Festivals

Large outdoor festival crowd gathered near a big red-and-white striped tent, with colourful flags and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky. Large outdoor festival crowd gathered near a big red-and-white striped tent, with colourful flags and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

There are also so many incredible festivals that go on in the city, from mass public participation to specialist themes that have global impact and appeal. It would be a long list to include them all, but here are some of the most well-known and unique - all of which display a strong local twist.

Summer in the Outdoor City 2021

Summer 2021 saw our biggest season of events yet, with outdoor activities combining seamlessly with cultural events and music festivals. Watch this video to get a snapshot of what goes on over summer in Sheffield - and see you for the 2022 edition...

Film, Literature & Debate

Two people seated on stage during a discussion at Sheffield DocFest, with microphones on stands and a small wooden table between them. A large screen behind displays the event name and year. Bold yellow text on a dark blue background reading ‘Festival of Debate’ in a modern, geometric font. Audience seated in a large hall with high ceilings and blue curtains, watching two speakers on stage during an ‘Off the Shelf’ literary event. A large screen behind the speakers displays event details.

DocFest

The internationally renowned documentary festival is a creative space for discovery, collaboration and inspiration. Each year the programme champions and pushes forward new talent, ideas and interaction for the future of the industry.

DocFest

Festival of Debate

The UK's largest annual politic festival

Festival of Debate

Off the Shelf

The 'Festival of Words' is is one of the largest and most accessible literary festivals in the UK, bringing the biggest names in literature and the arts to Sheffield every year. The festival also has a long tradition of commissioning new poetry to be displayed in very prominent city locations, usually on buildings. This has led to work by Jarvis Cocker, Andrew Motion, Benjamin Zephaniah, Carol Ann Duffy, Bureleigh Doherty, and Roger McGough featuring in public places throughout the city, bringing culture, architecture and public realm into one setting.

Off the Shelf

Music festivals

A close-up of a glass panel with the words “NO BOUNDS” displayed in large white letters, accompanied by a circular pattern of small characters radiating outward. The design appears artistic and modern, with warm orange reflections and purple bokeh lights in the background. The bottom of the panel includes smaller text mentioning “The Dorothy Pax Presents,” suggesting an event or promotional poster. A performer on stage holding a microphone and gesturing with one hand, standing behind a DJ-style setup with equipment. The background features a large illuminated graphic with bold text reading “GET TOGETHER” in a comic-style burst design. The stage is lit with vibrant blue and purple lighting, and drum kits and microphone stands are visible behind the performer, creating a lively concert atmosphere. Two people taking a selfie in front of a large yellow and orange sign that reads “TRAMLINES” in bold gray letters. The scene is set at an outdoor festival with grass underfoot, picnic tables, and groups of people sitting and walking in the background. Food stalls and trees are visible further back, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere. A person standing on a rocky hilltop at sunrise, holding a brass instrument while looking toward the horizon. The sky is filled with vibrant shades of pink, orange, and purple, casting a soft glow over the rolling hills in the distance. In the foreground, a circular stone structure sits on the ground, adding texture to the natural landscape.

No Bounds

The best in electronic music combined with immersive art installations and sensory experiences. Just take a look at what The Guardian had to say about their 2022 festival.

Get Together

Booking the best in emerging talent, this day long festival can't be beaten for value and vibe. This is the place to be to tell everyone that you heard them first.

Tramlines

One of the most well known day festivals in the UK, held in Hillsborough Park just outside the city centre. A proper Sheffield-made story, this festival does so much for local organisations too.

Chamber Music Festival

The city's very own Music in the Round have pioneered this festival showcasing incredible talents in the classical and modern classical genres. If you thought this sort of thing wasn't for you, try this and think again...

Celebrating the Outdoor City

ShAFF

The Sheffield Adventure Film Festival celebrates the best new adventure films from around the world with an annual festival and a schedule of year-round events.

Outdoor screening area with people seated on deck chairs and folding chairs in front of a large screen, surrounded by greenery and modern buildings.

Festival of the Outdoors

A month-long schedule of events and activities kick off 'outdoor season' every March, celebrating Sheffield's many vibrant outdoor communities

Three people bouldering in the peak district.

Multi-discipline

Two abstract bust sculptures side by side on a neutral background. The left sculpture has smooth, layered contours with clusters of green foliage integrated into its form. The right sculpture features a wireframe structure filled with moss-like textures and small trees, creating an organic, nature-inspired design. Promotional graphic for Film + Music: Film, Archive + Music Lab, dated 28 Feb—5 March 2022. The design features a glowing, multicolored circular waveform on a black background, with logos of supporting organizations including British Council, Sensoria, BFI, and Arts Council England along the bottom.

Festival of the Mind

A bi-annual celebration of the University of Sheffield's world-class research, showcasing collaborative projects produced by academics from the University and artistic talent from Sheffield’s creative industries

Festival of the Mind

Sensoria

A film and music festival with innovation at its core that's hard to put into one box. Pioneering new locations and venues around the city for performance. It is informal and informative; loves to provide access, raise aspiration and work to encourage new talent.

Sensoria
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