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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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Classical Weekend

Fri. 12 March 2027 — Sun. 14 March 2027

Classical Weekend returns in 2027. The biennial festival is one big celebration of classical music – in all manner of forms, in all kinds of places.

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.

Higher Fields Festival

Sat. 27 June 2026

Randall Street, S2

An outdoor grassroots music festival championing the city's DIY music spirit, new for 2026. Bringing together musicians, crews and communities from South Yorks and beyond – including Gut Level, Hatch, Delicious Clam, Kitchen Radio and Groundwork.

Open Works

Mon. 28 September 2026 — Sat. 10 October 2026

Playhouse

A theatre festival dedicated to fresh perspectives and powerful stories, bringing unheard stories to the stage. Apply now to be part of it.