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

Photos by Adva Photography

Founded in 2015, Festival of Debate is an annual series of panel discussions, debates, Q&As, artistic responses and other public events in Sheffield, exploring politics, economics and society. It’s coordinated in collaboration with partners across the city, from grassroots campaign groups to community groups to cultural institutions.

The festival is taking a break in 2026 – come back for details of the 2027 event.

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Festival of the Mind

Fri. 6 November 2026 — Sun. 15 November 2026

A biennial festival of new ideas. Bringing together the city's creative community and its academic minds through exhibitions, talks, screenings, performances and more.

Northern Lights: A Journey Through Nordic Music

Fri. 27 November 2026

Crucible Theatre

Join a panel of musicians and experts who will shine a light on some of the composers and music featuring across Northern Lights, Music in the Round's weekend of elemental music from the frozen north.

Alpaca Festival

Thu. 6 May 2027 — Sun. 9 May 2027

A festival on algorithmic pattern-making in anything from heritage crafts to tech. With an algorave, a concert with pattern-based instrumental music, talks and workshops around patterns in juggling, textiles, music and more.

Online Talk: Jyll Bradley In Conversation with Ben Harman

Wed. 25 November 2026

In this insightful and thought-provoking conversation, British artist Jyll Bradley will join Ben Harman, Senior Curator of Photography at the National Galleries of Scotland, to talk about her extensive body of photographic work.