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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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Children's Media Conference

Tue. 7 July 2026 — Thu. 9 July 2026

Showroom

The UK’s premier event for everyone in kids TV, media and entertainment. With a free exhibition, Playground, bringing together interactive digital art and maker activities for children to play with.

Graves Park Food Festival

Sat. 29 August 2026 — Mon. 31 August 2026

Graves Park, Hemsworth Road, S8 8LJ

A family-friendly celebration of international food, independent drink, live music, arts and charity – all taking place in the biggest park in Sheffield. Expect stalls, bars, chef demos, children's entertainment and lots more.

Porter Book Shop

A chalkboard out front invites “stuff fans” into this small but stacked secondhand bookshop on the independent high street of Sharrow Vale Road.

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.