Migration Matters Festival

Otis Mensah at Migration Matters 2019

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.

See our guide to 2024 Migration Matters programme highlights.

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99 Mary Street

Along the cobbles of Mary Street you’ll find this gallery and event space run by design studio DED Associates. DED occasionally transform part of their studio into The Viewing Room, hosting pop art exhibitions. Look out for upcoming events.

Rae de Soleil

A firm fixture on Sheffield's poetry scene, weaving the ills of society and its oppression within each word and unravelling the personal-political.

Kelham Makes: Jesmonite Jewellery

Sun. 23 February 2025

Kelham Island Museum

Create your own jesmonite jewellery including handmade beads, necklaces, earrings, brooches and more with artist and maker, Kim Searle, using a variety of geometric and recycled moulds.

The Art House

A workshop space and occasional gallery, hidden away off busy Division Street. Try your hand at pottery, life drawing, textiles and watercolour, or join in a 'sip and paint' session over wine.

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