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

Off the Shelf

Fri. 10 October 2025 — Mon. 10 November 2025

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 our highlights from the writer talks, workshops and events in the 2025 programme.

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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.

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.

Sounds About Write with Sally O'Reilly plus Open Mic

Thu. 20 November 2025

Sheffield Plate, Orchard Square, S1 2FB

A conversation with Sheffield-based author Sally O'Reilly about her new novel, Hagtale: A Macbeth Origin Story. plus open mic for local writers.

Crossed Wires Festival

Thu. 2 July 2026 — Sun. 5 July 2026

Bringing some of the UK's top names in podcasting from your headphones to the stage for one weekend. Come back soon for details of Crossed Wires 2026.