Last month saw Sheffield engulfed in Tramlines fever, and despite the rain, tens of thousands from near and far gathered in Sheffield once again for one of the country’s most famous inner-city festivals. Whether you were at Hillsborough Park, Clamlines, Doomlines, Shakelines, The Fringe at Tramlines, or one of the many other events over that weekend, the flourishing music festival can be considered the inaugural curtain-raiser for summer in Sheffield. But, whilst at times it may not be very sunny, there is still plenty to more to come this summer.
We’ve picked out some of the highlights of what you can get up to across the next month, and whilst this may not be a comprehensive list, you can be sure that Sheffield has something to keep everyone busy, with plenty of them available for free.
MUSIC & SHOWS
Although the centrepiece of this summer’s live music has come and gone, there’s still plenty yet to come.
Sheffield Pop Weekender
Taking place across the august bank holiday, Sheffield Pop Weekender is back after a year out and is an essential for all music lovers. In an age where festivals are becoming bigger, this is a festival rooted purely in showcasing unique and exciting live music in equally exciting venues, put together by the Macho Music is Stupid team. With a variety of acts spanning acoustic, alternative, electronic, indie, and pop punk genres, the festival will be taking place at Sidney & Matilda on Saturday 26th August, and Shakespeare’s on Sunday 27th. Tickets are still available for Saturday or Sunday priced at £19.50 and £14 respectively, or early bird weekend tickets available for £27.75.
Rock n Roll Circus
Have you ever been to a gig or festival and thought to yourself ‘yes this is good, but I do wish there were some more circus acts’, because personally it has never crossed my mind. But after a successful event in Newcastle last year, Rock n Roll Circus is coming to Sheffield with some very big names, some local favourites, and some very talented circus performers. With Don Valley Bowl as the backdrop, the event spans three days, starting with Noel Gallagher, Happy Mondays, and Wakefield legends The Cribs performing on Friday 1st September. This will be followed by what is sure to be a huge gig from Sheffield’s own Self Esteem, fresh from her honorary doctorate. Then the final day will see a takeover from an even more famous name around Sheffield, Gatecrasher. With DJ sets from: Ferry Corsten, Sander van Doorn, Ilan Bluestone, and Ruben De Ronde, but also Gatecrasher DJ’s Gatecrasher Classical. All the while, incredibly talented circus performers will also be putting on an unforgettable show.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday tickets are all still available, and you can read our preview of the incredible local acts that will be taking to the BBC Introducing stage over the course of the weekend here.
SHOPPING & MARKETS
The success and popularity of our various independent markets shows no signs of stopping and there are some exciting upcoming summer instalments of some of Sheffield’s familiar favourites this year and some one-off markets coming to visit. We have got all the details to ensure there is not a market in town that you don’t know about.
Peddler Market No. 74
A Kelham staple, Peddler market is back on the 4th - 5th of August for number 74 with another unique line-up of independent traders, bringing the best street food, music, and makers all together in one place. The market is free entry as well as child & dog friendly, located at Peddler Warehouse, 92 Burton Road, Neepsend, S3 8BX
Pollen Market
Taking place on the third Sunday of every month, Pollen Market is an inner-city flower market put together by the team from Peddler Market. It is a real celebration of some of the best about Sheffield with art, nature and local produce all brought together in Castlegate, which for centuries was the heart of urban trade in Sheffield. You can catch Pollen Market on Sunday 20th August.
Grey to Green, Castlegate, S3 8LB
Moor Market mini Hi-summer Record Fair
The Moor Market has become a real stalwart of independent trading in Sheffield, fresh fruit and veg, to specialist international ingredients the moor is a very important part of everyday life. But on Saturday 26th August there is a special guest vendor, AA Record Fairs, and they will be bringing with them a vast array of records. Whether you are looking for an essential album to add to your collection, or the perfect present – maybe for yourself, we won't judge - or maybe you are looking for that one LP that always seems to elude you. I can’t promise you will find it, but if you don’t come along then you will never know, and at least you can have a nice time looking through their selection of over 11,000 LP’s. The fair will be open from 9am until 4pm, and you can visit the AA Record Fairs Facebook to make see all the other events they have coming up.
The Moor Market, S1 4PF
FOOD & DRINK
Sometimes we don’t get the recognition that other places do when it comes to food and drink, but the growing gastronomical scene in Sheffield is thriving. With new restaurants opening, local favourites gaining national plaudits, and local products flying, there is certainly a growing appetite for good food and drink in Sheffield.
Abbeydale Road Beer Festival
Abbeydale Road, the Mecca for beer in Sheffield and the self-proclaimed ‘1km of beery heaven’, is the home to some of Sheffield most celebrated pubs and also host to the Abbeydale Road Beer Festival. Spread over four days and twelve venues, you can be sure to find some of the area’s finest beers from August 3rd to August 6th. The festival will span from The Bear at the top of Abbeydale Road, down to The Broadfield, and will include Dead Donkey, Turners Bottleshop, Over the Yardarm, Glass Frog, Abbeydale Tap, Picture House Social, Barrow Boy, Two Thirds Beer Co., The Teller, and The Gin Bar. Tickets are free, but they do ask you to grab one still – available here – just so they can be sure of the numbers. A special prize is on offer this year, where if you buy a drink in all twelve venues (not forgetting to collect your stamp) you will be entered into a raffle to win 1 of 100 limited edition t-shirts designed by Tom J Newell for the festival.
You can, of course, also catch a variety of local food vendors and products at any one of the markets mentioned previously!
HISTORY & NATURE
What separates Sheffield from t’other cities across the country is the history and deep connection to nature that we have here in Sheffield, we are The Outdoor City after all. Therefore, it is only right that we mention some of the most exciting events that celebrate this!
Live Knife Making Demonstration at Kelham Island Museum
This summer there is the opportunity for a real insight into the past and the present of one of Britain’s finest industries and one that, for centuries, has called Sheffield home. Taking place at Kelham Island Museum, expert bladesmith Simon Maillet will talk you through the tools, the skills, the techniques, and the expertise that it takes to create a high-quality kitchen knife from a bar of locally sourced carbon steel. This is a small group session on the 12th of August with a £40 booking fee, choose your time slot and book here. Unfortunately, because of the nature of the venue, this event is not wheelchair accessible.
Nature Tour Kelham Islands Goit
While many consider Kelham Island to be one of the most up-and-coming quarters of Sheffield in the last ten years, its industrial past is all built upon the goit fed from the River Don that dates back to Norman times. This helped to provide power to all of the workshops throughout the quarter. With much of the industrial now ceased, the goit has taken on a new role as a hotbed all kinds of wildlife. On Thursday 18th August there will be free-to-book nature walk along this historic area, led by Dave Buttle, Emeritus Fellow from the University of Sheffield. If you are looking to learn some more about the past and present of Kelham Islands goit then this is certainly not one to be missed. Book here now, and take a look at a number of other walks taking place this summer in Sheffield.
ARTS & CULTURE
Threads of Unity: South Asian Dance music and fashion
This summer Sheffield Museums have put together a special show that will bring together, culture, art, fashion, music, and dance from South Asia. This will include live dance performances from a variety of countries across the region. Along with an opportunity to learn of some of the traditions from countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and number of other nationals that make up an important part of Sheffield’s own culture and history. The show will highlight what unites these cultures as well as detail what makes them unique. It will take place in the Millennium Gallery on Saturday 5th August and tickets are free to book here.
Jewellery Making Workshop inspired by Abbeydale
Dating back to the 1700s, Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a very long history of making, and this is the setting for a very special event this summer on Sunday 20th August. Hosted and guided by Artist and Jewellery Maker, Julie-Ann Weiss of Studio Budgie Galore, the day will consist of exploring the site for inspiration. And then following an overview of the tools and techniques, the afternoon session will entail getting your hands dirty with the opportunity to work with a range of metals and materials to create at least one piece of your own bespoke handmade jewellery. Booking is essential for this whole day of activities and is suitably for all levels of ability, whether you have plenty of experience or none at all. Tickets are available here at a cost of £95, but this price includes the cost of all the materials that you may use throughout the day.
Art in the Garden
Last on this list, but certainly not list is Art in the Garden. With premier artists and craft professionals; an open art exhibition; a huge variety of artist and craft exhibitors; a home and gardens showcase; a Sheffield young artists display; and original art, prints and craft for sale direct from the artists this event promises to be one of the largest outdoor art markets across the whole of the north of England. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Sheffield Botanical Gardens, the annual event is a real must for anyone and everyone, whether you are looking to purchase a special piece or artwork, wanting to meet to some of your favourite makers and artists, or simply want to spend your day browsing and exploring the stunning surroundings.
Tickets for this event must be bought in advance a new All-Day Ticket has replaced the previous morning and afternoon session tickets of yesteryear. The event will be on Saturday 2nd September to Sunday 3rd and will run 10.30am-5.30pm each day. General admission tickets for over 16 years will cost £6.00 plus fees and under 16 years tickets will be free.
Whilst this is not an exhaustive list of all that is on in Sheffield this summer, we hope it gives you some ideas of things to do! Whether it’s a history lesson, some independent shopping, or live music you're looking for, there's something for everyone this summer in Sheff.