Leeds International Festival of Ideas. 6

6th Edition of Leeds International Festival of Ideas. 6—10 Oct, 2026

LIFI26 programme featuring:

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Tue 6, Oct | 8pm Fireside

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Fri 9, Oct | 8pm Panel

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Sat 10, Oct | 7.30pm Panel

LIFI mailer

LIFI26 speakers including:

+ All speakers

Musician, Actor, Writer and Comedian

Birder, Race Activist, Environmentalist and Author

Broadcaster and Sunday Times Best-Selling Author

Documentary-maker

Author, Journalist and Broadcaster

Broadcaster and Campaigner

Broadcaster

Broadcaster and Author

Former MP

Solo Percussionist and Composer

Journal

10 July, 2026 Insights

Child-free by choice, not childless

Why a BBC report on women saying no to motherhood makes one of this year's LIFI26 conversations feel more urgent than ever.

3 June, 2026 Latest

The Full LIFI26 Line-Up Is Here, and Louis Theroux Is Coming to Leeds

The full LIFI26 line-up is revealed: Louis Theroux, Tim Minchin, Elizabeth Day, Chris Packham and more come to Leeds Playhouse, 6 to 10 October 2026. Subscriber tickets on sale 4 June.

30 April, 2026 Latest

First Three Names Revealed for LIFI26

Tim Minchin, Ashley James and Dr Mya-Rose Craig lead the first wave for Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2026, at Leeds Playhouse 6 to 10 October.

15 July, 2026 Latest

Strength Beyond the Silence

On 11 August, Evelyn Glennie returns to the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms, 37 years on from her debut in 1989. Two months later, on Thursday 8 October, she takes to the stage as a guest speaker at Leeds Playhouse for the Leeds International Festival of Ideas.