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

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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Bloc Projects

An essential part of Sheffield's contemporary art landscape for nearly twenty years.

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.

Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 25

Sat. 21 February 2026 — Sun. 10 May 2026

Millennium Gallery

A showcase of work by talented early career photographers, gifted amateurs and established professionals in the very best of contemporary photography.

Chim'Di

A Nigerian artist based in Sheffield, who creates abstract Afro-centric and Afro-futuristic paintings. Here she talks about the importance of authenticity, family and community to her creativity.