In 2007 Sheffield became the UK’s first City of Sanctuary – a place that welcomes and offers safety to asylum-seekers and refugees. It's fitting, then, that the city is home to the UK's biggest Refugee Week festival: Migration Matters.

The arts festival celebrates the positive impact that migration and refugees have on Sheffield and beyond.

The tenth edition of Migration Matters takes place 20–28 June 2025.

Headliners are electronic legends Asian Dub Foundation and Mercury Prize-nominated singer songwriter Nadine Shah. The packed festival will end with an epic closing party featuring Tanzanian musical dynasty The Zawose Queens.

Many events are free. For others, ticket options range from free (on request) to lower price, general, and solidarity (for those wanting to pay it forward). Passes are available, giving you entry to as many events as you like.

See below for our highlights for Migration Matters 2025. And see the full programme for lots more.