Leeds International Festival of Ideas returns this October with an unmissable programme of ideas, impact and inspiration, featuring hip-hop legends and comedy icons to fearless writers and world-class campaigners.

The festival has now unveiled its full 2025 line-up, with a thought-provoking blend of panels, talks and performances tackling society’s biggest questions, from power and politics to parenthood, identity and resilience.

Running from Tuesday 14^th – Saturday 18 October, LIFI25 welcomes globally renowned names including David Baddiel, Chuck D, Victoria Derbyshire, William Hanson, Myleene Klass MBE, Vicky McClure MBE, Caitlin Moran, Sally Wainwright OBE, Fara Williams MBE, and many more.

The festival will once again take place at Leeds Playhouse, across its Quarry and Courtyard spaces, with daytime and evening sessions.

Headline events include music legend Chuck D exploring How Hip-Hop Changed the World, Sally Wainwright & Tamsin Greig talking all things Riot Women, David Baddiel providing a provocative and personal take on belief in modern Britain, William Hanson decoding etiquette decodes and Vicky McClure MBE bringing her inspiring project Our Dementia Choir to Leeds.

This year’s panel discussions delve into major issues facing society today, from domestic abuse, toxic masculinity and gender equality in sport to geopolitics, overtourism and motherhood.

For further details visit leedsinternationalfestival.com and tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 24 June at 1pm.