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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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Exhibition on Screen: Caravaggio

Tue. 11 November 2025 — Wed. 31 December 2025

Showroom

The most extensive film ever made about one of the greatest artists of all time. Featuring masterpiece after masterpiece and with first-hand testimony from the artist himself on the eve of his mysterious disappearance.

Spirit of Independence Film Festival

Fri. 25 September 2026 — Sun. 27 September 2026

The Light, The Moor, S1 4PF

A celebration of fiercely independent filmmaking, showcasing raw, bold and passionate films from around the world.

Open Up Sheffield

Multiple dates

Sheffield's annual artists' open studios festival, taking place over two weekends and a bank holiday in May.

Mojisola Kareem-Elufowoju

An artistic director and founder of Utopia Theatre. Working with those underrepresented in the arts and inspiring, engaging and empowering people through African theatre.