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

Festival of the Mind

Amazing work goes on behind university walls. New ideas constantly bounce from one laboratory or seminar room to the next. With a little help from Sheffield's creative community, that work and those ideas are let loose in the city throughout the Festival of the Mind.

Every other autumn, academic and creative minds from Sheffield come together to host exhibitions, talks, screenings, performances and more, in venues across the city. Past editions of Festival of the Mind have also brought to town a Spiegeltent, a glorious 18th century structure that's acted as the festival's hub.

Come back soon to find out what's in store for the next Festival of the Mind in autumn 2026.

In the meantime, keep an eye on the festival's Facebook page for updates.

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Emergence Collective

A quietly radical musical force based entirely around improvisation. Ahead of their album launch, they reflect on the ideas that bond their roughly 40 musicians, and how Sheffield has inspired them along the way.

Sheffield Indie Book Festival

Sat. 25 April 2026 — Sun. 26 April 2026

New for 26. Celebrating stories, and the shops and publishers who keep them alive. From La Biblioteka, Juno Books, Hillsborough Bookshop, Novel, Graphic Novel Reading Room, Rhyme & Reason, Kelham Island Books & Music, Next Chapter, & Porter Bookshop.

Sheffield Adventure Film Festival

Fri. 20 March 2026 — Sun. 22 March 2026

Enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your seat. With some of the best new adventure films from around the world plus a spotlight on locally-made films. Come back soon for details of ShAFF 2026.

Firth Hall

With its high vaulted ceiling, large leaded windows and oak panelling, this Edwardian hall lends itself perfectly to the classical setting. Its concerts range from talented student orchestras to more experimental contemporary compositions.