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

Amazing work goes on behind university walls. New ideas constantly bounce from one laboratory or seminar room to the next. With a little help from Sheffield's creative community, that work and those ideas are let loose in the city throughout the Festival of the Mind.

Every other autumn, academic and creative minds from Sheffield come together to host exhibitions, talks, screenings, performances and more, in venues across the city. Past editions of Festival of the Mind have also brought to town a Spiegeltent, a glorious 18th century structure that's acted as the festival's hub.

Come back soon to find out what's in store for the next Festival of the Mind in autumn 2026.

In the meantime, keep an eye on the festival's Facebook page for updates.

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Festival of Debate

Get informed, inspired and filled with ideas for positive change. With talks on big social, political, environmental and economic issues. The festival is taking a break in 2026 – come back for details of the 2027 event.

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.

E.D.E.N. Film Club

Multiple dates

A monthly online space for LGBTQIA+ filmmakers to form connections, support each other, collaborate and learn. Open to all filmmakers – from no experience to professionals. Run by Frit Tam and Claire Watkinson, hosted by E.D.E.N Film Productions.

Unherd Jam Night

Multiple dates

Mary St Live, 95 Mary Street, S1 4RT

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