Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2025 (#LIFI25) has concluded after five days of discussions that challenged and connected attendees.

This year's festival ran across five days for the first time, bringing together thinkers, creators, and audiences to explore current issues.

The event featured a powerful keynote from Chuck D, who held a spontaneous meet-and-greet with fans, and a celebration of "Riot Women" and the power of women in storytelling featuring the laughter and honesty of Sally Wainwright, Tamsin Greig, and Gaynor Faye. The festival was a strong platform for conversation.

LIFI25 also addressed significant issues, including moving discussions on men and mental health, and Mums and domestic abuse, which brought empathy and awareness to the forefront.

The final day ended with an unforgettable performance by Our Dementia Choir, led by Vicky McClure. Their emotional set saw the entire theatre rise to their feet to sing together, a moment that left an emotional impact on the room.

For younger audiences, Young LIFI was a success. The Ruth Gorse Academy helped shape a unique event for school students, even assisting in selecting the line-up, and their excitement filled the hall with energy and cheers.

Festival Director Martin Dickson said: “LIFI25 has been a truly special year, our first-ever five-day festival, with 5,500 people coming together to share ideas, stories, and inspiration. Leeds has once again shown that it’s a city that loves conversation, creativity, and community.”

As the lights dim on another edition of LIFI, one thing is clear: Leeds International Festival of Ideas continues to grow as one of the UK’s most distinctive and thought-provoking festivals, uniting audiences around the power of ideas.