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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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Kafka Fragments - Claire Booth (soprano) & Tamsin Waley-Cohen (violin)

Thu. 21 May 2026

Playhouse

Music in the Round presents Kafka's Fragments: 40 short excerpts from Kafka’s writings, diaries, and letters – often heartfelt and confessional.

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.

Rhyme and Reason

For over two decades this colourful, charming shop has specialised in books for children. In recent years it’s expanded into a place where adults too can treat themselves to a new read.

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.