This website uses cookies. Read more about our cookie/privacy policy.

Accept and Close

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

Photos from Off the Shelf 2022

Autumn in Sheffield is pretty much synonymous with literary delights, as Off the Shelf Festival of Words hosts a programme packed with talks and readings from world renowned authors and poets, famous folk off the telly, and a few knowledgable locals.

Each year, the festival absorbs audiences in topics ranging from pop music to politics, fine art to feminism.

Look out for our top picks from the 2025 Off the Shelf programme in the coming months.

You might also like...

Family-Friendly Fan Fiction Writing Workshop with Sile Sibanda

Wed. 27 August 2025

Site Gallery

If you were in control of your favourite characters, what adventures would they get up to? Delve into fandom as you tell our own stories through your favourite fictional characters, inspired by the Fake Fans exhibition.

Beth Davies

"Everybody’s life is worthy of poetry." The Sheffield Poet Laureate for 2024–2026 talks to us about creative community, accessibility in poetry, and the potential for inspiration in everything.

Akeem Balogun

Writer Akeem Balogun talks to Annalisa Toccara about his short story collection about human survival, and why he co-founded independent publishing company Okapi Books.

Celluloid Screams

Thu. 23 October 2025 — Sun. 26 October 2025

Showroom

Sheffield’s horror film festival returns for its 17th year in 2025. Getting you spooked just in time for Halloween.