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

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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Slime Mother

Fri. 3 October 2025 — Sun. 1 February 2026

Site Gallery

An immersive, multi-sensory exhibition by artist and writer Abi Palmer. With film, text, sculpture and installation, inviting us to be more slug-like – to slow down, merge and connect – embracing the resilient strangeness of this complex gastropod.

Arts Catalyst

A visual arts organisation reimagining how we relate to the the world around us. Sparking conversation and creative responses to climate change, and building a communal sense of place through collaboration.

Children's Media Conference

Tue. 7 July 2026 — Thu. 9 July 2026

Showroom

The UK’s premier event for everyone in kids TV, media and entertainment. With a free exhibition, Playground, bringing together interactive digital art and maker activities for children to play with.

Sheffield Heritage Open Days

Fri. 11 September 2026 — Sun. 20 September 2026

Ten days to explore heritage treasures across the city.