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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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Orchestra Baobab

Mon. 12 October 2026

The Octagon

An institution of African music, led by Nick Gold of Buena Vista Social Club. More than 50 years on from their formation, the group’s mix of Afro-Cuban rhythms, Wolof griot traditions, mbalax, Congolese rumba and jazz, sounds as fresh as ever.

The Misses Vickers

When he painted this piece in 1886, John Singer Sargent said: "I am to paint several portraits in the country and three ugly women at Sheffield, dingy hole." Nevertheless, it's one of our Jane's top 3 Sheffield artworks.

Jazz Voyage: Julian Joseph

Fri. 18 September 2026

Crucible Theatre

Jazz polymath Julian Joseph is acclaimed by critics and audiences the world over. He returns to Sheffield with Music in the Round to promote his first studio album in 29 years. 

Leviticus

Thu. 3 September 2026 — Thu. 10 September 2026

In a small town, two teen boys form a relationship that puts them at odds with their neighbours. They now face a violent entity that takes the form of the person they desire most – each other. A refreshingly original, queer supernatural horror.