Hear about the incredible Dig Where You Stand project, exploring overlooked stories of marginalised people in local archives. Women of colour will share their experience of exploring the archives and their creative responses to stories they found.
Migration Matters
In 2007 Sheffield became the UK’s first City of Sanctuary – a place that welcomes and offers safety to asylum-seekers and refugees. It's fitting, then, that the city is home to the UK's biggest Refugee Week festival: Migration Matters.
The arts festival celebrates the positive impact that migration and refugees have on Sheffield and beyond.
The tenth edition of Migration Matters takes place 20–28 June 2025.
Headliners are electronic legends Asian Dub Foundation and Mercury Prize-nominated singer songwriter Nadine Shah. The packed festival will end with an epic closing party featuring Tanzanian musical dynasty The Zawose Queens.
Many events are free. For others, ticket options range from free (on request) to lower price, general, and solidarity (for those wanting to pay it forward). Passes are available, giving you entry to as many events as you like.
See below for our highlights for Migration Matters 2025. And see the full programme for lots more.
Fabric of the World
Thu. 26 June 2025
Leah's Yard, 22 Cambridge Street, S1 4HP
An alternative, immersive catwalk on the Leah's Yard cobbles. Presented by the international young adult theatre group Soap Box Collective – from Stand & Be Counted theatre company – joining forces with fashion designer-activist Kazna Asker.
Two Plant Gaysians
Thu. 26 June 2025
Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse
Artist couple Ghost and John live a beautiful life in London, nurturing hundreds of houseplants. This performance weaves ephemera of their home and their green babies, across a narrative of displacement and the urge of all life to flourish.
We've Got Food At Home! Zine Fest
Sat. 28 June 2025
Soft Ground
Zine stalls, a pop-up zine library and all-day drop-in workshop, celebrating global cuisines. From Over Here Zine Fest, who showcase Global Majority makers, artists, writers and activists, plus artist Seleena Laverne Daye and writer Dal Kular.
Mini MigMat
Sat. 28 June 2025
The Montgomery
Mini Migration Matters Festival returns to The Montgomery – a Saturday dedicated to children and young people. With fun creative workshops in football shirt customisation and fashion design, plus an explorative stay-and-play group. All for free.
In the Cut
Sat. 28 June 2025
Venue TBC
A pop-up barbershop spotlighting Black men’s mental health. Offering free cuts and styles in return for your stories, insights and conversations on Black healing. Presented by community organisation Groundation. Come back soon for venue details.