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

It's a Wonderful Life

It might be hard to believe, but It’s a Wonderful Life has officially been dazzling us for 77 Christmases. Released in 1946, this black and white iconic film is the heart-warming treat you need on a chilly December night. Rather un-festively, the film opens with a Christmas eve suicide attempt as George Bailey (James Stewart) decides to sack it all in. He is rescued by an unsuspecting, elderly angel Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers) who shows him what Bedford Falls would look like had he not existed. It slowly dawns on George that his life has not been without purpose and the film ends on a much jollier note.

Book now:
Showroom / The Light

The Light is also screening the film with mulled wine and mince pies on Christmas Eve.

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The Working Class Film Festival

Fri. 8 May 2026 — Sun. 10 May 2026

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The Showroom's inaugural festival dedicate to films of all types from producers, directors and writers that hail from a working class background.

Celluloid Screams

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Sheffield’s horror film festival returns every October – getting you spooked just in time for Halloween. Come back closer to the time for details of Celluloid Screams 2026.

Plantation

Fri. 20 February 2026 — Sun. 17 May 2026

Site Gallery

"A necessary reminder of just how much Britain depends on love and labour from immigrants, and a warning of the dangers of exploitation and extraction – everywhere." Read more in our review of Rehana Zaman's exhibition, by Wemmy Ogunyankin.

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.