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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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The School for Scandal

Wed. 15 April 2026 — Sat. 18 April 2026

Drama Studio

The perennial classic springs to life again. This SUDS (Sheffield University Drama Society) production runs the gamut of Sheridan’s irresistible comic scenarios.

Fronteer Gallery

An artist-run showcase for contemporary art. Fronteer offers space to display, view and buy original artwork in a welcoming environment. Look out for upcoming exhibitions.

Pixiematosis

Thu. 30 April 2026

Lantern Theatre

Puppetry for adults and older children. Everything was perfect in the midnight garden – until the pixies realised they were being exploited by a greedy gardener. With charming puppets, odd automata, mime and occasional strong language.

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.