Leeds International Festival is the UK’s leading metropolitan festival of new ideas and innovation.

The LIF CORE programme invites the world’s leading creators, innovators, thought-leaders and pioneers to Leeds to disseminate new ideas and discuss the world of tomorrow. By introducing the brightest minds to our city and our city to the brightest minds, the CORE aims to challenge our understanding of the world today and deliver an exciting vision of the future.

LIF’s OFF programme gives local creators an international platform to showcase new and experimental works, creating a vibrant, unpredictable and eclectic programme of fringe events across the city.

New Ideas

We believe that through the discovery and exchange of new ideas we can inspire progress, grow communities and change the way we view the world and the future.

Unpredictability

With such an unpredictable and eclectic programme of culture and niche-interest events jam-packed into 9 days, LIF is the perfect opportunity for attendees to step outside of their comfort zone and experience something new.

Leeds Culture

Through funding and support, LIF helps local creators produce works that would otherwise not be economically viable and showcases them on an international stage. We shine a spotlight on Leeds’ rich cultural diversity and unshakable creative spirit.

CORE PROGRAMME

The CORE invites the world’s leading creators, innovators, thought-leaders and pioneers to Leeds to disseminate new ideas and discuss the world of tomorrow. Speakers within the CORE will cover a range of topics, such as entertainment, technology, science, media, sociology and global affairs. By introducing the brightest minds to our city and our city to the brightest minds, the CORE aims to challenge our understanding of the world today and deliver an exciting vision of the future.

OFF PROGRAMME

Eclectic, noisy and unpredictable, the OFF programme is a dizzying whirlwind of live music, performance, food, after-parties, exhibitions, discussions, comedy and experimental events. In streets and venues across the city, OFF will shine a spotlight on Leeds’ rich cultural diversity and unshakable creative spirit.