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

Off the Shelf

Fri. 10 October 2025 — Mon. 10 November 2025

Photos from Off the Shelf 2022

Autumn in Sheffield is pretty much synonymous with literary delights, as Off the Shelf festival of books, words and ideas returns to the city. The festival hosts a programme packed with talks and readings from world renowned authors and poets, famous folk off the telly, and a few knowledgable locals.

Each year, the festival absorbs audiences in topics ranging from pop music to politics, fine art to feminism.

Come back soon for our highlights from the writer talks, workshops and events in the 2025 programme.

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The Starspotter’s Guide – Sheila Kanani

Thu. 23 October 2025

The Auditorium, University of Sheffield Students’ Union, Western Bank, S10 2TG

Planetary physicist, science presenter and educator Sheila Kanani weaves together science and storytelling to explore our infinite night sky. Her new book shares stories about the stars that cultures across the world have told through time.

Désirée Reynolds

The writer – and DJ, journalist and mentor – talks to Annalisa Toccara about being inspired by ordinariness, making space for change, and curating the Black Women Write Now strand at Off the Shelf Festival 2020.

Celebrating Black Writing

Sat. 11 October 2025 — Fri. 17 October 2025

Winter Garden, 90 Surrey Street, S1 2LH

Guest curator Ruth McDonald celebrates the legacies of Black writers whose powerful words have profoundly transformed our world. This free event invites local voices to share a 5 minute reading of works by poets, song writers, authors and rappers.

Crossed Wires Festival

Thu. 2 July 2026 — Sun. 5 July 2026

Bringing some of the UK's top names in podcasting from your headphones to the stage for one weekend. Come back soon for details of Crossed Wires 2026.