Leeds Digital Festival celebrates ten years as city prepares for milestone 2025 event.
Leeds is gearing up for a landmark moment in its tech calendar as the city’s celebrated digital festival returns this September and marks its tenth anniversary.
The 2025 Leeds Digital Festival will be one of the biggest yet, featuring over 230 events and attracting global attention to the city’s digital scene.
This year will also mark the final festival under the directorship of Stuart Clarke MBE, who has been involved since its inception. He will move to a non-executive role as Chair, with Deb Hetherington stepping into the position of festival director.
Launched to champion Leeds as a hub for innovation and collaboration, the festival has grown to become the UK’s largest open platform tech event and one of the longest-running outside London Tech Week.
Over the last 10 years, it has showcased more than 2,000 events, organised by over 800 companies, and cemented Leeds City Region as a powerhouse in digital technology.
The upcoming Festival will reflect the extraordinary growth of AI in the region, with a wide variety of events addressing the practical application of artificial intelligence across industries. The programme will feature events covering AI in marketing, SEO, financial services, healthcare, and more, alongside sessions on emerging technologies, skills, and entrepreneurship.
The complete 2025 programme will be announced on 26 August, offering opportunities for delegates to participate in person or virtually. Venues include Nexus at the University of Leeds, Platform, Avenue HQ, and Department at Leeds Dock.
Reflecting on the past decade, Stuart Clarke MBE said: “When we first launched Leeds Digital Festival, the ambition was to shine a light on the incredible talent, creativity, and innovation across the city’s digital sector. Ten years on, I’m proud to say we’ve done that and more.
“The festival has become a catalyst for collaboration, investment, and skills development, not just for Leeds but for the wider North of England. As I step back after this year, I am confident that the festival’s legacy will continue to inspire tech leaders and ensure that Leeds remains a driving force in the UK’s digital economy. It has been an honour to be part of this journey.”
The 2025 festival is made possible through the support of its sponsors, including PEXA, CGI, Skipton Group, Accenture, Lloyds Banking Group, Genio, Nexus, Leeds City Council and all three of the city’s universities, as well as a wide network of associate partners.
Jenny Wood, Group CIO of Skipton Group, said: “Leeds Digital Festival reflects the innovation and collaboration that make our region thrive. At Skipton, we help people build better futures, from home ownership to financial wellbeing, and we’re proud to support this milestone tenth year in championing our vibrant digital community. By connecting ideas, talent and technology, we can make a real difference for the people and communities we serve.”
The Festival runs from 22 September to 3 October and celebrates all the tech achievements within the Leeds City Region, which includes Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, and Wakefield. Event hosts, attendees, and speakers from other areas are welcomed each year.
Simon Wright, UK Chief Operating Officer at PEXA, said: “Leeds Digital Festival continues to be a standout celebration of innovation, collaboration and digital talent. It brings together an incredibly dynamic community and showcases the vital role that the Leeds City Region plays in shaping the UK’s digital future. As headline sponsors, we’re proud to support an event that not only champions the region’s achievements but also creates space for new ideas, partnerships and growth. It’s a brilliant platform for driving connection, creativity and progress across the tech ecosystem.”
The programme’s open and inclusive nature enables everyone, from startups to global organisations, to host events. Most events are free to attend, ensuring they remain accessible to all.
For more information, please visit https://leedsdigitalfestival.org/
