Ex-boxer Bruno joins musicians and writers for festival of ideas

MUSICIANS, WRITERS and a boxing champion are set to play a part in an event tipped as one of the highlights of this year’s Leeds cultural calendar.

Leeds International Festival organisers today announced the first batch of high-profile names signed up for their 2019 programme, which runs from May 2 to 12.

Billed as a metropolitan celebration of new ideas and innovation, the festival – which is also known as L19 – will feature the likes of punk poet John Cooper Clarke, evolutionary biologist and TV presenter Prof Alice Roberts and electronic music producer and DJ Daniel Avery.

Other names confirmed include award-winning novelist Matt Haig, economist Simon Anholt, conceptual artist Tommy Cash, singing star Jermain Jackman and former world heavyweight boxing champ Frank Bruno, inset, who will be talking about music and mental health.

Festival executive Gemma Holsgrove said: “We are delighted to be bringing this year’s festival to life with some really dynamic first announcements. We have some of the world’s leading thinkers, innovators and pioneers coming to Leeds to explore new ideas and innovation and sitting alongside local creators showcasing new and experimental works while celebrating the city’s rich cultural diversity and unshakeable creative spirit.”

It will be staged across the city, with details of venues announced in the next few weeks. Visit the www.leedsinternationalfestival. com.