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...

Warda Yassin

A British-Somali poet born and raised in Sheffield. Winner of the 2018 New Poets Prize, Warda is dedicated to her craft and encouraging young people to reap the benefits of writing.

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.

Festival of the Mind

A biennial festival of new ideas. Bringing together the city's creative community and its academic minds through exhibitions, talks, screenings, performances and more. Stay tuned for dates and details for the next Festival of the Mind in autumn 2026.

Yusuf Yellow

A lyricist reflecting on authenticity, masculinity, existential angst and the power of creativity, especially as expressed through rap.