When it opened in 2018, Sidney & Matilda was a welcome addition to Sheffield’s vibrant music and arts scene, located in a prime spot on the edge of the Cultural Industries Quarter.
Artist, curator, producer and general entrepreneur Al Daw founded the independent venue in a former paper factory. The idea to set up a space here in Sheffield came off the back of his past experience with self-initiated projects across various sites in London, along with his fascination in Sheffield’s dormant industrial buildings.
Sidney & Matilda challenges some of the traditional hierarchical models that exist in the art and music worlds. A key way that the space achieves this is that it functions as a bar, gig venue, comedy club, sociable courtyard and occasional gallery, opening itself up to a multitude of people and encouraging an unpretentious experience.
Sidney & Matilda has made quite the impact on this corner of the city centre, with something happening on most nights of the week. The venue has evolved since opening, with the main bar and outdoor yard now joined by a basement gig venue, as well as a more intimate gig and event room, and the recently opened spacious back room. With its exciting What's On calendar of gigs, resident DJs, club nights and the occasional film screening or exhibition, it's the perfect hangout for culture vultures from across South Yorkshire.
- Words by
- David McLeavy
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- 20 Sheffield music venue highlights
