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...

Helen Mort

A poet with one foot in Sheffield and another in Derbyshire, who finds inspiration at the top of hills, in ghost stories, pubs, friendship, the aftertaste of whisky, the miners' strike, and in lost love.

No Bounds

Fri. 9 October 2026 — Sun. 11 October 2026

A weekend of bleeps, beats and sweaty grins – bringing together music, visual art and technology. Come back soon for details of No Bounds 2026 – earlybird tickets on sale now.

Migration Matters Festival

Fri. 19 June 2026 — Sat. 27 June 2026

An arts festival celebrating sanctuary in Sheffield, held around Refugee Week. 2026's lineup includes afrobeats artist Fuse ODG, comedian Desiree Burch, Afghan footballer Khalida Popal, Afro-Brazilian dance, a Windrush Day listening session and more.

Kelham Island Books and Music

A secondhand book and vinyl shop with a well-curated selection of local history, fantasy, crime thrillers, walking guides, and folk recordings.