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

What's On

Our Sheffield culture calendar. Filled with picks of the city’s arts, culture and heritage events, both in-person and virtual. Plus reviews and festival guides.

Neil Cowley Trio: Built on Bach

Wed. 22 April 2026

Firth Hall

An evening of jazz, using Bach’s work as a jumping off point.

Erik Palmberg Quartet

Thu. 23 April 2026

Crookes Social Club, Mulehouse Road, S10 1TD

The group's Sheffield Jazz debut. They’ve attracted glowing reviews and captivated audiences with their cinematic jazz.

Thomas Stearn – Where Light is a Thought

Thu. 23 April 2026

Upper Chapel, Norfolk Street, S1 2JD

The premiere of a new song cycle from Thomas Stearn, set around five poems by Katharine Towers telling the story of a lone figure who walks from darkness into light. Alongside a composition by Anna Appleby.

The Rosadocs

Fri. 24 April 2026

The Octagon Centre

Sheffield’s rising indie five-piece The Rosadocs return home for a show at the Octagon as part of their first UK headline tour.

Xenia Pestova Bennett

Fri. 24 April 2026

Firth Hall

A rare opportunity to hear Xenia Pestova Bennett play the intricate and spellbinding piano works of Annea Lockwood.

Hudson Records Presents: Kris Drever

Sat. 25 April 2026

Firth Hall

A distinctive contemporary musician from Scotland, celebrated for his warm voice, expressive guitar playing and imaginative songwriting.

Jalen Ngonda

Mon. 27 April 2026

The Octagon Centre

With a voice that feels lifted straight from soul’s golden age, Jalen Ngonda blends classic and contemporary influences to create timeless, life-affirming music. He's received attention from fellow artists like Snoop Dogg, Olivia Dean and Elton John.

Unherd Jam Night

Multiple dates

Mary St Live, 95 Mary Street, S1 4RT

A new multi-genre music jam night in Sheffield city centre.

Louise Thomson & Anne-Marie O'Farrell: Stratos Harp Duo

Thu. 30 April 2026

Firth Hall

Two world leading harpists join their passions for the expansion of pedal harp repertoire for one innovative programme.

The Charlatans

Sat. 2 May 2026

The Octagon Centre

Back at the Octagon again, The Charlatans are on the road celebrating new album We Are Love.

Under presents Isis Moray, DirtForSale, Hekla Fell

Sat. 2 May 2026

Mary St Live, 95 Mary Street, S1 4RT

Live electronica and leftfield techno with Isis Moray, DirtForSale's live debut, and Hekla Fell.

University of Sheffield Chamber Choir

Sat. 2 May 2026

Firth Hall

Experience the beautiful tones of the University Chamber Choir inside the stunning Firth Hall.

Sheffield University Wind Orchestra

Sun. 3 May 2026

Firth Hall

A performance from one of the University’s leading student orchestras.

Hidden Track

Multiple dates

The Beaten Track, 44–46 Campo Lane, S1 2DE

A free monthly contemporary classical music night. Half programmed performances, followed by a jam for both experienced and new improvisers alike.

W.I.T.C.H

Wed. 6 May 2026

Sidney & Matilda

W.I.T.C.H (We Intend To Cause Havoc) were Zambia’s biggest band of the 70s and pioneers of Zamrock – a fusion of African rhythms, psychedelic rock and influences from The Rolling Stones to James Brown. Their live shows are legendary – don't miss out!

Andro & Eve X Ghetto Fabulous presents Reyt Queer Extravaganza

Fri. 8 May 2026

FORGE Warehouse, 148 Effingham Road, S4 7YS

Join Andro & Eve and Ghetto Fabulous for a night of electrifying queer performance with drag, dance, pageantry and music.

Wild Traditions

Multiple dates

The Gathering Ground, Hillsborough Park, S6 4HD

Soundpost's monthly concert, tunes and singing sessions. Launching with acoustic and slide guitar player Martin Simpson, followed by queer folk.

Sound Junction

Fri. 8 May 2026 — Sat. 9 May 2026

Drama Studio

A weekend of events covering ambisonics, electroacoustic, AV and field recordings. With performances from Katherine Wren, Pete Stollery, Denis Smalley, Louise Rossiter, and members of the British Electroacoustic Network.

Sheffield University Symphony Orchestra

Sun. 10 May 2026

Firth Hall

A showcase of student talent in the iconic Firth Hall.

Mostar Sevdah Reunion

Thu. 14 May 2026

Firth Hall

The pioneers of 21st century sevdah – a musical tradition more than 400 years old, rooted in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sheffield Chamber Music Festival Launch: Claire Booth (soprano) & Ensemble 360

Fri. 15 May 2026

Playhouse

Claire Booth kicks off the 2026 Sheffield Chamber Music Festival in style. Guest Curator Claire Booth opens with a one-woman opera retelling the story of ‘the last real Viking’, Harald Hardrada, by Judith Weir.

Get Together

Sat. 16 May 2026

Kelham Island

A joyous one-day festival of independent music, taking over warehouses, breweries and bars of Kelham Island and Neepsend. Save the date and come back soon for details of the Get Together 2026 lineup and tickets.

Family Concert: Izzy Gizmo - Ensemble 360 & Lucy Drever

Sat. 16 May 2026

Crucible Theatre

A delightful family concert based on the best-selling children’s book by Pip Jones, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie. Perfect for 3–7 year-olds.

Crosscurrents: Gwilym Simcock & Friends

Sat. 16 May 2026

Crucible Theatre

Jazz superstar Gwilym Simcock and his band of incredible jazz musicians, are joined by world-class classical artists for what promises to be a hugely entertaining evening.

Birdsong at Dawn - Ensemble 360

Sun. 17 May 2026

Sheffield General Cemetery

Pause, listen and be transported, as Sheffield Chamber Music Festival revive a beloved tradition with this dawn celebration of the music of the birds.

Birdsong at Breakfast - Ensemble 360

Sun. 17 May 2026

Sheffield General Cemetery

A dawn celebration of the music of the birds, in this beloved Sheffield Chamber Music Festival tradition.

Gwilym Simcock Trio

Sun. 17 May 2026

Firth Hall

Experience the masterful jazz pianist and composer Gwilym Simcock up close as he returns to his improvisational jazz roots.

Sunset - Ensemble 360

Sun. 17 May 2026

Sheffield General Cemetery

An intimate concert of quartets and quintets as darkness descends on a special musical day in Sheffield General Cemetery.

Folk Who Roam premiere ft. Sāwol

Sun. 17 May 2026

Portland Works

The premiere of a short film exploring ongoing land access campaigns and the relationship between folk music, instrument making and England’s countryside. With a performance from folk five-piece Sāwol.

Exploring Cocteau's The Human Voice

Mon. 18 May 2026

Showroom

Ahead of the performance on Tuesday evening, a panel of music and film experts explore the Jean Cocteau masterpiece that gave rise to Poulenc’s adaptation, La Voix Humaine.

Feldman & Beckett: Words & Music - Claire Booth & Ensemble 360

Mon. 18 May 2026

Playhouse

Originally written as a radio play by Morton Feldman and Samuel Beckett, Words & Music presents a cryptic trialogue between the ailing master Croak and his two servants, Words (played by an actor) and Music (represented by the score).

Beethoven Septet - Ensemble 360

Tue. 19 May 2026

Playhouse

The hopeful, energetic and lyrical Spring Sonata is one of the most famous of all Beethoven’s works for violin, paired here with an intense and stormy early quartet.

La Voix Humaine - Claire Booth & Christopher Glynn

Tue. 19 May 2026

Playhouse

An immersive staging of Poulenc’s searing operatic melodrama.

The Art of Storytelling - Nicholas Jubber (author and storyteller)

Wed. 20 May 2026

Playhouse

Launching a day of music inspired by myths, legends and fairytales, author and storyteller Nicholas Jubber explores the enduring appeal of enchanting folk tales, often laced with a monstrous darkness.

Relaxed Concert: Peter and the Wolf

Wed. 20 May 2026

Playhouse

For this ‘relaxed’ concert of storytelling music, doors will be left open, lights raised, a break-out space provided, and there will be less emphasis on the audience being quiet during the performance.

Peter and the Wolf & Other Stories - Claire Booth & Ensemble 360

Wed. 20 May 2026

Playhouse

Prokofiev’s beloved symphonic tale delights audiences of all ages, with its story of the fearless Peter and his encounter with a ferocious wolf. Narrated by storyteller and author Nicholas Jubber.

Bird Tunes - Miranda Rutter, Sam Sweeney & Rob Harbron

Wed. 20 May 2026

Playhouse

Three of the finest folk musicians working today perform a new suite of tunes, crafted from fragments of birdsong recorded on woodland walks.

Speak of the North - Claire Booth, Tamsin Waley-Cohen & Christopher Glynn

Thu. 21 May 2026

St Peter's Church, 1 Jap Lane, Edensor, Bakewell, DE45 1PH

As part of the Sheffield Chamber Music Festival, Music in the Round presents a day of concerts interspersed with guided walks around the Chatsworth estate.

Beethoven & Friends – Consone Quartet

Thu. 21 May 2026

Playhouse

Music in the Round’s visiting Quartet presents music by Beethoven set amongst composers who influenced or were in close contact with the musical genius.

Kafka Fragments - Claire Booth (soprano) & Tamsin Waley-Cohen (violin)

Thu. 21 May 2026

Playhouse

Music in the Round presents Kafka's Fragments: 40 short excerpts from Kafka’s writings, diaries, and letters – often heartfelt and confessional.

This Sceptered Isle: British Song – Claire Booth & Ensemble 360

Fri. 22 May 2026

Playhouse

Claire Booth performs a selection of her best-loved music, from Britten’s stirring reimagining of Purcell songs to Colin Matthews’ evocative seascapes.

Songs Without Words: Mendelssohn, Brahms & Rachmaninov - Ensemble 360

Fri. 22 May 2026

Playhouse

Mendelssohn’s exquisite Songs Without Words – richly lyrical and profoundly heartfelt miniatures – are performed alongside glittering masterpieces of the Romantic era that showcase the vocal influence on instrumental music.

Come Beautify the Night with Otis Mensah

Fri. 22 May 2026

Millennium Gallery

Enjoy a special evening of live music and poetry curated by Otis Mensah, featuring a screening of Otis Mensah and Jamal Sterrett’s film Come Beautify the Night and an exclusive in-person conversation with the artists.

Sheffield Chamber Music Festival

Fri. 15 May 2026 — Sat. 23 May 2026

Playhouse

Nine days of intimate and inviting classical music performances for all ages. The 2026 event includes a performance of collaborative work by Morton Feldman and Samuel Beckett, an opera for children, a day of music and walking in the Peaks, and more.

Henny Penny: A Children's Opera

Sat. 23 May 2026

Playhouse

A children's opera telling the folk tale of a young chicken who believes the sky is falling when an acorn lands on its head. Composed by Julian Phillips and performed live for the very first time, with a choir of Sheffield primary children.

Four Last Songs – Ensemble 360

Sat. 23 May 2026

Playhouse

Strauss’s Four Last Songs are among the most touchingly beautiful and richly expressive pieces in the classical repertoire.

Love to be… Inner City Festival

Sun. 24 May 2026

SteelYard Kelham, The Yard, Bardwell Road, Neepsend, S3 8AS

An all-day fest from Sheffield’s legendary house music brand.
Taking over a container park with house music icons, local talent, street food and more. Headliners: Roger Sanchez, David Penn, Low Steppa, The Shapeshifters, Trimtone and Carly Wilford.

The Loft

Thu. 28 May 2026

The Greystones

The Loft's jangling folk-rock textures, chiming guitars and wry vocals became the blueprint for the mid-80s indie pop sound – before the band's infamous on-stage split. 40 years later, they released their long awaited debut album.

Too Damn Loud Festival

Sat. 30 May 2026

Sidney & Matilda

A celebration of music, love and mutual support within the music scene. Bringing together bands and artists from a range of genres, through creativity and community.

Kelham Pride

Sat. 20 June 2026

Kelham Island

A parade and street party, celebrating and bringing together the local LGBTQ+ community and their allies. With live musicians, DJs, drag queens, comedians, family-friendly activities, fringe events, and more. Stay tuned for Kelham Pride 2026 details.

Corvus Consort

Sat. 20 June 2026

St Nicholas' Church, Jane Street, High Bradfield, S6 6LG

The group of acapella singers perform bird-inspired choral works and poetry.

Fenella Humphreys & Martin Roscoe

Mon. 22 June 2026

St Nicholas' Church, Jane Street, High Bradfield, S6 6LG

The violinist and pianist present a programme of romantic and lyrical music, spanning over two centuries to the current day.

Trio Meister Raro

Tue. 23 June 2026

St Nicholas' Church, Jane Street, High Bradfield, S6 6LG

A trio made of up members of Ensemble 360, presenting a selection of classical masterpieces and fascinating curiosities.

Jess Gillam Trio

Wed. 24 June 2026

St Nicholas' Church, Jane Street, High Bradfield, S6 6LG

Saxophonist Jess Gillam performs alongside pianist Zeynup Özsuca and bass and double bass player Sam Becker. With.a programme that has classical roots and moves from baroque through to jazz.

Lisa Friend Trio

Thu. 25 June 2026

St Nicholas' Church, Jane Street, High Bradfield, S6 6LG

A fresh, carefully crafted programme of popular and attractive classical, film and song music.

Jim Ghedi

Fri. 26 June 2026

Sidney & Matilda

Renowned for his intricate guitar work and atmospheric songwriting – drawing on history, the natural world and social observation – Ghedi's work feels both ancient and immediate. Set to release his first soundtrack, for A24’s The Death of Robin Hood.

Woolf Quartet

Fri. 26 June 2026

St Nicholas' Church, Jane Street, High Bradfield, S6 6LG

A young quartet with a reputation for bringing together familiar repertoire with less well known, contemporary music. Named after Virginia Woolf – as they frequently rehearse where the writer once lived.

Higher Fields Festival

Sat. 27 June 2026

S2

An outdoor grassroots music festival, new for summer 2026. Bringing together DIY musicians, crews and communities from South Yorks and beyond – including Gut Level, Hatch, Groundwork and Grub Records and more. Followed by an afterparty at Steamworks.

Bradfield Festival of Music

Sat. 20 June 2026 — Sat. 27 June 2026

St Nicholas' Church, Jane Street, High Bradfield, S6 6LG

A week of classical and jazz music in a magical setting.

Tim Kliphuis Trio

Sat. 27 June 2026

St Nicholas' Church, Jane Street, High Bradfield, S6 6LG

Presenting an interpretation of George Gershwin classics and more in their trademark high-octane, free-flowing sound.

Spooky Men's Chorale

Tue. 30 June 2026

Firth Hall

A truly original ensemble, toeing the line between haunting beauty and abstract silliness. The choir performing Georgian polyphonic works, offbeat covers of contemporary pop songs and originals (including ‘Don’t Stand Between a Man and His Tool’).

Sheffield Clarinet Ensemble – Summer Concert

Sun. 12 July 2026

Upper Chapel, Norfolk Street, S1 2JD

An afternoon of fun music, including popular and classical hits, plus a raffle and refreshments.

Powerlines

Sat. 18 July 2026

Crookes Social Club, Mulehouse Road, S10 1TD

An independent metal festival by the fans, for the fans – back for a second year. Showcasing a lineup of local homegrown artists and national acts, open to all ages and types of metalheads. Lineup to be announced.

Bassfest Summer Festival

Sat. 18 July 2026 — Sun. 19 July 2026

Don Valley Bowl, S9 2DF

Dedicated to drum and bass, house, bassline, and beyond.

Tramlines

Fri. 24 July 2026 — Sun. 26 July 2026

Hillsborough Park

A three-day summertime celebration of music. Come back soon for details of Tramlines 2026 – earlybird tickets on sale now.

The Fringe at Tramlines

Fri. 24 July 2026 — Sun. 26 July 2026

Devonshire Green, 158 Devonshire Street, S1 4GT

Home to the official Tramlines Fringe, the Devonshire Green stage showcases an array of local talent over the festival weekend, all for free. On top of that, expect official and unofficial fringe events to pop up in bars and venues all over the city.

Desi Fest Sheffield Mela

Sun. 2 August 2026

Firth Park, S5 6HE

A festival promoting diversity, unity and community spirit, shining a spotlight on cultural traditions of the South Asian community. With live music and dance, activities for young people, exhibitions and demos, fun fair rides, stalls and more.

Graves Park Food Festival

Sat. 29 August 2026 — Mon. 31 August 2026

Graves Park, Hemsworth Road, S8 8LJ

A family-friendly celebration of international food, independent drink, live music, arts and charity – all taking place in the biggest park in Sheffield. Expect stalls, bars, chef demos, children's entertainment and lots more.

Destination

Sat. 12 September 2026

FORGE Warehouse, 148 Effingham Road, S4 7YS

"Forged in fire, set in steel." An all-dayer dedicated to rock and metal. Formerly Rockin the Bowl, this festival is back for 2026 under the new name: Destination.

Float Along Festival

Sat. 26 September 2026

Float Along music festival returns to Sheffield city centre to do it all again for the fifth year running. Come back soon for lineup and venue details for 2026.

No Bounds

Fri. 9 October 2026 — Sun. 11 October 2026

A weekend of bleeps, beats and sweaty grins – bringing together music, visual art and technology. Come back soon for details of No Bounds 2026 – earlybird tickets on sale now.

Festival of the Mind

A biennial festival of new ideas. Bringing together the city's creative community and its academic minds through exhibitions, talks, screenings, performances and more. Stay tuned for dates and details for the next Festival of the Mind in autumn 2026.

Sensoria

Thu. 22 October 2026 — Sun. 25 October 2026

Sheffield's festival of film and music. Expect a truly unique mix of performance, live film scores, screenings, exhibitions, and music industry activity. Come back soon for details of the Sensoria 2026 lineup.

Classical Weekend

Fri. 12 March 2027 — Sun. 14 March 2027

Classical Weekend returns in 2027. The biennial festival is one big celebration of classical music – in all manner of forms, in all kinds of places.