Return to homepage

Olivia Bentley and Johnny I’Anson join Are Kids Still Part of the Plan?

Latest
September 8, 2026

Birth rates are falling fast across the developed world. On the final day of LIFI26, a panel at Leeds Playhouse asks why, and what it means for the societies we’re choosing to leave behind.

Two new names have joined that conversation.

Olivia Bentley, TV personality and mental health advocate best known for Made in Chelsea, joins Are Kids Still Part of the Plan? on Saturday 10 October, 2pm to 3.30pm in the Courtyard Theatre.

She is joined on the panel by Johnny I’Anson, broadcaster and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter, bringing a male perspective to a conversation too often framed as a women’s issue.

Hosted by Laura Hamilton, the panel also features Dr SJ Beard, Yousra Samir Imran and Betty Mukherjee, examining the cultural, economic, scientific and emotional forces reshaping modern parenthood, from the cost of living and career pressure to fertility treatment and the value we place on freedom.

It is a frank conversation about a decision more and more people are making, or putting off, or having made for them. Expect it to get personal.

Are Kids Still Part of the Plan?

Saturday 10 October, 2pm to 3.30pm | Courtyard Theatre, Leeds Playhouse

Host: Laura Hamilton Panel: Dr SJ Beard, Olivia Bentley, Johnny I’Anson, Yousra Samir Imran, Betty Mukherjee

Tickets on sale now at leedsintfest.com. LIFI newsletter subscribers get exclusive subscriber pricing on selected events.

More posts

22 September, 2026 Latest

LIFI Futures is complete. Meet the final two events

Apprenticeships and the job market. The last two additions to the LIFI26 programme put employers, educators and young people in the same room, and both are free for schools and colleges.

LIFI Futures is complete. Meet the final two events
10 September, 2026 Field notes

Molly’s Dad – a new film

A father, a letter, and the question nobody should have to answer. A new film from C81 Studios, released ahead of LIFI26.

Molly’s Dad – a new film
8 September, 2026 Latest

LIFI Futures: a bigger platform for young Leeds

Young LIFI is back for 2026, renamed, expanded to four events and built around the questions that actually shape young people’s lives in this city.

LIFI Futures: a bigger platform for young Leeds
27 August, 2026 Field notes

The news agenda moved on. The atmosphere didn’t.

Climate had slipped down the running order. Then the government sent an emergency alert to millions of phones. It sets the scene for one of LIFI26's most urgent conversations.

The news agenda moved on. The atmosphere didn’t.