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

Migration Matters 2024, photo by Smart Banda

In 2007 Sheffield became the UK’s first City of Sanctuary – a place that welcomes asylum-seekers and refugees, that offers a hand to people in need of safety. Held around Refugee Week each June, Migration Matters Festival is a celebration of diversity and the positive impact migration and refugees have in Sheffield.

The festival launched in 2016, the year of the Brexit referendum and Syrian refugee crisis. Each year the Migration Matters programme brings communities together over fantastic, globe-spanning variety of theatre, music, dance, workshops, exhibitions, and more.

Come back soon for dates and details of Migration Matters 2026.

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Sheffield DocFest

Wed. 10 June 2026 — Mon. 15 June 2026

Showroom

The world of documentary film descends on Sheffield each June. With fascinating factual films, innovative storytelling exhibitions and inspiring talks. Come back soon for our guide to the 2026 festival.

Far Gone

Wed. 17 September 2025 — Sat. 20 September 2025

Playhouse

Follow Okumu on his journey from innocent boy to child soldier in this gripping, physical one-man play. Written and performed by John Rwothomack. Read our review from the play's 2019 premiere ahead of its return in 2025.

The House Skate Park

On the front of the skate park in Kelham Island, this piece is more structural than figurative – all piping, cogs and wrenches. It features in our top 5 murals by street artist Phlegm.

Andy Cropper

Bus stops, tram tracks, alleyways. Andy Cropper takes these ordinary, unremarkable, utilitarian places – the sorts of places we pass every day – and turns them into quietly, almost eerily beautiful oil paintings.