This website uses cookies. Read more about our cookie/privacy policy.

Accept and Close

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

Edward Carpenter's socialist song ‘England, Arise!’

Edward Carpenter was a true Sheffield pioneer. He was a socialist, vegetarian and activist who campaigned for women’s rights, animal rights and environmental causes. He lived openly as a gay man with his partner, George Merrill, on the outskirts of Sheffield, and his activism and influential writings laid the foundation for the gay liberation movement of the 20th century. To celebrate Edward Carpenter’s 175th birthday in 2019, the Friends of Edward Carpenter and Museums Sheffield worked together on a series of new displays and events paying tribute to his achievements – including this performance below at Millennium Gallery by the Woodhouse Prize Brass Band of Carpenter's socialist hymn ‘England, Arise!’ The Woodhouse Prize Band, based in Sheffield, was founded in 1853, and is one of the oldest surviving brass bands in the country in continuous existence.

You might also like...

Bungalows and Bears

A fire station turned roomy bar, specialising in lively gigs and DJ nights.

Birds & Bagatelles

Wed. 22 January 2025

Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse

Playful music for wind quintet, promising to transport you to an English meadow, the Danish countryside, and a sultry New York summer.

The Washington

An important venue for Sheffield’s grassroots music scene, hosting sweaty gigs in its side room since the 70s. The pub was a notorious hangout for The Human League and Pulp – the latter's drummer Nick Banks even enjoyed a brief stint as its landlord.

Call Me Dusty

Sun. 23 February 2025

The Montgomery

A play with music, telling the story of the definitive pop diva, Dusty Springfield.