LIFI25 Approaches 80% Sell-Out

The countdown is on. With under three months to go until Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI25) lights up the city from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 October 2025, tickets are already flying, with nearly 80% of seats now sold.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, now’s the time.

LIFI25 is set to be the festival’s most powerful year yet, bringing together globally renowned speakers, fearless storytellers and cultural icons across five days of talks, panels and performances at Leeds Playhouse. From urgent debates to unmissable live moments, this is where Leeds comes together to explore the ideas shaping our future.

Highlights you won’t want to miss (with tickets still left)

• Sally Wainwright & Tamsin Greig: I Predict a Riot – Behind the scenes of riotous new drama Riot Women.

• David Baddiel: Is Religion the Ultimate Culture War? – A provocative exploration of faith, division and identity.

• How level is the Playing Field? – Olympic medallist Emily Campbell and Lioness Fara Williams MBE on the fight for equality in sport.

• Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir Live – An inspiring evening of music, memory and hope.

• Can Mums Have It All? – Myleene Klass MBE leads a frank, funny and moving look at motherhood today

• William Hanson – Manners cost nowt – What counts as good manners—and who decides?

Alongside these headliners, the festival dives into who really rules the world, the future of hospitality, toxic masculinity, domestic abuse and much more, all with a line-up that includes Victoria Derbyshire, Caitlin Moran, William Hanson, Fred Sirieix, Kirsty Wark and many more leading voices.

With many sessions already close to capacity, audiences are urged to book now to avoid disappointment.

Martin Dickson, Festival Director, said: “LIFI25 is about asking the big questions, together. The response so far has been incredible, and with tickets approaching 80% sold, it’s clear Leeds is ready for bold conversations. If there’s a session you’ve been eyeing up – grab your tickets before they’re gone.”

🎟 Book now