Sheffield’s independent bookshops have come together to create something special…
A weekend made by booksellers, for book lovers.
Taking place for the first time in 2026, Sheffield Indie Book Festival will celebrate stories, and the shops and publishers who keep them alive.
The festival is organised by the folks behind some of the city's much loved booksellers: Graphic Novel Reading Room, Hillsborough Bookshop, Juno Books, La Biblioteka, and Novel.
Just like the bookshops, its speakers showcase the best of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, children’s fiction and graphic novels from publishers large and small.
The event will start on Saturday at La Biblioteka in Leah's Yard in the city centre, where Sheaf Poetry will host an evening of readings.
On Sunday, it'll set up base in two neighbouring Neepsend venues: The Mowbray and The Victoria. There'll be a market-place for local bookshops and indie makers in The Mowbray, 10am–5pm. The Victoria, meanwhile, will host author talks, workshops and signings, with the Graphic Novel Reading Room creating a relaxing reading space upstairs at the Lodge at the Victoria. Food, cocktails and coffee will be available throughout the day in both venues.
Saturday at La Biblioteka:
- Three Sheffield Poets: Helen Mort, Suzannah Evans, Molly Naylor, 6–8pm. All proceeds raising funds for future Sheaf events building (hopefully!) back up to a full festival in the future. Book now – suggested donation up to £7.
