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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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Hillsborough Bookshop

A bookshop with a focus on children’s books, sharing the power of stories and different voices within the Hillsborough community.

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.

Celluloid Screams

Showroom

Sheffield’s horror film festival returns every October – getting you spooked just in time for Halloween. Come back closer to the time for details of Celluloid Screams 2026.

Ruby Robinson

A South Yorks poet, whose candid, vulnerable and vigilant work will leave you open-mouthed.