Things to Do in Sheffield

Creative Tourist

Last Updated 1 September 2016

Once branded by George Orwell as “the ugliest town in the Old World”, Sheffield’s past and its cultural present are founded on one thing: the steel industry. During the 19th century, Sheffield witnessed explosive growth, the city we see today shaped by its industrial prosperity of old. So its leafy suburbs, for example, were purposely built up hill so that domestic residences would sit above the smog-blanketed centre of foundries and furnaces.

The cutlery works of Sheffield’s past have found new purpose in driving forward the city’s creative life; many now house galleries, independent shops and artist studios. Sheffield’s current status as the country’s greenest city is also, in some incongruous way, due to its industrial heritage: open spaces like the Botanical Gardens were designed to offer Victorian residents a much-needed breath of fresh air. While other cities bustle between high rises and shopping precincts, Sheffield is a place to pause and look around, whether inwards from its hillsides, over spires, chimneys and curling valleys, or outwards from the city centre, to the breeze and birdsong of the moorland that continues to inspire so many artists, designers and makers.

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Theatre 21–23 November 2018, from £10.00

Dirty Work (The Late Shift) at Theatre Deli

In Dirty Work (The Late Shift) two performers conjure an extraordinary performance in a collaborative and competitive act of description.

From theatrical spectacle to historical events, daily life to impossible feats, cabaret to political speeches, and from sublime beauty to vivid terrors, everything is here, in provocative, intimate and comical style.

Music 31 October 2018, from £5

The Ligeti Quartet: Reich and Crumb at The Leadmill

Modern and contemporary music specialist The Ligeti Quartet presents a one-off concert in Sheffield, featuring two of the 20th Century’s masterpieces: Steve Reich’s Grammy Award-winning Different Trains and George Crumb’s iconic Black Angels. With a diverse programme of works by John Adams, John Zorn and Tanya Tagaq completing the programme, this looks set to be an exciting and unique evening at The Leadmill.

Julian Opie, Julian. 2013. Courtesy the artist and Alan Cristea Gallery, London. Heads Roll at Graves Gallery, Sheffield. Curated by Paul Morrison

Exhibitions 11 August–24 November 2018, FREE

Heads Roll: An Exhibition Curated by Paul Morrison at Graves Gallery

Featuring work by over 60 internationally renowned artists spanning 400 years, Heads Roll at Graves Gallery in Sheffield sets out on a remarkable journey to unpick one of the world’s most popular and enduring artistic genres: the portrait.

Exhibitions 29 September 2018–27 January 2019, FREE

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY at Site Gallery

Site Gallery in Sheffield reopens with LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY – a glittering new exhibition that responds to the ‘crystal era’ we now live in.

Cinema 31 October 2018, from £10

The Village Screen presents Halloween screenings at Kenwood Hall Hotel

This Halloween, Sheffield’s Kenwood Hall Hotel is inviting people to experience two spooktacular film events, with screenings of The Witches and The Shining on Wednesday 31st October in the wooded grounds of the hotel.

Cinemagoers are encouraged to don their best fancy dress and immerse themselves in the ultimate autumn outdoor film experience. Ahead of each event, there will be a live band performing quirky, acoustic covers as well as food by some of the North’s best street food traders.

S1 Artspace, Construction House, Order & Limitations exhibition view

Exhibitions 6 October 2018–20 April 2019, FREE

Construction House at S1 Artspace

Construction House is a six-month programme of commissions, exhibitions, events and activities by S1 Artspace studio holders, which will explore the role, possibilities and responsibilities of collective artistic activity today.