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

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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Sat. 21 February 2026 — Sun. 22 February 2026

Peace Gardens, 50 Pinstone Street, S1 2HH

Welcome in the Year of the Horse in Sheffield with a festival extravaganza in the Peace Gardens. Come back closer to the time for details of the 2026 event.

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SteelYard Kelham, The Yard, Bardwell Road, Neepsend, S3 8AS

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