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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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Grease + Highway Child Live

Sat. 26 September 2026

Showroom

Join the Showroom as they bring Grease to the big screen, followed by a performance by local rock n roll band Highway Child.

The Leadmill

An iconic music venue. Since it’s early days as a punk hangout, the Leadmill has been a staple of South Yorkshire gig-goers’ diets since 1980. Sadly no longer in its original home – the team are now putting on gigs in venues across the city.

Hope Works

An art space and warehouse venue run by DJ-promoter-producer Liam O'Shea. This "rave zone, techno haven and bass temple" has hosted many famous faces since 2012, becoming one of the north's go-to places to discover the next big thing in dance music.

Spirit of Independence Film Festival

Fri. 25 September 2026 — Sun. 27 September 2026

The Light, The Moor, S1 4PF

A celebration of fiercely independent filmmaking, showcasing raw, bold and passionate films from around the world.