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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Craig Jones

Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett to appear alongside comedy legend Ruby Wax at Leeds festival

Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett will appear alongside comedy legend Ruby Wax and Bimini as part of an exciting festival happening in Leeds.

They are the first three guests announced for The Leeds International Festival of Ideas 2023 (LIFI23). Running between Thursday, September 27 and Saturday, September 30, the festivities, at Leeds Playhouse, will bring together some of the most innovative and thought-provoking minds from around the world to encourage conversation, connection and curiosity.

Leading the charge are Ruby Wax Steven Bartlett, and Bimini. Ruby Wax, performer, best-selling author and mental health campaigner, will bring her unique brand of humour to the festival as she takes the audience on her journey to address the importance of mental wellness.

Read more: 7 huge festivals happening in Leeds this year

Steven Bartlett, the renowned entrepreneur and TV personality and podcaster, known for The Diary of a CEO, will delve into how he spots the next big thing. Bimini, the trailblasing reality TV star and LGBTQ+ activist, will share their insights on the significance of representation and inclusivity in media.

Martin Dickson, Leeds International Festival of Ideas, said: “We are thrilled with the programme we are bringing to the city for LIFI23, built on the outstanding success of last year, we think it is our strongest speaker line up yet. We’re also hugely excited to be presenting the festival at the incredible Leeds Playhouse, one of the most famous theatre venues in the city, a privilege and an honour.

“LIFI23 will once again address some of the most important social issues affecting us all, taking them on over four inspirational days across 11 events and shining an outspoken light on Leeds, projecting the city once again as a bold, innovative thought-leading city.”

You can vote in our Leeds Festival 2023 secret set poll below. You can also vote by clicking here

Ruby Wax added: “Leeds International Festival of ideas 2023 looks really exciting and I’m thrilled to be part of the line up this year. I can’t wait to visit Leeds again and take audiences on my journey to mindfulness.”

Tickets will be available from Tuesday, April 4. You can find out more here.

To find out the latest event news in our city you can visit our Best in Leeds homepage. There you will also find a guide to great things to do in Leeds.

Yorkshire Live has launched Explore Yorkshire, which will look at Yorkshire's unique identity and destinations and celebrate God's Own County for what it is - the best place in the world. Whether you are looking for a day out, a weekend away or to try somewhere new, Explore Yorkshire is here to help. Our brilliant new newsletter will bring all of this content together for you in one place - sign up here to get it direct to your inbox.

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