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

Migration Matters Festival

Migration Matters 2024, photo by Smart Banda

In 2007 Sheffield became the UK’s first City of Sanctuary – a place that welcomes asylum-seekers and refugees, that offers a hand to people in need of safety. Held around Refugee Week each June, Migration Matters Festival is a celebration of diversity and the positive impact migration and refugees have in Sheffield.

The festival launched in 2016, the year of the Brexit referendum and Syrian refugee crisis. Each year the Migration Matters programme brings communities together over fantastic, globe-spanning variety of theatre, music, dance, workshops, exhibitions, and more.

Come back soon for dates and details of Migration Matters 2026.

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Society of Explorers

A curious, enthusiastic and creative collective of 14-to-19-year-olds, chatting, making and curating art from their Site Gallery base.

Steel City Beer & Cider Festival

Kelham Island Museum

Sheffield CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) know a thing or two about good beer, cider and perry. Join them for their 50th edition in 2026 – dates and details to be confirmed.

Theatre Deli

Theatre Deli turn disused spaces into experimental arts venues and creative hubs. In an old Mothercare, their northern outpost has been taken to heart by Sheffield's communities of writers and performers.

Open Studios & Christmas Market

Sat. 29 November 2025

Portland Works

Meet some of the makers based in historic Portland Works and buy directly from them. With art, ceramics, glass, woodwork, print, jewellery and more.