Sheffield’s place in the history and development of electronic music is already well established – from the early experiments of Cabaret Voltaire and the Human League’s creation of synth-pop, through Warp and Forgemasters bastardising techno into a whole new world, before Niche kickstarted heavy 00s party vibes.
No Bounds builds on this lineage and culture to bring a weekend of bleeps, beats and sweaty grins to this industrial city we call home.
Since starting out in 2017, the festival has been refreshingly multidisciplinary in its approach, bringing together forward-thinking music, visual art, poetry, panel discussions and workshops.
No Bounds Festival 2025: Grit & Graft will take place 10–12th October across multiple venues in Sheffield and Rotherham.
The lineup features Interplanetary Criminal, Factory Floor (Live), Paga Nugs, The Black Dog, Mark Fell, Beatrice Dillon, Rashad Becker & Bint Mbareh, Tash LC, and many more.
Our highlights:
More Tales from a Hard City
10–25 October, Old Post Hall, 10am–4pm, free
Journey inside a cult 1993 documentary at this exhibition in Hallam Uni's Old Post Hall gallery. Tales from a Hard City tells the story of four chancers and dreamers battling to re-invent themselves in Sheffield in the late 90s, as the city reels from the collapse of industry. Directed by Kim Flitcroft, the film showed in cinemas and on Channel 4, gaining super fans including Jarvis Cocker, the Chemical Brothers, Patsy Palmer (Bianca from Eastenders) and more. Curated by the film’s producer, Sheffield born Alex Usborne, this exhibition features never-seen-before photography from legendary local lensman Bill Stephenson, archive footage, and screenings of the film plus earlier boxing film Johnny Fantastic.
oram/100
11 October, Gut Level, from 2:30pm
In celebration of electronic sound pioneer Daphne Oram's centenary, Key of She and Ableton present an experimental workshop to improvise, play and explore with sampling, synthesisers and electronics. Facilitated by composer and sound artist Maeve Devine AKA Quieting and multidisciplinary sound artist and performer Lou Barnell. Workshop open to women, non-binary, gender expansive communities, and LGBTQIA+ people aged 18+. Followed by a social and after party. Gut Level membership is required for all.
Workshop: 2:30-5.30pm, £7–12 – book now
Orams Social: 7-9 pm, free entry
The Beatriarchy DJs: 10pm-2am, included in No Bounds pass / after party ticket – book now
Sounds from the Ground: Bint Mbareh / Rashad Becker
11 October, GMill (SADACCA), £10-£15 – book now
Join Arts Catalyst for an evening of experimental electronic soundscapes, immersive listening and vocal kinship. Bint Mbareh's performance features non-musical improvisation and communal vocalising, taking the form of a choir of whoever's present. Contemporary electronic musician Rashad Becker is known for his building intricate, layered soundscapes.
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