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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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Kid Acne

If you've spent a decent amount of time in Sheffield, chances are you'll have come across, and come to love, the work of graffiti artist-musician-printmaker Kid Acne in one form or another.

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.

Late: How We Look

Thu. 23 April 2026

Millennium Gallery

See the gallery through fresh eyes and focus on ‘how we look’ during an evening of hands-on philosophy.

Kelham Jazz Festival

Sat. 21 March 2026

A celebration of music through movement and community. Championing Northern grassroots talent, alongside a selection of world-class artists from across the UK. With Luke Una, TC and The Groove Family, Tina Edwards, Matters Unknown, and many more.