Updated on 5th September 2024
Written on Things To Do Updated on 5th September 2024

From Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 5th October 2024, Leeds International Festival of Ideas will welcome some of the world’s greatest thinkers and most interesting voices to Leeds Playhouse. 

LIFI24 is over 80% sold out, but there’s still time to bag a spot at the much-anticipated event.

It only feels like a minute since we announced the line-up for Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2024, but now it’s almost here! Four exciting names have been added to the lineup, adding expertise and insights to the star-studded roster. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, it’s time to get moving.

Jasmine Boatswain

Jasmine Boatswain, a contestant on the second series of hit BBC series The Traitors, will be joining the reality TV panel discussion. Jazz has spoken openly about the negative effects of social media following her appearance on the show, and will add an intriguing voice to the discussion.

Since appearing on the show, Jazz has built a strong social following and uses her platform to share her experiences while campaigning for a positive online environment. Together with the panel, she’ll look at how reality TV affects our real lives. The event takes place at 7pm on Friday 4th October 2024.

Chris Sylvester

Credit: Chapter 81

There are two new additions to the discussion on addiction, which takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 2nd October 2024. Chris Sylvester, Founder of Getting Clean CIC, spent 25 years addicted to heroin after being introduced to it as a child. His lived experience is what now drives him to help others to recover.

It isn’t just substance addiction that’s up for discussion. Taylor Little, plaintiff in a lawsuit against Meta, Snap, Google and TikTok, will be sharing their views on the addictive nature of social media, and how techniques used by the platforms encourage addiction in adolescents.

Taylor Little, Speaker at LIFI24

The final addition to the line-up is jewellery designer Daniella Draper, who’ll be hosting the conversation with entrepreneur and influencer Grace Beverley. Daniella started from humble beginnings, selling jewellery she’d made in her kitchen at market stalls. Today, she’s got a Lincolnshire workshop and six stores.

The pair will be digging into the creator economy and the landscape of entrepreneurship as Grace tells the fascinating story of how she founded three successful businesses. You can catch the lunchtime session at 12pm on Thursday 3rd October 2024.

Daniella Draper, Speaker at LIFI24

Over 80% of tickets have now sold out, with some events having as few as eight tickets remaining! If you’re looking to get your dose of culture, discussion and intelligent thinking, act fast and book tickets now. Don’t sleep on these incredible talks.

Cover image credit: Chapter 81.