Looking back: The moments that defined LIFI

As we prepare to reveal what’s next for Leeds International Festival of Ideas, we’ve been reflecting on some of the powerful moments that have shaped the festival so far and conversations that stayed with us long after the stage lights dimmed.

In 2024, we heard from the Nile Rodgers as he traced his extraordinary journey through music, culture, and resilience. A masterclass in storytelling from a true pioneer and the room was engrossed.

The year before, Davina McCall took part in a powerful Women’s Health panel that sparked something unforgettable, open, emotional, and united, the audience joined in a chant that echoed through the room. Where else can you talk so candidly about Endometriosis, menopause, and more?

2022 brought Christopher Wylie to the stage, the whistleblower who lifted the lid on Cambridge Analytica. It was gripping, unsettling, and utterly vital. Has social media been the same since? A subject we could bring back year on year.

That same year, Kevin McCloud joined us for a lunchtime conversation that proved to be one of the festival’s most surprising highlights: thoughtful, funny, and full of wisdom and made us late for our lunch, but who cares?

In 2021, tensions rose as a panel including Alastair Campbell and Matthew Parris debated the broken state of the UK media, it was heated, honest, and exactly the kind of discourse LIFI is known for, and yes it was political.

And we still remember Gina Martin’s moving part as we asked, “Can we ever be who we want to be?” A moment of clarity, courage, and inspiration that defined the spirit of the festival, this event was one of the last at Leeds Town Hall before they closed to start the huge transformation work (due to open in 2026).

These moments weren’t just talks, they were ideas in action. And the next chapter is nearly here. Make sure you’re the first to know.