Not running out of ideas yet; Leeds International Festival for Ideas held for the fifth time.

The fifth edition of the Leeds International Festival for Ideas is being held this week, with expert panels, celebrity readings and everything in between.

The Leeds International Festival for Ideas, or LIFI, is a festival that has been organised as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. LIFI is an initiative organised by non-profit organisation LeedsBID, in order to “create an event, put Leeds on the map and bring a vibe.” said Sophie Jones, talent manager for the fifth edition of the festival.

The image shows the interior of a modern theatre with tiered seating and a large stage prepared for an event. On stage, several brightly lit chairs and small tables are arranged in a row, along with a larger sofa at one end. A large screen at the back of the stage displays the text “LIFI25” in pink and white. The auditorium is mostly dark, with accent lighting focused on the stage.

“We get over 5000 people through the doors of Leeds Playhouse throughout the week and we talk about really current topics.” Jones continued.

The speakers at LIFI are from all over the world, and bring their own perspective on current issues. “We don’t like to repeat anything that has been and gone.”

The image shows a lively café scene with several people queuing at the counter to order or collect drinks. The café, called “Front Room Café,” has a modern interior featuring a light wood ceiling with black paneling, soft lighting, and a sleek design. Staff members behind the counter are serving customers, and the menu above lists coffee and hot drink options. A few red bar stools are positioned along a counter to the left, and people are chatting while waiting in line.

Some notable names present at the festival this year include renowned French author and television personality Fred Sirieix, who is joining an expert panel on hospitality, Social media influencer and director of The English Manner, William Hanson, who is giving a talk on British manners, and BAFTA-winning actress Vicky McClure MBE, who is doing a Q&A as part of a show about dementia.

The image shows the exterior of a modern, multi-storey building with large glass windows and colourful geometric panels on the facade. A sign by the entrance reads “Front Room Café Entrance.” Several people are walking past the building on a paved walkway. In the background, there is a taller residential or office block and a “City Store” sign visible at street level. The sky is overcast.

The Leeds Playhouse is hosting the festival once again, with the venue undergoing a major renovation in 2019. The venue holds multiple smaller lecture theaters and one large theater which spans across multiple floors.

The image shows a busy café with several people standing in line at the counter, waiting to place or collect their orders. The café has a modern interior design with a wooden ceiling, black accents, and a warm atmosphere. Behind the counter, staff members are preparing drinks and serving customers. The sign on the wall reads “Front Room Café,” and the menu above the counter lists coffee, hot drinks, and extras. Red bar stools are placed along a counter near the entrance.

Steven Fuchs

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Not running out of ideas yet; Leeds International Festival for Ideas held for the fifth time.

Steven Fuchs

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