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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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War of the Worlds

Wed. 4 February 2026

Drama Studio

Step into the heart of one of the most iconic sci-fi stories ever written as H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds is reimagined in a gripping solo performance by Gav Cross.

Love to be… Inner City Festival

Sun. 24 May 2026

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

An all-day fest from Sheffield’s legendary house music brand.
Taking over a container park with house music icons, local talent, street food and more. Headliners: Roger Sanchez, David Penn, Low Steppa, The Shapeshifters, Trimtone and Carly Wilford.

Change the Word Collective

A collective of new poets from around the world – DRC, Ethiopia, Guyana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Pakistan, Sudan, UK – who have now made Sheffield their homes. Making connections to one another and to the city, through poetry.

The Fringe at Tramlines

Fri. 24 July 2026 — Sun. 26 July 2026

Devonshire Green, 158 Devonshire Street, S1 4GT

Home to the official Tramlines Fringe, the Devonshire Green stage showcases an array of local talent over the festival weekend, all for free. On top of that, expect official and unofficial fringe events to pop up in bars and venues all over the city.