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Matt Codd and Sophie Walker

Tramlines 2023: It’s More Than Just A Music Festival Tha Knows?

Tramlines and music are synonymous. When you think of Tramlines, you think of music, and when you think of music in Sheffield, Tramlines pops to mind, right? But did you know that there’s so much more to Tramlines Festival than just the music you find on the Main, T'Other, Leadmill and Library stages?


Here’s a whistlestop tour of all the hidden gems you'll find at Tramlines this year.

Comedy @ T’Other Stage – T’Other stage is Tramlines’ second stage, showcasing an eclectic mix of bands, with this year’s offering including Bloc Party, Sugababes and Katy B. It’s not just the best of British music there though, it’s also the home of Tramlines’ stand-up comedy offering. This year, the brilliant Jonathan Pie, Paul Smith and Omid Djalili are headlining a stacked cast of some of the best up and coming comedians in the country. If you want to get down early but want to see something different, I can’t think of many better ways to kick your Tramlines weekend off.


The Open Arms – Tramlines’ very own pub returns for 2023 to the delight of every festival attendee I’m sure. Serving up quality local ales and wonderfully diverse entertainment in equal measure. Highlights of this year’s offering are sure to Sean Williamson’s Barrioke, The Daniel Wakeford Experience, Shell Suit Cher. And don’t forget the club nights! Sheffield favourite Club Tropicana closes the weekend, while The Sound: A Celebration of The 1975 is sure to pull a massive crowd for a singalong.


Speaker’s Corner – A consistently brilliant part of The Open Arms offering, Speaker’s Corner is also back to make Tramlines one of the most diverse festivals in the country. As always, the lineup is curated by Sheffield’s own Poet Laureate Otis Mensah and will again be showcasing a variety of spoken word talents from this city and further afield. Names to look out for here are Otis Mensah (of course), Roqy Tyraid and Arielle Cottingham.


Into the Trees – Another Tramlines myth… Tramlines is just for adults. FALSE! Tramlines is a true family event, and Into the Trees is the best proof of that, offering activities for the thousands of families that attend and opportunities to keep the kids entertained in between bands. On each day of Tramlines, the activities you can get involved with at Into the Trees includes Circus Skills, Arts and Crafts, Lidl Mudder, Natural Art Activities, Kapow Retro Gaming and Spray Paint Workshops.


Food & Drink – The cream of the crop in local food outlets will be in attendance to satisfy any and all of your foodie needs. And it wouldn’t be a Sheffield party of course, without some specialty, locally brewed ales. All this alongside partnerships with Lidl, Red Stripe and Inch’s helping to fill out the rest of the offering. And with much, much more to be announced, keep an eye on our blog and socials for announcements as and when they happen!


Grab some bangin’ merch – Designed by local artists for local people, Tramlines merch always delivers. This year, you can get your hands on hoodies, tees, bucket hats and totes. Featuring designs by local artists like Tom Newell, you can check them out and pre-order for pick-up at the festival HERE.


Helter Skelter & Funfair – The fun isn’t confined to the stages either, scattered around the festival you’ll find well-loved British funfair rides and games to tide you over in between the exceptional music, including the infamous helter skelter, all adding to the festival atmosphere. Now as synonymous with Tramlines as the music, even if you don’t go on it, the helter skelter is a beautiful sight, especially when lit up in the evening, standing tall next to the The Leadmill tent.


Safe Spaces – Inclusivity and security are at the heart of what Tramlines aims to be and represent. As such, Tramlines offers wellness areas for whenever the festival gets too much. Tramlines have also teamed up with UN Women UK again to deliver ‘Safe Spaces Now’ – an initiative committed to tackling sexual harassment at live events, whilst creating a safe and inclusive space for women and marginalised groups.


Selfie with the Tramlines sign(s) – At each end of Hillsborough Park sit the iconic Tramlines signs. Perched at the main entrance sits the beautifully blue logo “T” to welcome you. And of course, perched in between the Leadmill Stage and Sarah Nulty’s Main Stage is the main “Tramlines” sign … And let’s be real, did you really go to Tramlines if you didn’t get a picture with the signs?


Sunbathe (weather permitting) – On any other summer’s day at Hillsborough Park you’ll spot sunbathers soaking up some rays… Tramlines weekend is no different. Lather on some suncream and get that sun!


Tramlines is truly a jack of all trades when it comes to festivals. There is so much to do, see, hear and taste outside of its core music offering that most of the time it’s hard to fit it all in to one weekend. It gives you the chance to find your next favourite Steel City food spot, as much as it gives you the chance to find your new favourite song or artists. Tickets may be sold out now, but you can keep your eye out on resale, now live HERE!

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