Only a week to go until this year’s edition of LIFI and the tickets, what is left of them, are selling like, well – hot tickets! It is hardly any wonder given the wide variety of subjects to be covered and the stellar names discussing them.
The format has evolved over the years and settled on the event being held in one venue, Leeds Playhouse, but divided into two formats held in Quarry and Courtyard spaces. There is a daily panel discussion and also a fireside chat, although, presumably for health and safety reasons, there is no fireside.
Tim Minchin
This doesn’t mean that inertia has set in, far from it, this incarnation sees a separate section called LIFI Futures, featuring subjects of particular interest to the young people of Leeds – yes, young people have ideas as well. It comprises four discussions covering subjects suggesting debates on How to be unapologetically you, Why does no one talk about apprenticeships? What no one told you about getting a job and Is maths the root of everything? The famous names taking part in LIFI Futures include Shanequa Paris of BBC Newsround, Stevie Ward, mental health campaigner and ex-Leeds Rhinos captain and Countdown’s Rachel Riley MBE.
Louis Theroux
The panel discussions are titled How do we talk about suicide? Is it time to switch off social media? What did the 90s really do to us? Are kids still part of the plan? and We all belong here, don’t we? Those involved include Roman Kemp, Andy Airey MBE, Mark Farid, Dr Sophie Bishop, Denise van Outen, Judge Jules MBE, Olivia Bentley, Johnny I’Anson, Ashley James and James O.Brien, to name but a lot!
Denise van Outen
Firside Chats feature Harriet Rose, Louis Theroux, Jamie Qureshi, Elizabeth Day, Dr Hannah French, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Tasha Ghouri, Chris Packham CBE, Dr Maya-Rose Craig, Juergen Maier CBE, Larry Budd and Tim Minchin.
Samira Ahmed
I think the best thing to do is to click on https://leedsinternationalfestival.com and follow the various links to find out more and to book. Get the idea? I thought you might! Get a wiggle on though as it is bound to be a sell-out, in the literal sense, of course.
