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

Crossed Wires Festival

Fri. 4 July 2025 — Sun. 6 July 2025

Ticket prices vary

Sheffield's Crossed Wires Festival brings some of the UK's top names in podcasting from your headphones to the stage for one weekend.

Following its launch event in 2024, the festival returns in July 2025.

Expect another incredible lineup of podcasting talent across comedy, current affairs, culture and more. Plus food pop-ups, after parties and fringe events.

So far, the 2025 programme includes matchmaking icon Paul C. Brunson’s We Need to Talk, cricket legend Jimmy Anderson’s Tailender’s to broadcasting powerhouses Nick Grimshaw’s Dish, comedy podcast Drunk Women Solving Crime, and more.

BBC Sounds Fringe

For 2025’s Crossed Wires, BBC Sounds will be joining in the audio fun, hosting the BBC Sounds Fringe programme of events in the old John Lewis building (open 11am–10pm).

Among their FREE lineup is: Gardeners' Question Time, the Shipping Forecast, Football Daily, Newscast, Rewinder with Greg James, Radio 2 Book Club with Sara Cox, One Person Found This Helpful with Frank Skinner, Indie Forever and Unwind Your Mind – book in advance.

There'll also be a bar, food stalls and relaxed open-air listening on deck chairs and bean bags in the garden in Barker’s Pool out front (BBC Sounds Garden open 11am–6pm).

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Sheffield Home of Football Guided Walks

Multiple dates

Take a fascinating stroll around Sheffield city centre, as you explore the stories of how the modern game of football emerged in Sheffield and the early pioneers of the global game.

Chance To Dance

Sat. 19 July 2025

One big, free day of music and movement in four outdoor stages around the city centre. With over 30 dance groups performing and lots of chances to join in.

Children's Media Conference

Tue. 8 July 2025 — Thu. 10 July 2025

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The UK’s premier event for everyone in kids TV, media and entertainment. With a free exhibition, Playground, bringing together interactive digital art and maker activities for children to play with.

Portland Works Open Day

Sat. 19 July 2025

Portland Works

A 19th-century cutlery factory turned home to artists, craftspeople and small businesses. Explore this fascinating birthplace of stainless steel cutlery at its annual Open Day. With open studios, tours, workshops, demos, live music and stalls.