The Leeds Digital Festival is back for its ninth year, fostering collaboration in the tech sector with over 200 events planned. This renowned festival aims to highlight Leeds’ digital prowess and contribute significantly to its economy.
- The festival began with a launch party, setting the stage for numerous activities focusing on AI, online safety, and equality.
- Festival Director Stuart Clarke emphasizes the importance of these events in showcasing Leeds as a digital hub.
- Premier sponsors like BJSS and PEXA, along with executive sponsors, support the festival’s ambitious agenda.
- This annual event underscores Leeds’ role in contributing £6.5bn to the UK economy, solidifying its place as a leading digital economy outside London.
The Leeds Digital Festival has made a much-anticipated return for its ninth year with a mission to promote collaboration within the tech sector. The event has kicked off with a launch party and will feature more than 200 events scheduled from September 16 through September 27 across various venues in Leeds. These events cover an array of topics, including advancements in artificial intelligence, online safety measures, equality in the technology realm, and the development of smart cities.
Festival Director Stuart Clarke expressed excitement about the event, stating, “There is a great deal of anticipation as we prepare to showcase Leeds in the digital spotlight with the staging of the ninth successive festival in the city.” This festival, thanks to the generosity of various sponsors, provides a platform for all-year-round digital engagement and the mini-festival, held each April, benefiting the entire tech and digital community within Leeds.
The festival boasts a strong backing from premier sponsors such as BJSS and PEXA, along with executive sponsors including Accenture, DWP Digital, Glean, Lloyds Bank, Nexus University of Leeds, and Flutter, among others. Their support is instrumental in making the festival’s ambitious program a reality. Jay Patel, head of technology at Leeds Building Society, remarked on the significance of the festival, “We’re looking forward to being involved in the Leeds Digital Festival again and are privileged to be launch sponsors. As well as hosting the official launch party, we will be playing an active role in the festival programme, running events covering a range of topics, including cloud data, diversity, intersectionality, and how to make digital thrive in businesses.”
This renowned festival not only celebrates the remarkable digital accomplishments of Leeds-based businesses but also highlights the vital role the city plays in the rapid evolution of both the UK and global tech landscapes. Its continuous success and broad range of topics reflect Leeds’ influential contribution to the digital economy, totaling an impressive £6.5bn annually.
The Leeds Digital Festival solidifies its role as a significant force in the UK’s tech scene, driving innovation and economic growth.
