Leeds International Festival of Ideas announces first three speakers for 2026 event
Set to return to the city this October, the Leeds International Festival of Ideas has revealed its first three speakers for this year’s programme.
Once more bringing together global thought leaders, innovators, and public figures to discuss contemporary issues across culture, technology, and society, the Leeds International Festival of Ideas will be returning to Leeds Playhouse this October, and organisers have now announced their first three speakers as part of this year’s programme.
A true polymath, Tim Minchin is the multi-award-winning composer-lyricist behind stage hits ‘Matilda the Musical’ and ‘Groundhog Day.’
Fresh from his #1 album, ‘Tim Minchin Time Machine,’ and sold-out global tours across three continents, the singer-songwriter and bestselling author brings three decades of sharp social commentary and storytelling to the Leeds stage.
He is joined by a Sunday Times No.1 bestselling author and a staple on ITV’s This Morning - Ashley James.
James has emerged as one of the UK’s most influential feminist voices. Whether through her book BIMBO or her digital community of over 700,000, she is known for tackling motherhood, sexism, and modern womanhood with a mix of warmth and "bite."
Known to many as ‘Birdgirl,’ Dr Mya-Rose Craig is a pioneering environmentalist and race activist.
At just 17, she became the youngest person to receive an honorary Doctorate of Science, and she continues to campaign for global climate justice through her charity, Black2Nature. Her LIFI26 appearance will explore the vital intersections between equality, nature, and the future of our planet.
Speaking about the return to Leeds Playhouse and the first speakers confirmed, Martin Dickson, Festival Director, revealed that the team were “thrilled to be back for another exciting year of LIFI, and these first three names set the tone for what's to come. Tim, Ashley and Mya-Rose each bring something truly different: music and satire, feminism and cultural commentary, environmental activism and youth voice.”
“LIFI26 is shaping up to be our most ambitious programme yet, and we can't wait to bring it to Leeds Playhouse this October."
Shawab Iqbal, Chief Executive of Leeds Playhouse, added: “LIFI26 is exactly the kind of work we want across our theatre spaces – offering bold thinking, open conversation and a platform for the voices shaping the world around us.
“From Tim Minchin's unmistakable wit to Ashley James and Dr Mya-Rose Craig's fearless campaigning, it's a line-up that speaks to everything our theatre stands for.”
The full programme of panel discussions and keynote talks will be revealed on June 3, with topics spanning politics, culture, science, society and more.
The Leeds International Festival of Ideas takes place from October 6 to 10. Those wishing to sign up ahead of time for tickets are advised to visit the LIFI26 website to secure not only the first run of tickets but also to ensure you get the best possible seats available.