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

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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Feldman & Beckett: Words & Music - Claire Booth & Ensemble 360

Mon. 18 May 2026

Playhouse

Originally written as a radio play by Morton Feldman and Samuel Beckett, Words & Music presents a cryptic trialogue between the ailing master Croak and his two servants, Words (played by an actor) and Music (represented by the score).

Powerlines

Sat. 18 July 2026

Crookes Social Club, Mulehouse Road, S10 1TD

An independent metal festival by the fans, for the fans – back for a second year. Showcasing a lineup of local homegrown artists and national acts, open to all ages and types of metalheads. Lineup to be announced.

Sheffield Chamber Music Festival

Fri. 15 May 2026 — Sat. 23 May 2026

Playhouse

Nine days of intimate and inviting classical music performances for all ages. The 2026 event includes a performance of collaborative work by Morton Feldman and Samuel Beckett, an opera for children, a day of music and walking in the Peaks, and more.

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover: Publication Launch with Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad

Thu. 29 January 2026

City of Sanctuary Sheffield, 37-39 Chapel Walk, S1 2PD

Join Arts Catalyst for a celebration of Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover, a new publication by artist Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad. Developed with over 40 refugees and asylum seekers, the book centres on belonging, safety, rootedness and language.