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

Migration Matters Festival

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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Sheffield Food Festival

Sat. 23 May 2026 — Mon. 25 May 2026

Peace Gardens, S1 2HH

Three (hopefully) sunny days of food, food and more food. Come back soon for details of Sheffield Food Festival 2026.

Lantern Theatre

Sheffield's oldest and smallest (and most utterly charming) theatre is tucked away in the leafy suburb of Nether Edge. Go see anything you can here, even if it's just to get a peek inside.

Tom J Newell

One of the most distinctive illustrators in town, with a back catalogue of creepy creatures and writhing skulls.

Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival

Fri. 3 April 2026 — Sun. 5 April 2026

Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival brings pubs around the Kelham Island area to life with a weekend of song. Expect singing sessions, instrumental sessions and workshops. All for free, with donations going to charity.