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

Off the Shelf

Photos from Off the Shelf 2022

Autumn in Sheffield is pretty much synonymous with literary delights, as Off the Shelf festival of books, words and ideas returns to the city. The festival hosts a programme packed with talks and readings from world renowned authors and poets, famous folk off the telly, and a few knowledgable locals.

Each year, the festival absorbs audiences in topics ranging from pop music to politics, fine art to feminism.

Come back soon for dates and our highlights among the writer talks, workshops and events in the 2026 programme.

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The Actors Works Performance Skills Class – Poetry

Sat. 20 June 2026

Zag Yoga, Unit 14, Harland Works, 70 John St, S2 4QU

Play with different approaches to performing together with others.

Higher Fields Festival

Sat. 27 June 2026

Randall Street, S2

An outdoor grassroots music festival championing the city's DIY music spirit, new for 2026. Bringing together musicians, crews and communities from South Yorks and beyond – including Gut Level, Hatch, Delicious Clam, Kitchen Radio and Groundwork.

La Biblioteka

An escape hatch into the universe of the written word, La Biblioteka is filled with the most interesting, beautiful, obscure and inspiring publications to fill your magazine racks and bookcases.

Open Works

Mon. 28 September 2026 — Sat. 10 October 2026

Playhouse

A theatre festival dedicated to fresh perspectives and powerful stories, bringing unheard stories to the stage. Apply now to be part of it.