Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2026 Announces First Speakers

Initial line-up revealed ahead of October event

The Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI26) has announced the first three speakers confirmed for its 2026 edition, scheduled to take place from 6 to 10 October at Leeds Playhouse. The festival will feature a range of talks, panels, and discussions over five days, aiming to foster dialogue on various contemporary issues.

Confirmed speakers for LIFI26

• Tim Minchin – Musician, writer, actor, and comedian known for his work as the composer-lyricist of the stage musicals Matilda the Musical and Groundhog Day. His career spans three decades, combining songwriting with storytelling and social commentary.
• Ashley James – Sunday Times No.1 bestselling author of BIMBO, social and political commentator on ITV’s This Morning, broadcaster, and DJ. She is noted for addressing topics such as sexism, women’s health, motherhood, and modern womanhood.
• Dr Mya-Rose Craig – Birder, environmentalist, and race activist focusing on equal access to nature, biodiversity loss, climate change, and global climate justice. She founded the diversity-in-nature charity Black2Nature and holds an honorary Doctorate of Science.

Festival programme and ticket information

The full programme, including panel discussions and fireside chats covering politics, culture, science, and society, is expected to be announced on 3 June 2026. Priority ticket access and discounted prices will be available to newsletter subscribers from 4 June, with general ticket sales opening on 10 June.

Further details and ticket bookings can be found on the official festival website: leedsintfest.com.