Organisers of Leeds Digital Festival have announced the full programme for 2025, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the UK’s largest open-platform tech festival.
Running from 22nd September to 3rd October, this year’s festival will host more than 230 events covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, FinTech, healthcare technology and digital creativity. Nearly all events are free to attend, with the most varied schedule in the festival’s history.
Highlights include Reboot Power Up: Leeds Hackathon at Lloyds Banking Group’s headquarters on 22nd September, an all-day coding challenge designed to spark innovation. On 25 September, UX Leeds returns to The Wardrobe for its fifth edition, bringing together user experience specialists, product owners and digital strategists to explore customer-centric design.
As the festival progresses, AI takes centre stage. On 2nd October, McCann hosts Jump In or Hold Back? A Brand Perspective on AI at Everyman Leeds, while Berwins closes the programme on 3rd October at Platform with AI, Creators, Owners and Tech: The Battle to Protect and Use IP in LLMs.
Beyond technology, the festival will also look at how digital tools can support wider communities. Debt charity Step Change leads a session on 22nd September on digital support for vulnerable people in Leeds, while Accenture’s Women in Tech breakfast on 25th September will address parenthood in the technology sector.
Since its launch in 2016 with 56 events, Leeds Digital Festival has grown to more than 220 by 2024, hosting over 2,000 events organised by more than 800 companies over the past decade.
Festival director Stuart Clarke MBE commented: “Leeds Digital Festival began as a way to showcase the city’s talent and innovation. A decade on, it has become a catalyst for growth, collaboration and investment across the region, securing Leeds’ place as a driving force in the UK’s digital economy.”
Christina Geary, Senior Vice-President and Business Unit Lead for Yorkshire at CGI, added: “The strength of Leeds Digital Festival lies not only in the number of high-quality events but in the sheer variety of its programme. There really is something for everyone, whether you are just starting out on your digital journey or already fully immersed in the city’s vibrant and world-class tech community. That combination of inclusivity and excellence is what makes the festival so significant to both the sector and the regional economy.”
The festival is supported by premier sponsors CGI, Skipton Group and PEXA, alongside executive sponsors Accenture, Genio, Leeds City Council and Lloyds Banking Group. Launch sponsors are Nexus University of Leeds.
The full programme is now available at leedsdigitalfestival.org.
