What a Week! Thank You for Making LIFI25 Unforgettable

Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2025 (#LIFI25) has officially wrapped and what a ride it’s been! From 14–18 October, more than 5,500 curious minds came together across five inspiring days to explore, question, laugh, cry, and connect over the ideas shaping our world right now.

This year marked our biggest and boldest festival yet, stretching to five full days of thought-provoking talks and unforgettable moments. From music to motherhood, masculinity to mental health, religion to resilience — LIFI25 was all about tackling the questions that matter.

Highlights that had Leeds talking

Chuck D kicked things off with a powerful keynote on hip-hop, activism, and social change — even treating fans to a surprise meet-and-greet that became the stuff of LIFI legend.

Sally Wainwright, Tamsin Greig, and Gaynor Faye brought wit and honesty to the stage in Riot Women, celebrating the power of women in storytelling.

Deep and moving discussions around men’s mental health and domestic abuse shed light on tough topics that deserve to be heard, while David Baddiel stirred debate with his provocative talk Is Religion the Ultimate Culture War?

And we’ll never forget the emotional finale — Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir, who turned Leeds Playhouse into a sea of song, joy, and shared humanity.

Young voices, big ideas

The next generation also took centre stage at Young LIFI, co-created with The Ruth Gorse Academy. From choosing speakers to shaping questions, the students’ energy filled the hall — proof that the future of ideas is in safe hands.

A message from the Festival Director

“LIFI25 has been a truly special year — our first-ever five-day festival, with 5,500 people coming together to share ideas, stories, and inspiration. Leeds has once again shown that it’s a city that loves conversation, creativity, and community.”
— Martin Dickson, Festival Director

The thinkers behind the magic

From Myleene Klass, Caitlin Moran, Vicky McClure, and Fred Sirieix to David Baddiel, Chuck D, and Sally Wainwright, the LIFI25 line-up was stacked with world-class voices who sparked conversations that will continue long after the lights have dimmed.

Leeds, you did us proud

As we close the curtain on LIFI25, one thing’s for sure — Leeds International Festival of Ideas keeps growing as one of the UK’s most distinctive, daring, and thought-provoking festivals. Thank you for being part of it, for sharing your stories, your questions, and your passion for ideas.

We’ll see you in 2026 — with even more conversations worth having.