Leeds International Festival

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Great to see our partners Live at Leeds win Best Festival For Emerging Talent at UK Festival Awards. We love having such a great platform for artists in our city and can’t wait for #LAL2019

In an age where connection is constant, do we know how to truly disconnect?
Best-selling author Dr Jack Lewis took us on a dizzying adventure through the mind-boggling complexity of the human brain, before shedding light on how modern technology is literally changing the way our brains are wired, L18.

DJ and journalist Steve Lamacq talked us through his life as a music obsessive and the tales that come hand in hand with a career stretching over thirty years in the music industry, championing up-and-coming sounds across NME, XFM, Top of the Pops, BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, and a score of others.​

On May 18th 1991, a food chemist from Sheffield became the first Briton to go to space, and the first woman to visit the Russian International Space Station, Mir.
This unlikely career progression was instigated by a radio advertisement, which said simply “Astronaut wanted. No experience necessary.” From more than 13,000 applicants, Helen Sharman was selected, and she began rigorous training in Star City, Russia, to become part of Project Juno.
We had the pleasure of hearing this story first hand from the inspirational Helen Sharman who gave us insight into her journey, from the endless preparation to the realities of life in space to adjusting back to life on planet Earth, L18.

Oscar winner and DNEG VFX Supervisor Andrew Whitehurst gave us a fascinating insight into the unique challenges faced when turning an actress into an android while shooting Ex-Machina, L17.

In our bid to strive towards new ideas and innovation, we’re very excited to announce our new Festival Executive for L19. Welcome to the team Gemma Holsgrove!
Find out more about Gemma here: www.leedsinternationalfestival.com/welcom ing-our-new-festiv…

L18 had the honour of welcoming cultural icon Cosey Fanni Tutti – Punk, pornographer, pioneer, provocateur.
Tutti gave us a fascinating insight into her long career as one of the pioneering voices of the avant-garde, envelope-pushing 70s and a life spent crossing the boundaries.
All Chinwag events are in association with MAP Charity.

We believe that through the discovery and exchange of new ideas we can inspire progress, grow communities and change the way we view the world and the future. #L19

In a world of overconsumption and fast fashion, one of the most radical things we can do as consumers is to keep our clothes in use for as long as possible.
Christopher Raeburn's pioneering work has brought sustainable design to a mainstream fashion audience, embodying luxury with integrity.
Ræburn brought his legendary Off-Cut T-shirt and crafting workshops to #L18, using fabrics donated by the 200 year-old Yorkshire textile mill AW Hainsworth.

The love child of TED Talks and WWE took over Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen in the form of 'The Tech Off', L17.
'The Tech Off: The Movie' is due to be released soon and will feature #L17 along with footage from SXSW, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and DMX Dublin.

We believe that innovation, disruption and creativity are not the preserve of one gender, nor one racial makeup.

We’re honoured to be selected by the International Downtown Association for an IDA Award of Excellence for raising the profile of the city on a global stage.
Here’s Leeds BID’s Andrew Cooper picking up the award in San Antonio this evening. Exciting times ahead!
#IDASATX18

One of the UK’s foremost experts on human sexuality and technology Dr Kate Devlin walked us through the history of sex and tech, before explaining where AI, robotics, sex and love meet today, L18.
Her new book 'Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots' launched last week, offering a deep dive into the history and future of love and machinery. A fascinating and highly recommended read.

L19 Open Call is now closed! A massive thank you to everyone that has shared their ideas for our CORE and OFF programmes, the quality of submissions has been stronger than ever.
We will now spend October going through applications and will aim to be back in touch with everyone in early November. #L19

Last chance to apply to #L19 CORE and OFF programmes.
→ Get involved via leedsinternationalfestival.com/open-call/

Mexrrissey - Mexico goes Morrissey bring Mancunian heart and soul together with a Cumbia and Boléros sound, L18.​
From their first show in Mexico City, the band have gone on to storm through a sold-out main stage debut at London’s Barbican Centre, completed a UK tour and tore the house down at BAM New York and The Regent in LA.
→ Have an idea? There are still 2 days to apply to our #L19 CORE and OFF programmes via leedsinternationalfestival.com/open-call/

The world's only live-action video game 'The Dark Room' descended upon Leeds, L18.
Improv comedy and retro gaming fused to create this fast-paced game show showcasing the latest ideas in tech and video gaming.
→ Have an idea? There are still 3 days to apply to our #L19 CORE and OFF programmes via leedsinternationalfestival.com/open-call/