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

Accept and Close

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.

You might also like...

Robin’s Nest

A friendly haven for those new to the world of comics and graphic novels, focused on including underrepresented characters and creators.

No Bounds

Fri. 9 October 2026 — Sun. 11 October 2026

A weekend of bleeps, beats and sweaty grins – exploring the relationship between music, art, technology and place. The 2026 lineup includes: Mark Fell, Blawan, Oppidan, The Black Dog and lots more.

The Other Festival

Fri. 24 July 2026 — Sun. 26 July 2026

Sidney & Matilda

Sidney & Matilda may take the cake for the most stacked lineup of the fringe with over 50 acts across three days (won’t somebody think of the sound guy!). Including country-dream-pop, new-wave electronica combined with general hilarity, and lots more.

Float Along Festival

Sat. 26 September 2026

Float Along music festival returns to Sheffield city centre to do it all again for the fifth year running. The lineup so far includes: White Lies, Sprints, Warmduscher, Opus Kink, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Nuha Ruby Ra, Gia Ford and more.