Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2023

Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2023 bought four days of powerful talks and discussions with some of the country’s most influential faces to Leeds Playhouse.

As the sun sets over our vibrant city of Leeds for another year, the echoes of the Leeds International Festival of Idea’s (LIFI) conversations and creative energy brought the most successful festival to date.

The 2023 festival was an extraordinary celebration of diverse thoughts, unique perspectives, and a melting pot of ideas. With an impressive line-up of 11 events, 6 fireside chats, 5 panels, and 39 speakers, LIFI23 left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape.

Located at our new venue, Leeds Playhouse, the collective audience reached a staggering 5000+, demonstrating the festival’s growth impact and influence.

Over 80% of attendees expressed pride in having LIFI in their city, attesting to the festival’s importance in shaping Leeds as a hub for intellectual discourse and innovative thinking.

An impressive 85% revealed that LIFI was the primary reason they visited Leeds, emphasising the festival’s draw as a cultural and intellectual magnet.

Close to half of the attendees (43%) demonstrated their enthusiasm by attending more than one event, showcasing the festival’s ability to cater to a broad range of interests.

A staggering 99% of respondents reported having a very good or good experience at LIFI23. A testament off the festival’s commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for its audience.

99% agreed that LIFI’s programme was varied and unique, with the same percentage acknowledging that the festival successfully challenged their opinions. This underscores LIFI’s money, solidifying the festival’s reputation for delivering high-quality content and experiences.

What’s next?

We started work on LIFI24 just one week after the curtain fell on 30 September 2023, building on the momentum, and harnessing the very best outcomes and impacts from the 2023 programme. So, what’s next? We plan on revealing details soon for LIFI2024!