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

Off the Shelf

Photos from Off the Shelf 2022

Autumn in Sheffield is pretty much synonymous with literary delights, as Off the Shelf festival of books, words and ideas returns to the city. The festival 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.

Come back soon for dates and our highlights among the writer talks, workshops and events in the 2026 programme.

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Tramlines

Fri. 24 July 2026 — Sun. 26 July 2026

Hillsborough Park

A three-day summertime celebration of music. Come back soon for details of Tramlines 2026 – earlybird tickets on sale now.

Funny Onion

Thu. 15 January 2026

The Lescar

A poetry vegetable extravaganza with plant-based performance poet John Hobson.

Chance To Dance

One big, free day of music and movement in four outdoor stages around the city centre. With over 30 dance groups performing and lots of chances to join in. Held each July – come back soon for details of Chance to Dance 2026.

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.