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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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Kedisha Coakley

Inspired by African and Caribbean cultures, artist Kedisha Coakley invites people on a mesmerising journey of childhood memories, cultural symbols and spiritual iconography.

The Montgomery

Named after 19th-century hymn writer James Montgomery, "the Monty" still retains a Christian ethos, whilst also putting on a theatre programme aimed at "inspiring Sheffield's generations to wonder".

Ukrainian Christmas Market

Sat. 13 December 2025

Millennium Gallery

Celebrate a Ukrainian Christmas with folk songs, handmade gifts, authentic food and more.

Future Now Festival of Creativity

Wed. 1 April 2026 — Fri. 31 July 2026

An annual showcase of work by Sheffield Hallam University’s graduating artists, designers, filmmakers, animators, writers, architects and performers.