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.

You might also like...

Festival of Debate

Get informed, inspired and filled with ideas for positive change. With talks on big social, political, environmental and economic issues. The festival is taking a break in 2026 – come back for details of the 2027 event.

Crucible Theatre

The Crucible is a very modern theatre. Outside, its colourful facade keeps Tudor Square well-lit by night, whilst inside it boasts a polygonal shape and thrust stage. Its programme is well known for seasons dedicated to 20th-century playwrights.

Westhill Lane

Book and record shop Rare and Racy is no longer with us but at least we can enjoy the Phlegm mural round back while it's still standing. The cosmic scene features planets hanging from claw machines and astronomers whose eyes bulge through telescopes.

Love to be… Inner City Festival

Sun. 24 May 2026

SteelYard Kelham, The Yard, Bardwell Road, Neepsend, S3 8AS

An all-day fest from Sheffield’s legendary house music brand.
Taking over a container park with house music icons, local talent, street food and more. Headliners: Roger Sanchez, David Penn, Low Steppa, The Shapeshifters, Trimtone and Carly Wilford.

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