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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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Beth Davies

"Everybody’s life is worthy of poetry." The Sheffield Poet Laureate for 2024–2026 talks to us about creative community, accessibility in poetry, and the potential for inspiration in everything.

Thomas Stearn – Where Light is a Thought

Thu. 23 April 2026

Upper Chapel, Norfolk Street, S1 2JD

The premiere of a new song cycle from Thomas Stearn, set around five poems by Katharine Towers telling the story of a lone figure who walks from darkness into light. Alongside a composition by Anna Appleby.

Migration Matters Festival

A celebration of culture, compassion, and the positive impact migration and refugees have in Sheffield. Held on and around Refugee Week each June – come back soon for details of Migration Matters 2026.

Désirée Reynolds

The writer – and DJ, journalist and mentor – talks to Annalisa Toccara about being inspired by ordinariness, making space for change, and curating the Black Women Write Now strand at Off the Shelf Festival 2020.