Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI26) is proud to announce its initial three speakers for this year’s festival, set to take place in October 2026.  

The festival will once again bring together some of the most innovative and thought-provoking minds from around the world, encouraging conversation, connection and curiosity across five days of talks, panels, and ideas. 

The festival, taking place 6 – 10 October at Leeds Playhouse, is delighted to reveal the first three names on the bill: 

Tim Minchin is a musician, writer, actor and comedian, and the multiple Olivier and Helpmann Award-winning, Tony and Grammy nominated composer-lyricist of two stage musicals, Matilda the Musical and Groundhog Day, with a feature film of Matilda the Musical released in 2022. At LIFI26 he brings three decades of songwriting, storytelling and sharp social commentary to the stage. 

Ashley James is the Sunday Times No.1 bestselling author of BIMBO and a social and political commentator on ITV’s This Morning. A broadcaster, DJ and mum of two, she has become one of the UK’s most recognisable feminist voices, known for tackling sexism, culture wars, women’s health, motherhood and modern womanhood with intelligence, warmth and bite. Her LIFI26 appearance promises a frank, funny, and fearless contribution to an important conversation. 

Dr Mya-Rose Craig is a birder, environmentalist and race activist campaigning for equal access to nature, to stop biodiversity loss and climate change, and to ensure global climate justice. She started her Birdgirl blog at age 11, launched diversity-in-nature charity Black2Nature at 14, and at 17 became the youngest person to see half the world’s bird species and to receive an honorary Doctorate of Science. She brings a vital voice to LIFI26 on the intersections of nature, equality and the future of our planet. 

These three figures reflect LIFI26’s mission to bring together the sharpest, most original minds from across disciplines, sparking new ideas and conversations that challenge and inspire audiences in Leeds and beyond. 

A full programme of panel discussions and fireside chats will be revealed on June 3rd 2026, with topics spanning politics, culture, science, society and more. 

Sign up now for priority access and cheaper tickets. LIFI newsletter subscribers get first access to tickets ahead of general sale, plus exclusive subscriber pricing on selected events. Tickets go on sale to priority subscribers on June 4th, with general sale opening on June 10th. Sign up at leedsintfest.com to secure first access and the best prices.