This website uses cookies. Read more about our cookie/privacy policy.

Accept and Close

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.

You might also like...

Open Up Sheffield

Multiple dates

Sheffield's annual artists' open studios festival, taking place over two weekends and a bank holiday in May.

Old Post Hall

Sheffield Hallam's art school gallery shows off students’ work and brings inspiring artists to the city, in a beautifully repurposed old post hall.

Future Now Festival of Creativity

Wed. 1 April 2026 — Fri. 31 July 2026

An annual showcase of work by Sheffield Hallam University’s graduating artists, designers, filmmakers, animators, writers, architects and performers.

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.