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The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

Migration Matters

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.

Queer Lens: Film screening, community meal & discussion

Sat. 21 June 2025

Gut Level

QTIBPOC Cinema Club, based at Gut Level, invite everyone to join them for an afternoon screening of Lingua Franca, the story of Olivia, a trans woman with undocumented immigration status living in Brooklyn. Followed by a shared meal and discussion.

Midsummer Festival

Sun. 22 June 2025

Hillsborough Park, Parkside Road, S6 2AB

A huge celebration of creativity and community. With youth theatre performances, Ukrainian folk music, collaborative weaving and Romani dance. Plus games, football, cycling, puppetry, circus, gardening and food and drink, maker stalls, and lots more.

Migration Matters Festival Comedy Night

Mon. 23 June 2025

Crucible Theatre

Join some of the UK’s most exciting comedic talent for an evening at the Crucible. Headlined by Fatiha El-Ghorri, known for her cutting observations on the life of a British Muslim woman. Plus Esther Manito, Seeta Wrightson and more to be announced.

Film Beyond Borders

Tue. 24 June 2025

Showroom

A series of films made by creatives from diaspora communities, in a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam Uni and RAAH (Reality About Humanity). Featuring stories of finding belonging through football, the power of spoken word and song, and more.

Women of Colour in the Archives

Thu. 26 June 2025

Soft Ground

Hear about the incredible Dig Where You Stand project, exploring overlooked stories of marginalised people in local archives. Women of colour will share their experience of exploring the archives and their creative responses to stories they found.

Fabric of the World

Thu. 26 June 2025

Leah's Yard, 22 Cambridge Street, S1 4HP

An alternative, immersive catwalk on the Leah's Yard cobbles. Presented by the international young adult theatre group Soap Box Collective – from Stand & Be Counted theatre company – joining forces with fashion designer-activist Kazna Asker.

Two Plant Gaysians

Thu. 26 June 2025

Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse

Artist couple Ghost and John live a beautiful life in London, nurturing hundreds of houseplants. This performance weaves ephemera of their home and their green babies, across a narrative of displacement and the urge of all life to flourish.

We've Got Food At Home! Zine Fest

Sat. 28 June 2025

Soft Ground

Zine stalls, a pop-up zine library and all-day drop-in workshop, celebrating global cuisines. From Over Here Zine Fest, who showcase Global Majority makers, artists, writers and activists, plus artist ​​​​Seleena Laverne Daye and writer Dal Kular.

Mini MigMat

Sat. 28 June 2025

The Montgomery

Mini Migration Matters Festival returns to The Montgomery – a Saturday dedicated to children and young people. With fun creative workshops in football shirt customisation and fashion design, plus an explorative stay-and-play group. All for free.

In the Cut

Sat. 28 June 2025

Venue TBC

A pop-up barbershop spotlighting Black men’s mental health. Offering free cuts and styles in return for your stories, insights and conversations on Black healing. Presented by community organisation Groundation. Come back soon for venue details.