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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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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.

Future Now Festival of Creativity

Wed. 1 April 2026 — Fri. 31 July 2026

An annual showcase of work by Sheffield Hallam University’s graduating artists, designers, filmmakers, animators, writers, architects and performers.

Arts Catalyst

A visual arts organisation reimagining how we relate to the the world around us. Sparking conversation and creative responses to climate change, and building a communal sense of place through collaboration.

Slugs & Slug Life Film Screening

Fri. 12 December 2025

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A double bill of short film Slug Life (2018) followed by horror feature Slugs (1988).