesting and challenging ideas of our time. None more so than the question of if we can believe what we see and hear in our news and media. And whose voices are the ones that have been heard? As someone working in news and current affairs but with a very female and Northern slant, and a non-confrontational approach to searching journalism, I can’t wait for the chance to be on home soil looking at ideas for how our London-centric media really could change.” 

Stephanie Hirst



Stephanie Hirst: “It’s a true honour to be part of such an exciting festival in our wonderful City. To be included on this particular panel means we really can get stuck in on discussing and debating why society finds it so difficult to accept equality for all.  And, YES…from where I am sitting, you CAN be who you want to be – it’s not always easy, but it can be done – I’m living proof”.

Discovery Zone
LIFI is also happy to announce that the Discovery Zone will take place over the two weekends 18th-19th and 25th-26th September. One weekend will be dedicated to the future of food.

UPDATE ON TICKET INFO AND FOR THE FULL PROGRAMME VISIT www.leedsintfest.com

LeedsBID is working alongside key partners including Leeds Corn Exchange, Leeds Heritage Theatre, Leeds City Council and Weightmans to bring Leeds International Festival of Ideas to the City.

Cover photograph: Peg Alexander.

Do you have a story to tell?
We want to hear your stories and help you share them.