Exposed February 2025

PLAYING BY THE RULES

Romantic VALENTINE’S TAPAS

EARLY BIRD SITTINGS: 4.15pm, 5pm and 5.30pm - £29.95 per person

EVENING SITTINGS: 6.15pm, 7.30pm, 8.15pm, 9pm, 9.30pm and 10pm - £37.50 per person

5.30pm-7.30pm

7.30pm-9.30pm

9.30pm-11.30pm OSCAR WOOD

FEBRUARY - BIG SWING IS BACK!!

Improvers SOCIAL DANCING from 5pm

FREE Swing Dance class from 8.30pm Live music from 9pm

THE BIG SWING IS AN EXCITING NIGHT OF UPBEAT JAZZ AND SWING EVERY WEDNESDAY @ CUBANA’S DOWNSTAIRS COCKTAIL BAR.

“

A raucous mix of live music and dancing that everyone can’t help getting involved in!”

LANGSETT DANCE ORCHESTRA

Foot stomping, toe-tapping songs to swing your thing to. Kicking 18 piece big band with female vocalist, playing swing, funk & soul. With some familiar faces from big swing performances this high calibre set of musicians are sure to keep the dancefloor bopping. This is always a special one! 5

WEDNESDAY

F.B.I

Curated and fronted by Sheffield guitarist royalty Shez Sheridan, FBI play jumping West coast Jazz and Swing! They played some of the very first Big Swing events and we’re very proud to bring them back to Cubana!

WEDNESDAY

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KATE PETERS QUARTET

Another fantastic Leeds export The Kate Peters Quartet play a mix of Jazz, Swing, Funk, and Latin. Kate herself is a uniquely talented and versatile vocalist who has worked extensively as a session singer and plays with some of the UK´s most talented jazz musicians. Loved by dancers and Jazzers alike these guys know how to play to a crowd and get everyone moving!

WEDNESDAY

26

FEBRUARY

LOUIS LOUIS LOUIS

Playing classic Swing, Jump-Jive, Ska and red-hot Rhythm & Blues, Louis Louis Louis are guaranteed to get your feet tapping and your legs flapping! Thumping slap bass, honking saxophone, raucous four-part vocal harmonies and a driving piano boogie. Playing the hits of Louis Prima, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, Nina Simone, Toots & The Maytals, Louis Jordan and more!

SUNDAY 30TH MARCH GATES OPEN 1PM FIRST RACE 2.31PM

SATURDAY 17 MAY

18: A MATCH FOR ALL AGES

Exposed takes you back to where football began, exploring the historic rivalry between Sheffield FC and Hallam FC – the world’s first derby, played at the world’s oldest ground. With insights from fans, club officials and the thrilling recent clash at Sandygate, we delve into the legacy of Sheff’s football heritage and why the spirit of the grassroots is alive and well.

24: A BOLD NEW CHAPTER

JÖRO’s move to the renovated Oughtibridge Mill signals an exciting evolution for one of Sheffield’s foodie hotspots. We take a closer look at the new venue and sample their new tasting menu inspired by East Asian flavours.

28: PICTURE PERFECT

True North Brew Co. has taken on the ambitious task of restoring Sheffield’s iconic Abbeydale Picture House. We speak to owner Kane Yeardley about plans to transform the historic building into a vibrant entertainment hub, supporting local businesses and celebrating the site’s heritage.

36: WET MAN UNCOVERED

Armed with synths and sarcasm, Wet Man steps into the spotlight with his debut EP, I Believe in Lizard Men. Explore the artist’s origin story, shaped by break-ups, conspiracy theories and the absurdity of lockdown life.

GAFFERS

Phil Turner (MD) phil@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Nick Hallam (Sales Director) nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk

FINANCE

Lis Ellis (Accounts) accounts@exposedmagazine.co.uk

GRAFTERS

Joe Food (Editor) joe@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Ash Birch (Online Editor) ash@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Holly Dibden (Web/Socials) holly@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Lizzy Capps (Content Creator) lizzy@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Marc Barker (Design Dogsbody)

GI’ US A HAND PLZ

Heather Paterson, Holly Dibden, Kathryn Schoon, Heather Anne Swift, Zain Durrani, Mark Perkins, Charlotte Colley

Exposed

Ladies and gents, we’re just a few months away from our annual do bigging up the very best of Sheffield –and this year it’s going to be an extra-special affair!

Sponsored by the IPM Group, the Exposed Awards 2025 will be returning with its usual promise of live entertainment, delicious food and drink, late-night party venues and all the usual bells and whistles that make it such a popular night out.

“After last year’s landmark 20th anniversary bash, the pressure is on to go bigger and better this year.” says Exposed Magazine director Nick Hallam. “Don’t worry, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve, so watch this space for some big announcements in the coming weeks. In the meantime, make sure you get your votes in for all your favourite indies when the voting opens.”

We’ll be confirming more details in next month’s issue, but you can expect the usual big night craic taking place at 92 Burton Road on Thursday 15 May promoting the best of the local scene spanning food, drink, culture, fashion, music and beyond – with all

winners on the night chosen by you lovely lot, the Exposed readership.

Voting will open on the 17 February lasting until the end of April. Once the votes are counted, we’ll announce the shortlist for each category.

Following another superb performance as compere, Chris Arnold will return on host duties and afterparty venues will be confirmed on our socials this month.

Tickets are £45 a pop (£25 standing) plus VAT, which includes entry to the awards, drinks on arrival and food from some of the city’s finest street food traders –as well as plenty of live entertainment to get you in the party mood.

For ticket enquiries, contact nick@ exposedmagazine.co.uk or call 0114 2757709.

CITY VIEWS

ZAIN DURRANI

If I could go back in time to my first year in Sheffield and punch myself in the face, I think I would.

I kept to myself too much, confined to the blue walls of my student accommodation. Not scared to explore, more apathetic, complaining about how nothing ever happened but rarely trying to engage with anything, assuming, I think, that the world would come and find me.

But Sheffield’s not a city that comes to you; it’s a city you need to explore – an ideology I’m so glad I picked up as my second year rolled around. Gone were the days of staying home and complaining; now I went out and explored the city I’d been calling home for a year and a half.

The biggest change for me in Sheffield was the people. In a university city like this, you’re bound to meet people from all walks of life, some you’d never expect to connect with. As much of a socialite as I may appear to be, meeting new people has always been a bit of a challenge.

Maybe it’s the ‘all walks of life’ aspect that helped, but the people I’ve met in Sheffield have only ever been kind, supportive and, most importantly, really social. I’ve never felt awkward, insecure or out of place around these new people. With many of the friends I’ve made, it feels like I’ve known them forever.

I’ve always thought that people need people to be people, and I’m truly glad I’ve found the right ones.

When you make friends like that, they’re bound to change you. Confident in my ability to interact with others and, now, in myself, I opened up to the possibility of new experiences and opportunities, something the Steel City is never short of.

I’ve always lived in big cities – from the Middle East to London, I’ve always known skyscrapers and traffic noise. I’ve never been fully satiated with suburbia,

BUT SHEFFIELD’S NOT A CITY THAT COMES TO YOU; IT’S A CITY YOU NEED TO EXPLORE."

even when forced into it after moving to the capital. Even then, I’d take a 30-minute train into the heart of the city whenever I grew tired of the quiet hush of Zone 7.

Sheffield was strange for me. It was somewhere between a big city and suburbia, but with a mountain range not so far away. It’s an odd cacophony of areas I’ve slowly learnt to love, though I still haven’t fully explored it all.

I’ve climbed mountain ranges and wandered through the city centre all in the same day. It’s been a real age of exploration for me.

What makes the city work for me is its walkability. I’m not reliant on public transport – metros or buses – I’m reliant on me, on my feet. Sure, there’s a tram, but I’ve mainly used it for one-off journeys to Meadowhall (or a few times to Utilita Arena to watch professional ice hockey!).

Every journey is a maximum walk of 30 minutes – from my home to Kelham, Weston Park to the station, or The Moor to Sheffield’s Students’ Union. Even less if I really put the burners on. I’ve never felt more active or healthy.

Even with my newfound community, or maybe because of it, I still let myself be independent. I’d go on long walks on my own or go to the cinema solo. Months ago, I’d have felt embarrassed or lonely to do that. Not anymore – not since Sheffield.

Sheffield has done the one thing for me I’ve been waiting for. It’s made me more confident, more sure of myself and, most importantly, it’s taken me out of my shell. From the people I’ve met to the places I’ve been, every part of my experience here has been so important to me.

By forcing myself into something new, I’ve discovered a part of myself that otherwise would’ve stayed hidden. Never would I have done this were it not for my time in the Steel City.

Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF) is preparing for its 19th year of adrenaline-pumping cinematic experiences. Taking place from 21 to 23 March, ShAFF, in collaboration with Rab and Visit Sheffield, will return to Sheffield’s favourite indie cinema, The Showroom, for this year’s festivities. The popular festival, known for celebrating the human spirit and the great outdoors, is not stepping back but gearing up for another extraordinary edition. Tickets go on sale Thursday 6 February and can be purchased through the Showroom website: showroomworkstation.org.uk.

A Celebration of Beer, Food, Heritage and Community

Sheffield Beer Week is back for its 11th instalment, taking place from 10th to 16th March 2025, with another jampacked programme that showcases the Steel City’s holy trinity: a renowned beer culture, vibrant culinary scene and close ties to the great outdoors.

Jules Gray, founder of Sheffield Beer Week and owner of Hop Hideout, told Exposed: “We are thrilled to bring back Sheffield Beer Week and invite the community to join us in celebrating the city’s beer culture. This year, we are focusing on the unique connection between beer and food, while also honouring our city’s brewing heritage and the stunning outdoor city we call home.”

INDIE BEER FEAST: A GRAND OPENING

The much-loved annual event kicks off on 7th and 8th March with Indie Beer Feast at Trafalgar Warehouse. This independent craft beer festival features 17 breweries from Sheffield and beyond, showcasing an exciting mix of beers, natural wine and fine ciders. Jules highlighted its inclusivity: “The festival champions The Everyone Welcome initiative and offers options like low-alcohol, gluten-free and no-alcohol beverages.”

The festival also includes street food vendors such as Best Boy Bagels and

Zaika-e-Pakistan, ensuring a culinary feast to complement the drinks on show.

DIVERSE EVENTS FOR ALL TASTES

With a packed schedule of activities, Sheffield Beer Week offers something for everyone. Just a few highlights include:

• Brewery Tours andTastings: Go behind the scenes at local breweries and taprooms to learn about the craft of beer-making and sample the latest creations.

• Explore the Hotspots: Most of the city’s beery gems will have their own events going on during the week, so be sure to check out socials for announcements from regular participants like Pangolin, The Wonky Labrador, The Crow, The Harlequin, The Rutland, The Old Shoe, Stancill Brewery, The Albion, Beer Central, The Bear, Triple Point, Thornbridge Brewery, The Hallamshire, Kelham Island Tavern, The Greystones, Shakespeares and Abbeydale Brewery, The Forum, Riverside Kelham, and Hop Hideout.

• Beer & Food Pairings: Celebrate the connection between Sheffield’s culinary scene and craft beer with special pairing menus. True North Brewing Co., for instance, will host an International Women’s Day collaborative brew on 8th March. Expect dishes perfectly matched with locally brewed beers at venues right across the city.

• Walking Trails, Runs & Pub Tours: As a headline event of Festival of the Outdoors, SBW integrates activities that combine beer culture with outdoor pursuits. Dive into the city’s brewing history with guided walks led by beer historian Dave Pickersgill, work for your pint by joining a running club or head our on one of guided beer trails listed on the Sheffield Beer Week site.

• Cultural Events: Engage in familyfriendly activities, workshops and insightful talks. Hop Hideout and La Biblioteka will co-host a reading with award-winning beer writer Adrian Tierney-Jones, whose book A Pub for All Seasons documents his yearlong journey in search of the perfect British local – with a few Sheffield shoutouts included.

• Special Sups: As ever, you can expect an array of exclusive beers for Sheffield Beer Week. Little Critters Brewery and Saint Mars of the Desert will unveil special creations, while Mount Saint Bernard Abbey, the UK’s only Trappist brewery, will showcase its monastery-brewed beer at Hop Hideout in Leah’s Yard.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE AND INNOVATION

This year’s Sheffield Beer Week honours the city’s rich brewing heritage while embracing modern innovations. The University of Sheffield’s event, ‘Place, Craft and Alcohol’, will explore Sheffield’s artisanal brewing and distilling history. Held at Locksley Distilling, the event offers a fascinating look at how the city’s brewing scene has evolved.

“This is a great event, showing how Sheffield Beer Week marries the past and present,” said Jules. “It’s about celebrating our history while embracing the exciting developments in craft beer.”

WOMEN IN BEER: PROMOTING INCLUSIVITY

Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of Sheffield Beer Week, exemplified by the Women in Beer initiative to take place at the Indie Beer Feast led by Amélie Tassin. A range of tastings will highlight mentees last year’s mentorship programme aimed at encouraging women’s participation in the beer industry. Jules shared her involvement: “It’s a fantastic way to share skills and create opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated industry, so it’ll be great to see what they’ve been up to and taste some of their brews.”

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

Sheffield Beer Week is more than an event; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and culture. From tasting sessions to historical tours, every activity underscores the city’s commitment to quality and inclusivity.

“After 11 years, Sheffield Beer Week is well embedded in people’s psyche. It’s a chance to bring everyone together and show what Sheffield has to offer.”

Follow @SheffBeerWeek on social media for updates, and head to sheffieldbeerweek.co.uk for the full list of events.

A MATCH FOR THE AGES

For this month’s cover feature, Exposed delves into the oldest football derby in the world between Sheffield FC and Hallam FC, exploring the teams’ storied past, modern-day rivalry and the tempting offer of non-league football for supporters feeling increasingly disillusioned with the professional game.

WORDS: JOSEPH FOOD ARTWORK: @MELVILLE_THE_THIRD

Boxing Day, 1860. Queen Victoria sits on the throne, Abraham Lincoln prepares to assume office after being elected 16th President of the United States and Charles Dickens has just published the first instalment of his penultimate novel, Great Expectations. All historically significant events in their own rights, of course, but let’s turn our attention to the Sheffield suburb of Crosspool on a chilly winter’s day in South Yorkshire, where something was unfolding that would lay the foundations for the world’s most popular sport. At Sandygate, the world’s oldest football ground, two nascent clubs – Sheffield FC (the world’s first, formed in 1857) and Hallam FC (the next to follow, in 1860) – squared off in a fixture now known as the Rules Derby. Its name stemmed from the fact that this match was the first to be played under guidance from an early iteration of the Sheffield Rules,

co-authored by Sheffield FC founders Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest, which eventually grew into something more resemblant of the modern game – as opposed to the rugby-inspired handling form of football that had been played prior.

The match ended in a 2-0 away win for Sheffield FC and the oldest club derby was duly formed. Over the years, representatives of both teams played a key role in shaping the game we all know and love, including the introduction of crossbars, cup competitions, 90-minute games, changing ends at half-time, established pitch dimensions and –as a direct result of their inaugural fixture – the now sacrosanct tradition of Boxing Day matches.

“Sheffield’s football heritage is second to none,” Richard Tims, chairman of Sheffield FC, told Exposed over the phone a few days prior to the game. “We’ve played them over 100 times, but it’s the history

that makes it special. It’s had attention right across the world – I’ve even got someone from Finland coming to do an interview! The world’s oldest club against the second oldest, at the world’s oldest ground – it’s a story you couldn’t script better.”

The match’s revival, the first competitive fixture in 13 years after they drew each other in the quarterfinals of the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup, captured the imagination of football purists and casual fans across the city and much further afield. Circa 1,500 tickets went on sale and were promptly snapped up by those looking to witness some footballing history.

The Rules Derby, Tims emphasised, is far more than just a game – it’s a celebration of Sheffield’s unique place in the story of football, even though the healthy rivalry between the two can occasionally get testy. “Sheffield FC and Hallam FC together are the custodians of football history. >

COVER: THE RULES DERBY

> The relationship between the two clubs has grown stronger over the years. Of course, there’s some needle on social media and matchday, but we tend not to react to that. We’re stronger together when it comes to promoting this city’s place in football’s history.”

For Ian Jones, Hallam FC’s matchday secretary, social media manager and kitman, this fixture also represents the unique magic of non-league football: the community, the history and the shared love of the game. Jones began his journey with Hallam FC back in 2016 when, feeling disillusioned with professional football and “just a bit bored” on a Saturday, he decided to look up local fixtures.

“I googled ‘football games near me’, and Sandygate was only a 35-minute walk away,” he told me. “I went along, and from the first game, I was hooked. It felt real, like how football should be. I started volunteering in 2018, selling raffle tickets to start, and things just grew from there.”

Jones now juggles several roles at the club – at one point even writing the programme – and takes pride in the unique atmosphere Hallam has created. “We’ve always prided ourselves on being family-orientated and inclusive,” he said. “Anyone can come, have a pint and enjoy the game. For a lot of people, the result is secondary. It’s more about spending a good day with friends and family.”

COVID-19 was a surprising catalyst for Hallam’s recent surge in crowds. “During lockdown, when professional matches were behind closed doors,

minutes – sometimes seconds! People got the bug and that gave us momentum.”

This momentum was evident in the demand for Rules Derby tickets. “We could’ve sold Sandygate out four times over,” he added. “It’s been amazing, but we made sure to prioritise locals and regulars for tickets. This is their club, and we want them to feel part of it.”

As for the fixture itself, Jones predicted a tight contest with a typical derby day feel. “It’s going to be competitive. Both teams need the win for different reasons, and there’s a bit of crossover with players. There’s definitely some banter flying around, but it’s

fundamentally a respectful rivalry.”

THE WORLD’S OLDEST CLUB AGAINST THE SECOND OLDEST, AT THE WORLD’S OLDEST GROUND – IT’S A STORY YOU COULDN’T SCRIPT BETTER.”

After being assured of the underlying friendliness of the event, I was surprised to see, as I walked into Sandygate around 6pm on matchday – a full hour and 45 minutes before kick-off – a group of 25 to 30, ranging roughly in age from teens to mid-20s, airing some less-than-cordial chants about the visiting club. However, it quickly became clear that this tongue-in-cheek display of bravado was prompted by nearby TV news cameras filming pre-match footage. In all honestly, it felt like a waste of a smoke bomb.

Once the rabble had subsided, I grabbed the customary evening game cup of Bovril, served by one of the club’s many friendly and vitally important volunteers, and made my way to Hallam’s well-appointed clubhouse where early-doors supporters were mingling over a few pre-game pints –which, incidentally, were two to three pounds cheaper than what you’d find on the Hillsborough or Bramall Lane concourses.

Rising costs in the modern game – the cheapest average Premier League season ticket for an adult is now £594, with the Championship not faring much better at £444 – have been a key factor in driving some fans to turn to non-league football for their fix. Add to this the increasing commercialisation of the sport, the frustrations of new in-game processes such as VAR, Sky-dictated kick-off times, disconnected owners and the general erosion of traditional club identities, and it’s not hard to see why some Sheffield supporters are opting to spend their Saturday afternoons at Sandygate or the Home of Football Stadium instead.

Sheffield FC fan Mark, 42, told me that the authenticity of attending grassroots games combined with economic factors and the actions of an

I WENT ALONG, AND FROM THE FIRST GAME, I WAS HOOKED. IT FELT REAL, LIKE HOW FOOTBALL SHOULD BE.”

increasingly erratic owner (let’s not go there) was enough to tempt him away from Hillsborough. “We’ve always been a big Sheffield Wednesday household, but Sheffield FC is just 10 minutes down the road from where I live. A few mates were going, so we gave it a try – and we’ve never looked back.

“You go down, watch the game, and then after, you’re in the pub with the players and coaching staff. It’s a real community feel. You feel like part of the club. You don’t get that with professional football.”

For Mark, cost was another concern. “My eldest son still goes to Wednesday with his friends, which is fine because his season ticket is affordable. But for all of us to go? It’s a fortune. At Sheffield FC, it’s £10 for adults and a fiver for kids. It’s affordable, and the kids love it. Plus, we’re lucky enough to have the oldest club in the world on our doorstep, which is a bonus.”

Despite Sheffield FC’s global recognition, Mark feels that the city itself doesn’t do enough to shout about its footballing heritage.

Liverpool, you’d never hear the end of it.

The council would’ve pushed through the new [Sheffield FC] ground by now. People don’t realise what a gem we’ve got here. I’ve got friends who’ve come over from Italy to see it – they’re Como supporters, but they’ve been three or four times now. People come from all over the world to visit a humble little ground, but locally, it’s understated.”

It’s a sentiment shared by many Sheffield football fans, who often lament the lack of recognition given to the city’s status as the birthplace of the game. “If other cities had the first football club in the world, they’d plaster it everywhere. The National Football Museum should be here, no doubt about it,” Mark added. “Sheffield’s got this incredible history, but we don’t shout about it enough. Sheffield FC and Hallam FC are flying the flag, but it could be so much bigger.”

where every result feels massive. At Hallam, the lads are just into it –the challenges go flying in and basically nobody gives a shit.”

As kick-off drew closer, the buzz around Sandygate grew. Charlie and Marcus reflected on the match ahead, with one opting for cautious optimism and the other hoping for a goalfest. “It’ll be a tough match, but I reckon 3-2 to Hallam,” said Marcus.

“My mate plays in net for Sheffield FC, so I’m hoping for 14-0 to Hallam,” came the grinning response from Charlie.

Back to the clubhouse of a freezing cold Sandygate and with kick-off approaching, I got talking to two younger supporters, Charlie and Marcus, who manage to balance their commitment to both the professional and non-league game.

The pair, both Sheffield Wednesday fans, told me they make the effort to attend Hallam matches when they can. “It’s convenient,” said Charlie. “We live nearby, so it’s easy to pop down when the weekends allow. We’ll watch Handsworth sometimes too. It’s a different vibe to Wednesday. Here, you can have a beer, watch the game and just enjoy it. But I think you can love both –it’s not one or the other.”

Marcus agreed, adding: “It’s not like the pressure you get at Wednesday,

It wasn’t quite the five-goal – or indeed 14-goal – thriller predicted, but a fast-paced, end-to-end game saw Hallam FC take an early lead through James Cadman. The celebrations were noisy, with flares, smoke bombs and chants from the home team’s self-styled ultras behind the goal accompanying a positive start. An impressive long-range strike from Connor Cutts later levelled the score after an improved spell of play for the visitors. The tie was ultimately decided just three minutes into the second half, when Hallam forward Leon Howarth curled in a dangerous effort to seal the victory.

As the home side basked in a deserved victory lap, filmed eagerly by several high-profile YouTubers and online influencers in attendance, fans of all ages filtered out of the ground past the blue plaque commemorating the world’s oldest football ground, happily dissecting an entertaining match and wondering whether the 149-year-old trophy could be returning to Sheffield (either Stocksbridge Park Steels or Wombwell Town FC await them in the semi-finals – check hallamfc.co.uk for ticket details).

Yet even though it was Hallam’s day, the score felt, in many ways, overshadowed by the occasion –particularly for those in attendance, like me, who had no real skin in the game but were there for the history and to celebrate the game in its purest form. The latest Rules Derby served as an important reminder that in a game for the people, by the people, the true heart of football is still alive and kicking in the Steel City’s grassroots.

THE DARK HORSE

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Pints include Madri, Staroprahman, Pravha, Aspall, Salt Jute & Stones. Monday to Friday 5pm till 7pm

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THE PLACE

Helmed by chef patron Luke French and director Stacey Sherwood-French, JÖRO has long been established as one of Sheffield’s foremost culinary gems. Originally housed on the ground floor of the Krynkl building in Shalesmoor, the restaurant quickly gained a UK-wide reputation for its inventive menus and commitment to local ingredients. So, when news broke of its move to a larger venue in S35, food enthusiasts from Sheffield and beyond eagerly awaited the next chapter.

The name – derived from the Old Norse word for “earth” – reflects the restaurant’s ethos: seasonal ingredients, home comforts and innovative dishes designed for flavour, with its latest tasting menus inspired heavily by Luke’s travels in East Asia. The two menus, which offer specially curated drinks pairings, see JÖRO sticking to its M.O of pushing boundaries while remaining rooted in a commitment to sustainability and quality.

The new home? A stunning renovation of the historic 19th century Oughtibridge Mill, nestled in the picturesque Don Valley on the edge of the Peak District and boasting boutique rooms, a deli shop, a bar area and a BBQ terrace for the warmer months. The location may be a slight departure from bustling city centre surrounds, but Oughtibridge is quickly becoming an increasingly popular area in its own right, with a growing selection of vibrant restaurants, cafés and bars lending a lively feel to the village, particularly on weekends. Add to that the gorgeous views of surrounding crags and

rolling hillsides, and it’s easy to see the appeal of this rural retreat.

While a move to an area north of the city may have sparked some consternation against foodies used to dining in town, JÖRO no.2 is a mere 20-minute drive from its former headquarters. Exposed opted for public transport and hopped on the 57 bus, which took a mere 25 minutes to deposit us directly outside the restored mill overlooking the new Oughtibridge Valley estate.

Inside, the welcome was as warm as the venue is impressive. We began with an aperitif in a sleek bar area before being shown to the dining hall – a spacious setting which still manages to retain an intimate, relaxed atmosphere with a gleaming open kitchen bustling away at its forefront and serving as something of a centre-piece.

“It’s like moving from a fishbowl to an ocean,” joked restaurant manager, Oliver, who escorted us to our table as the team worked with calm precision in the spotlight of the open-plan layout, surrounded by vast fridges where a wide selection of meats were being hung, aged and cured.

THE FOOD

We sampled the second tasting menu, a 20-dish offering which showcased a blend of high-quality local ingredients and bold global influences and tastes. The experience begins with a comforting welcome broth of wild mushrooms, setting a warm and earthy tone. From there, the creativity ramps up: amusebouches include a tartlette combining silky trout belly, fennel and crispy seaweed and a crunchy croustade that pairs beef tongue with the briny punch of oyster.

There are playful nods to British staples in a choux bun filled with rich Welsh Hafod cheddar and sharp pickled onion, followed by a welcome pineapple, sansho pepper and kaffir lime palate cleanser.

The menu’s main dishes carry plenty of big-flavour impact: tender Hampshire trout is paired with yuzu kosho, beurre blanc and ginger butter, while the superb

Hebridean scallop sings with a unique combination of rhubarb and an incredible habanero hot sauce providing copious amount of tang. For vegetarians, the celeriac with teriyaki, ancho chilli and three-cornered leek delivers plenty of hearty umami depth.

A showstopper – and personal favourite – is the Thirkleby duck. Cooked to perfection, juicy, tender duck provides the richness, Kampot pepper adds a gentle warmth and the blackcurrant condiment offers a bright sweetness to balance the dish. For those seeking an added indulgence, the optional morel farci brings an earthy, luxurious depth that elevates it to something truly special.

Desserts are equally thrilling, offering inventive takes on familiar favourites: the sticky toffee pudding is enriched with miso and sour cream, while the kombu ice cream sandwich surprises with its salty-sweet contrast provided in part by wafers made from seaweed. Another highlight was the Lollipop: an eye-catching dessert with a blackcurrant coating delivering a fruity sharpness, while the beetroot inside adds an earthy taste – both pairing beautifully against the sweet richness of white chocolate.

To close the menu, diners are treated to a series of petit fours, from fragrant raspberry jellies with black cardamom to the zingy brightness of miniature Amalfi lemon meringue pies. We finished in wholesome fashion: warm madeleines fresh out of the oven on a bed of misoinfused coffee beans – a comforting end to a menu packed with delights.

THE VERDICT

JÖRO’s move to its second venue signals an exciting new chapter, raising the bar for what diners can expect from a restaurant we should count ourselves very lucky to have here in Sheffield. With its picturesque location, larger space and new menus that maintain a signature blend of creativity and innovation, the sky’s the limit for how far Luke French and his team can push the boundaries from their striking new home.

jororestaurant.co.uk

@restaurant_joro

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE:

28th Feb – 1st Mar 2025

Peddler Warehouse, Neepsend, Sheffield, S3 8BX

BREWERIES ATTENDING:

Freedom | Red Willow | Deya | Vibrant Forest | Anthology

Dark Element | Amity | Kirkstall | North Brew | Neon Raptor | Zapato | Atom

Duality | Sureshot | Vibrant Forest

CASK:

Abbeydale | Blue Bee | Triple Point | Woodland | Bradfield | Temper

Tapped | Little Mesters | Little Critters | Loxley | Neepsend | Intrepid

Duality | Five Points

IMPORTED SPECIALS:

Ayinger Privatbrauerei | Boon Lembeek | Brasserie Dupont

Moritz Barcelona | Schneider Weisse | Straffe Hendrik

Gueuzerie Tilquin | Vinohradsky Pivovar

Speciality cider lineup curated by Quality Ferments. Pangolin pouring mixed fermentation beers and running our bottle shop.

@neepsendcraftbeerfest

FIVE REASONS TO CHECK OUT NEEPSEND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Later this month, Neepsend Craft Beer Festival takes over Peddler Warehouse for a weekend-long celebration of all things beer (and a whole lot more!). With a wide range of breweries showcased throughout the venue, a cask bar, a continental beer bar, low and no-alcohol options and lager bars, there’s something to suit even the most casual beer enthusiasts. Still not convinced? Here are five solid reasons why this event deserves a top spot in your diary...

It’s got a banging lineup

The festival boasts an exciting cast of 14 cutting-edge breweries that stand out from the crowd for their innovation and quality. Expect beers from names like DEYA, Neon Raptor, Vibrant Forest, and Dark Element, alongside a bespoke selection of ciders imported by Quality Ferments, the import brand from our mates over at Alder Bar. It isn’t just about serving up great pints, either – with brewers both in front of and behind the bars, it’s a chance to meet the minds behind the beers. Brewers will be mingling with festival-goers, ready to share the stories, inspirations, and craftsmanship behind their creations. Basically, beer and chats; lovely!

Be the first to get served

The festival also promises some exclusive first pours, including special brews crafted just for the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to sample a range of first pours on the cask bar, which features breweries which all hold a Sheffield postcode, alongside first pour options on keg, as well as the continental bar. Highlights include the first pour from local brewery Duality Brew Co.’s collaboration with Kirkstall Brewery, as well as the first pour on cask of the latest Pints of Sheffield beer, brewed with Triple Point. Pints of Sheffield will also host The People’s Cask Award, judged by beer drinkers, not beer judges.

Sample rare gems

Thanks to their partnership with importer and festival cosponsor James Clay, attendees will have access to rare imports

and beers that are typically bottle-only, available exclusively on draught for your drinking pleasure. From Tilquin’s apricot and rhubarb gueuze to Barcelona-based Moritz’s amber lager, and even tasters of wild mixed fermentation bottles curated by Hillsborough Bottle Shop fave Pangolin Craft Beer, the festival promises a treasure trove of beer rarities.

It’s not just about the beer While the beer is undoubtedly the star of the show, there’s

plenty more to enjoy. Foodies can look forward to an eclectic lineup of street food vendors, including B’Reyt Dough, Get Wurst, and Spicy Biker. For those exploring alcoholfree options, the dedicated no-and-low bar, supported by non-alcoholic brewing giant Athletic Brewing, features a stellar selection of mocktails and craft beers. Add live music from some of Sheffield’s best DJ collectives, and you’ve got a fun, inclusive atmosphere where you don’t necessarily have to be a beer nerd. Bring the kids (in the daytime), bring the dog, bring your nan if you like – it’s from the Peddler lot, so you know the score!

It’s in the heart of Sheffield’s brewing scene Neepsend Craft Beer Festival is more than just a name; it’s a nod to Sheffield’s rich brewing heritage. The festival takes place in the Peddler Warehouse, a venue steeped in history within an area that has long been synonymous with brewing excellence. From its days as home to Cannon Brewery to today’s vibrant craft beer scene, Neepsend remains at the heart of Sheffield’s brewing story. This festival isn’t just about celebrating beer; it’s about celebrating the community and history that make Sheffield the beer capital it is today.

Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking for a great day out, get your tickets to one of the four sessions held across the weekend of 28th February, and we’ll see you at the bar!

peddler.market

A REEL REVIVAL

ABBEYDALE PICTURE HOUSE SET TO SHINE AGAIN THANKS TO THE TEAM AT TRUE NORTH BREW CO.

The independent Sheffield hospitality group announced last month that they had acquired the historic Grade II listed building. True North released a statement stating its aims to restore the iconic building as a vibrant entertainment venue, taking over the Picture House Social bar and breathing new life into the much-loved landmark.

The company has a strong track record in successfully restoring bars and pubs, including The Broadfield and The British Oak, and the restoration schedule it expected to span around two years.

The Abbeydale Picture House, originally opened in 1920, was famed for its art deco design, attracting cinemagoers from across the city. In more recent times, its revitalisation saw it hosting an array of events from beer festivals to music events, but over time, challenges with renovations led to its decline, with the building officially closing in February 2024.

Downstairs, the Picture House Social bar will temporarily close in March for refurbishment, reopening under True North in the summer. The project is expected to boost Sheffield’s economy, creating around 50 jobs and offering skills development opportunities in hospitality and event management. They also revealed plans to collaborate with former occupant CADS and Professor Vanessa Toulmin from the University of Sheffield to honour the site’s historic significance.

THE GOAL IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE RESTORATION; IT’S ABOUT THE LEGACY – CREATING A VIBRANT SPACE THAT SUPPORTS OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES NEARBY.”

Last month, Exposed spoke to Kane Yeardley, owner of True North, to get a clearer picture of the company’s plans for the venue.

What inspired True North to take on the restoration of the Abbeydale Picture House?

I’ve passed through for years and always thought it’s such a beautiful building. It was quite sad to see how it was deteriorating. It’s such a massive project. We’ve done a lot of pubs, and some big ones, but I thought we could never deal with something on this scale. Then I heard a larger group – well known for selling heavily discounted drinks – was interested in buying it. I believe that wherever they open, they destroy small businesses around them.

I love that Abbeydale Road has been building up with smaller independents, and people are starting to discover it from other parts of Sheffield. I didn’t want to see that go. It felt like a chance to do something that made a difference. When we renovated pubs like the Punch Bowl or the Broadfield, it was about saving them from being turned into flats. It’s about the community.

What sort of events do you envision for the space?

The building has so many great spaces. A smaller room could host 50 people, the ballroom could hold 200,and the larger space upstairs could fit 500. I want to see comedy, music, theatre, art and exhibitions there. We can run food and drink events in the massive car park space outside.

It’s a huge undertaking. How do you plan to tackle it?

We’re doing it in stages. First, we’ll refresh the Picture House Social space – new air conditioning, layout, sound systems, improved lighting – and hopefully finish that by around May. But working with listed buildings takes time, as planners and heritage teams check every step. We want to do it right, one thing at a time

One of the building’s standout features is the plasterwork. Restoring the ceiling and some walls will cost a lot, but we’re working with an amazing local heritage plasterer based in Penistone. I always prefer keeping work local. We’re already working with local builders and architects who know our style and standards. The goal is not just about restoration; it’s about the legacy – creating a vibrant space that supports other small businesses nearby.

What does success look like for you when it comes to this project?

Again, it's the legacy. If I can see 500 people coming in and enjoying that space – maybe having drinks three or four times a week there and in the surrounding area – and it gives the small local businesses a boost to kick on, that’s what I’d want to leave behind.

It is a bit scary, though – people tell you it’s a challenge, and it really is. However, I’m a believer in moving forward when opportunities are there. We’ll have some exciting updates for you over the next few months!

@truenorthbrewco

CRAFTING A LEGACY

In 2025, Thornbridge Brewery will mark an incredible milestone – 20 years of brewing excellence. From humble beginnings in the Stonemasons Workshop at Thornbridge Hall to a state-of-the-art Riverside Brewery in Bakewell, Thornbridge has become a cornerstone of the UK beer scene.

Producing an impressive 9 million pints annually and welcoming over 100,000 visitors to their Taproom each year, Thornbridge has built a reputation on quality and innovation. We caught up with General Manager James Buchanan to hear more about the brewery’s longstanding appeal and plans for this landmark year.

Hi James! First of all, could you tell us a little bit about your role at the brewery?

I’m General Manager and look after a number of areas, including marketing, off-trade and export.

What’s the most enjoyable thing about what you do?

Hard to say just one! It’s a fantastic place to work – the people, location and, of course,

the beer, just to name a few.

Thornbridge reaching 20 years is a huge milestone for the brewery. What do you think are the key reasons behind its longevity?

The focus on quality and consistency – this is really key to everything that we do. Providing everyone who enjoys our beer with the assurance that we have a dedicated brewery team committed to providing the best pint every time.

How will you be celebrating your anniversary year?

Lots of things are in the pipeline. We have a new anniversary logo, which will adorn glassware, beer mats and seasonal beers throughout 2025, announcing the milestone. We always keep track of the beers people loved and would like

TIME FOR A LOCKIN?

A historic building in Neepsend, once home to a 19th-century jail and more recently serving as an electricity substation, could soon find new life as a buzzy new micropub.

Plans have been submitted to Sheffield City Council to transform the site, which previously housed the cells of the old police station at the corner of Burton Road and Hicks Street, into a venue named Burton & Hicks.

According to planning documents submitted by Tribeka Developments Ltd, the proposed renovation would include a modest rear extension and the addition of new windows. The building, located opposite The Old Workshop and near Yellow Arch, would be cleaned and repaired to respect its conservation area status.

to see return – lots of these Thornbridge favourites will be back. All our events will focus on the celebration, and our flagship beer, Jaipur, has its own 20th birthday in June, so we’ll be throwing a party! Also in 2025, we’re very excited to be opening our latest Thornbridge

& Co site, right in the heart of Sheffield on Fargate.

What have been some key highlights for you since working for the brewery?

It might be recency bias, but seeing us turn 20 years old is really cool. Launching our beer in numerous new countries and seeing people tag us in photos from all corners of the globe is always wonderufl. The opportunity to collaborate with incredible giants of the brewing industry, such as Sierra Nevada and Brooklyn, has been another highlight.

Finally, what’s your go-to Thornbridge tipple?

My go-to is Lukas or Green Mountain; however, Jaipur on cask is my absolute favourite!

thornbridgebrewery.co.uk

A Design and Access Statement accompanying the plans outlines the developers’ intentions: “The extension will be modest and will not detract from the appearance of the original building, which will be cleaned and repaired, respecting the conservation area status of the building.

The statement also highlights the potential for the micropub to breathe new life into the long-vacant site: “The development has the potential to provide a new use for a structure that has stood empty for many years, contributing to the very popular economy of the area and restoring a neglected character building.”

Looking for the perfect spot to unwind with friends, enjoy a fantastic pint, and soak in some genuine local vibes? Welcome to The Ranmoor Inn—Sheffield’s cosy, community-driven pub that’s got something for everyone!

CASK ALE HEAVEN / CRAFT KEG & DRAUGHT BEER / REFRESHING CIDERS / WINES & SPIRITS / PRIME LOCATION / COMMUNITY FEEL

Whether you’re here for the ale, the atmosphere, or just to see what all the buzz is about, The Ranmoor Inn is your new favourite hangout. Come see us soon!

330 FULWOOD RD, SHEFFIELD S10 3GD

FB: The Ranmoor Inn // Insta: @the.ranmoorinn

RAISING THE BAR

Sheffield’s drinks scene is buzzing, and the Sheffield Cocktail Festival is here to celebrate it in style. With 25 bars, exclusive masterclasses and stacks of local talent all under one roof, it’s the perfect chance to sip your way through the city’s best cocktail creations. We caught up with co-founder Dani Hill to chat about what inspired the festival and how they’re hoping to make it a regular on the city’s social calendar.

What initially inspired you to create the Sheffield Cocktail Festival, and how has it evolved since its inception?

After the success of the Seven Hills Whisky Festival, we really wanted to create a cocktail festival (cocktails are more my thing, James [co-founder] likes whisky). With all three co-founders working in the industry, owning bars and working for brands, it seemed like the perfect fit and an obvious thing to do. We have so many friends who own bars in Sheffield and countless contacts in the hospitality and drinks industry – it would be crazy not to!

Sheffield has a rich food and drink culture. How does this festival reflect or celebrate the city’s unique vibe?

We’re bringing together 25 bars from across the city, and the layout will highlight different areas so attendees can discover something new. Sheffield’s bar scene is incredibly diverse, with amazing spots in the city centre, Abbeydale Road, Ecclesall Road, Kelham Island and beyond. This festival is like the easiest bar crawl you’ll ever do – all under one roof – and a celebration of Sheffield’s unique and vibrant food and drink culture.

With 25 top bars and global drinks brands involved, how did you go about curating such a diverse and impressive lineup?

This is down to the strong relationships we’ve built in the industry. With James and Morgan working for two global drinks companies and both of them owning multiple venues in Sheffield, alongside my extensive experience in event management and brand activations, it’s all come together beautifully.

What are some of the must-try cocktails or experiences at this year’s festival?

The bartenders are still curating their drinks, but we’ve got some truly exciting masterclasses lined up. For example:

• Locksley Gin x StarmoreBoss: You can join Locksley Distilling Co. Ltd. and StarmoreBoss’ Jeff Boss for a one-of-a-kind masterclass diving into the creative process behind the StarmoreBoss Bloody Mary Vodka collaboration.

• Northtown’s Negroni Masterclass: Hosted by Pasquale, this is an extension of his famous Negroni nights at Northtown.

• Thornbridge Beer & Cocktail Masterclass: This will

be perfect for anyone who loves the fusion of beer and cocktails.

We are really looking forward to Bench’s food to see what they create for the festival. Bench will be using seasonal British ingredients cooked over coal. Bullion will be there with cakes and bakes – because who doesn’t love chocolate and cocktails, right?

This festival is all about discovery – discovering new drinks and new favourite places to go. I find sometimes when I go out, we hit up the same places and drink the same drinks. The vouchers on the day are priced at £8 or 2-for-£15, which is really good value and allows people to try something new.

Where do you see the Sheffield Cocktail Festival heading in the future? Are there any plans for expansion or new elements you’d like to introduce?

We would love to make this a yearly, or even twice-yearly, event. There’s so much potential for growth, and we’re already brimming with ideas for future editions.

We’ve heard there’s an impressive SWAG bag on offer with bits from a load of brands and businesses featured at the festival. How can people go about getting one of those?

There are 25 VIP tickets available that come with skipthe-queue access, a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne, cocktail vouchers and the VIP bag. The bag is packed with miniatures, merch, fun brand swag and loads of vouchers to redeem at the bars after the event. It’s honestly worth its weight in gold!

Finally, what’s your personal go-to cocktail?

It has to be a Negroni, especially the ones from Northtown. In my opinion, they’re the best in the city!

Follow @sheffield_cocktail_festival for updates. Full ticket details at sheffieldcocktailfestival.co.uk.

Sheffield Cocktail Festival takes place on 17 May, 2-8pm, at The Steamworks. General entry (£25 - includes x2 cocktails) and VIP (£45 - Q jump, arrival champagne, 2x cocktails and goody bag) available by scanning QR code.

10 REASONS WHY SHEFFIELD COCKTAIL FESTIVAL WILL BE ONE TO REMEMBER

1. 25 OF SHEFFIELD’S BEST BARS

All in one place, for one day only. It’s the easiest bar crawl you’ll ever do!

2. DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE BAR

Sheffield’s bar scene is thriving –chat to the staff, try their drinks find your new go-to spot.

3. MEET THE CITY’S BEST BARTENDERS

Chat to the award-winning talent behind the drinks, and watch them do what they do best.

4. TRY UNIQUE COCKTAILS

There’ll be signature serves and one-off creations you won’t find anywhere else.

5. YOU CAN GRAB A BITE

Steel City favourite Bench will be serving up their exceptional cuisine, and street food specialists Cowboy Burgers will be slinging those juicy buns for ya!

6. SOAK UP THE PARTY ATMOSPHERE

Expect live entertainment and a buzzing vibe from start to finish, all taking place in one of the city’s coolest events spaces.

7. BOOK A MASTERCLASS

Learn a thing or two from the masters and mix up your own creations – if you’re quick enough to grab a spot!

8. JOIN IN THE FUN Cocktail tastings and competitions will be taking place – jump in and have your say, expert or not.

9. SUPPORT LOCAL

Celebrate Sheffield’s incredible bars and bartenders while having a great time.

10. THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Expect a top selection of nonalc cocktails and 0%/low-abv beers (‘tee-total tickets’ available on the website), while there’ll also be draught options from Thornbridge and Guinness, plus the likes of Franklin & Sons making the best G&Ts.

The two-floored bar and gig spot on West Street, affectionately known as the Hally, reopened in February 2024, returning to its roots as a live music haven established decades earlier. Its resurrection was met with enthusiasm from the Sheffield community, and the past year has been a whirlwind of live events, creativity and camaraderie. Jack Hardwick, Events & Technical Manager, reflected on this transformative year:

“We wanted to create a space that felt different, where people could walk in and immediately feel like they were part of something special. The response to our opening night was amazing, and it’s been great seeing the venue go from strength to strength since then. It’s a great feeling when people say they’ve never seen a bar like this before.”

From striking Kubrick-esque interior design to a thoughtfully curated cocktail menu, the venue seeks to offer more than just a good gig experience. “Sheffield has always had a strong musical identity,” Jack continues. “But what makes

this place unique is the blend of history and innovation. Upstairs, we’ve got this amazing new stage that takes the venue back to its roots, and downstairs there’s this surreal, retro vibe and a dancefloor that you won’t see anywhere else.”

The Hallamshire Hotel’s story is one intertwined with Sheffield’s musical heritage. In its heyday during the 80s, it played host to legendary homegrown acts like Pulp, Clock DVA and Richard Hawley’s former band Treebound Story. Its recent revival plans to continue honouring that legacy while bringing a fresh, modern twist to the experience.

“When we reopened, there was definitely this sense of pressure to live up to the history of the place,” Jack admits. “But we’ve found our groove. It’s not about replicating the past but building on it. The reaction from the community has been incredible – it’s clear how much this venue means to people. It’s about creating a place where people feel at home, whether they’re here to see a band, dance with friends or just have a drink. That sense of belonging is

As the Hallamshire Hotel approached its first anniversary, a special run of shows for Independent Venue Week 2025 – featuring Mercury Prize nominee C Duncan, acclaimed UK touring acts and some of Sheffield’s finest homegrown talent – highlighted the vital role grassroots spaces play in nurturing music scenes and building communities. Exposed delved deeper into the West Street Venue’s history, impact and ambitions for the future.

KEEPING IT (A)LIVE

something you can’t replicate in bigger, corporate spaces.”

Last month’s Independent Venue Week’s festivities reinforced the Hallamshire Hotel’s role as a champion of grassroots music and local community. The week began with raw and electrifying performances by Sheffield’s Django Jones & The Mystery Men, Feral and Bad Luck Crowd, while other highlights included shoegaze favourites Cleaver Blue, Glasgow’s Humour and a high-energy dance party from Life Aquatic Band. The week culminated in style, with a mesmerising set by the acclaimed C Duncan, whose lush, sophisticated indie pop went down a treat with the 100-strong crowd.

Jack explained that IVW served as both a celebration of live music and a call to action.

“Independent Venue Week is a reminder of why spaces like this matter so much,” he says. “Independent venues are the lifeblood of the music industry. They’re where artists cut their

teeth, where fans discover new music and where connections are made. Without them, we lose so much of what makes the industry vibrant and exciting.”

For the Hally team, the importance of preserving Sheffield’s historic venues informs everything they do –from eclectic programming for the upstairs shows to upcoming acoustic slots offering a space downstairs for local artists to test out material. “We’re standing on the shoulders of giants here,” says Jack. “This place has such a rich history, and we’re committed to making sure it continues to thrive.”

As the venue heads into its second year, he signed off by sharing their hopes for the building’s future: “We want to keep growing, keep bringing incredible talent to the stage, and keep building our community. Independent Venue Week is a celebration, but it’s also a reminder of why spaces like this matter so much.”

@hallamshire_hotel

PHOTO : TOM SUNDERLAND

PHOTOGRAPHY

NEAPOLITAN COFFEE SHOP INSPIRED BY CAFFE TUCCI

Sheffield’s first “build your own” focaccia and salad specialist

Fresh pastries and desserts // Beers, wine and Aperol Spritz

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The Northern Wine Guy is also the creator of the ALL NEW ‘THE WINE AND CHEESE NETWORK’ in Sheffield, the last Thursday of every month a networking like never before. Tickets can be found on the website - order yours today.

THE ORIGIN OF (WET) MAN

… & his debut release of the incredibly sarcastic

I Believe in Lizard Men EP

LOCKDOWN - NEEPSEND - MAY 2020

Frankly, I was down and didn’t really care what I got. A girl who I loved very dearly had broken up with me prior to this lockdown, and I was being pathetic and feeling sorry for myself. I remember a tiff in which I was called “Wet Man”, a term I had used for Indie Rock musicians in the 2000s (*excluding the Sheffield band obviously) for lacking depth and character. I was upset by said comment. After all, I am half working-class (at least I tell myself this), but I probably deserved it.

To cure my woes, I would entertain myself by trying to recreate late 1960s garage and psychedelic rock using synthesizers, much like the Nuggets compilations but shit. Aside from this, I would ride my bike as ‘exercise’, and one day a BMW tried to ram me off the road in Bradfield. The bloke stopped the car to shout, “Take a look at my car!” as he thought I had somehow scratched his car (not understanding social distance). I noted down said comment with great haste. At home, I used to doomscroll Facebook and was fascinated to see what people were saying during this time in history. I had noticed a few of my friends had taken to the Alex Jones/David Icke ideologies in regard to the pandemic, which involved stating it was a hoax, to avoid vaccination and to not wear a mask in supermarkets as this would make you a ‘sheep’ (you know who you are). This intrigued me much, especially about the silly internet pointscoring arguments we used to

exchange about whether there is a microchip in the vaccine (via mobile phone).

In addition, I noticed my flatmate had just got kicked off the ‘Evidence of Reptilian Aliens’ community page on Facebook for trolling them daily with images of Barney the Dinosaur (a giant purple dinosaur that used to grace Channel 5 in the late 90s). In my brain I could feel the irony tickling my synapses... I was itching to take the p*ss also. I had to write I Believe in Lizard Men (the origin of David Icke), simply to troll the online conspiracy theorists for my own amusement. This was followed by ‘Take a Look at My Car’, a song about people who made love to auto vehicles (apologies to the Exposed readership there). And the most beautiful thing was that the songs had pretty much written themselves with comments people used to say like, “Have you done your research? I’ll send you a link”, alongside… “Vulcanised leather, luxury seats”. I am truly my own Kilgore Trout to Kurt Vonnegut.

Sonically, I had managed to create very shoddy demo versions of these electro garage punk tracks. I sent them to Adrian Flanagan (Acid Klaus) for review. I was surprised to hear that he actually liked the tracks as normally he’s never commented on my music before. The most I got from anyone in the music biz was Pulp’s Russell Senior called one of my old bands “a sh*t Velvet Underground”*, which I took as a compliment.

Anyways, months down the line, after a spate of boredom, I receive a phone call from Adrian asking If I would be ready to support him at the Leadmill. Apprehensive and being two years out of the stage performance game, I needed an act.

I always wanted an alterego-type act. I was an avid reader of my uncle’s Marvel Comics collection growing up (specifically The Amazing Spider-Man 1-522). Radioactive superpowers don’t necessarily exist, but I needed something, and my demo-like songs weren’t gonna cut it in the big clubs. Adrian was aware of this fact and had put me in touch with Dean of the electronic horror pop group I Monster. He was like some electronic music mad scientist-type fellow. He seemed big on analogue compression, Bruce Haack and T-Rex. He and Adrian managed by some miracle to turn my resonant, straggly joke songs into something that absolutely banged on huge speakers –

especially the chorus of ‘Lizard Men’. It was amazing what they had managed to accomplish. Hearing it, I could already feel the strength of 10 bands – 10 bands paired with an ironic, snarky attitude that had been growing inside me since the breakup, nearly being run over by the 1%,and the mutating idiocracy of the internet.

By the end of the week, the set was ready with homages to older song titles of Bowie and Iggy Pop like 'Loving the Insect' (originally Alien), 'I Wanna Be Your Drug' (originally Dog) and a track about working class Conservatives titled 'These Freaks'.

Donning a pair of Temu Sunglasses for the protection of Identity and family… Wet Man was born.

*Source: Russell Senior - Freak Out the Squares (2015)

WANT TO SEE MORE WET MAN?

The music vid for ‘These Freaks’ is out on 7 Feb. Have a nosey on YouTube, eh?

Hear the origins of WET MAN on the EP I BELIEVE IN LIZARD MEN (produced by the Eccentronic Research Council). Available on limited edition slime green cassette via Bandcamp (5 tracks) and out now on all digital streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer (4 tracks).

You can catch the release show at Sidney & Matilda Factory Room on 15 February, featuring ISIS MORAY, followed by dates in Manchester, Leeds and London. @wet_man_music

Changing TRACKS

Our mates over at TRACKS, an organisation dedicated to helping young people get involved in the music industry, have secured three years of core funding thanks to the recently launched Ed Sheeran Foundation.

With funding from the Ed Sheeran Foundation, TRACKS can now broaden its programmes, enhance its resources, and reach even more young individuals.

Back in May 2024, Ed paid a visit to TRACKS, a charity and partner of Sheffield Music Hub, to see their alternative provision for young people passionate about music. This visit predated the official launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation and was a momentous occasion for the organisation.

During his visit, Sheeran performed with several young attendees, creating unforgettable memories and demonstrating the lifechanging power of music. Lucy Revis, director of TRACKS, said his guidance to the students was both encouraging and practical: “Don’t be afraid of failure,” he advised, explaining that songwriting should be approached “like it’s a diary.”

Lucy said: “The visit had a lasting impact on the staff, volunteers, and most importantly, our young people.

As a charity, you are constantly chasing funding to keep up the work you are doing, so to have the Ed Sheeran Foundation come to us, recognise that what we do is important, and want to support us and the way we choose to work with the students has been so transformative.”

To further support TRACKS’ mission, Sheeran donated guitars and loop

pedals, equipping young musicians with tools to refine their craft. This contribution aligns with the foundation’s goal of improving access to music education and fostering creativity in young people.

“The arts are one of our main exports and something we should be proud of as a nation,” Sheeran has stated. “It’s essential that we support the next generation of musicians

and songwriters, ensuring they have access to the opportunities and tools they need to succeed.”

The staff and students at TRACKS expressed heartfelt gratitude for Sheeran’s visit and generosity. The day concluded with performances that showcased the extraordinary talent within TRACKS.

Since Ed’s visit, TRACKS have expanded their offerings to include a second day of alternative provision, launched an open mic night and youth club, and further developed their thriving Saturday Music School in Sheffield’s S2 area. In addition to these projects, TRACKS visit hospitals, schools, community groups, fostering and social care events, and passionately share their learning around working with young people in different settings.

For more information about the Ed Sheeran Foundation, visit edsheeranfoundation. com.

To learn more about TRACKS, visit tracksuk.com.

DEAR JOHN

The last time we heard from John Shuttleworth, he was playing a gig in the Devil’s Arse, which eventually had to be abandoned when someone got lost on their way to the show and had to be rescued from a cliff face at the entrance to the cave.

He’s over the excitement of that now and is touring again to celebrate the 40th anniversary of when Graham Fellows first donned his leather jacket and polo neck and became John Shuttleworth. Fanboy Mark Perkins was keen to lead the celebrations and had a chat with Graham as he dusts off his trusty Yamaha keyboard and prepares to entertain us.

He’s over the excitement of that now and is touring again to celebrate the 40th anniversary of when Graham Fellows first donned his leather jacket and polo neck and became John Shuttleworth. Fanboy Mark Perkins was keen to lead the celebrations and had a chat with Graham as he dusts off his trusty Yamaha keyboard and prepares to entertain us.

I can’t believe it’s been 40 years of John Shuttleworth shows, but then again, I can’t really remember a time when I wasn’t listening to his songs

Yes, it was 30 June when I first sent off a cassette of songs to Chappell Music. I think the character has changed quite a bit since then, but the essence of John is still the same. I was around 26 and imagined the character to be about 45. He’s crept up slowly, but I’ve overtaken him now. On 30 June 1986, I sent a song by John, called ‘The World Is Very, Very Round’. I started doing gigs in 1986/87, developing the Shuttleworth character. I did ‘Saturday Zoo’ on Channel 4 in late 1992, following on from my success at the Edinburgh Fringe that same year, then followed it with the first BBC radio show. It’s not been easy since lockdown to be more disciplined and get down to working on what’s going to be on the tour. The last tour was called John Shuttleworth’s Back, then after lockdown it became John Shuttleworth’s Back ... Again. It was on that tour, in May 2022, that the hiker got stuck on the cliff. I’ll be referring to him in

the show – in fact, I’ve written a song, ‘The Ballad of the Dangly Man’, which I’ll be performing on the tour. It was someone in the audience who gave him that name when we re-staged the show, so I pinched it.

It will be a “best of” show, but I’ll also play some new songs from my new CD, The Pumice Stone, And Other Rock Songs. I’ve got a basic structure for the show, but I do ramble on a bit, which people seem to like. Then I nip back to my keyboard for a bite of my banana, which is actually an excuse to look at my crib sheet so I don’t forget where I am.

John, in his own way, still believes his career is going well. He’s still getting his petrol money when he plays the local hospice, but more recently they’ve started putting out a little table for John, on his own, with a few sandwiches and a butterfly cake. And a cup of tea, obviously. There will be the

usual phone calls with Ken and Mary, who’s now thinking that, as John has now done 40 years, maybe it’s time for him to put the keyboard in the loft. She needs the room, as she’s got a new nest of tables, given to her by Joan Chitty, and she’s hoping John will be packing it in now.

So, we will be hearing all the classics from John’s repertoire?

People expect John to play the greatest hits, so I’ll always end with “Y Reg” and “Two Margarines.” But I think John may realise he’s never going to be Taylor Swift. Or the Dooleys. Still, he’s got some interesting songs that give good advice. He’s written songs on how people should stock their fridge, drink their cups of tea, and, of course, the best car to buy. He’s a philosopher too, with songs like ‘Life Is Like a Salad Bar’ – as he said, you only get one visit.

And I believe you get a mention in Jenny Eclair’s new autobiography, where she mentions being excited that there was a genuine pop star in the year above her. Yes, we were at Manchester Poly together when I had my hit single as Jilted John. She’s very sweet about me in her book, and she played a character in a TV pilot I did for Granada TV, called Shuttleworth’s Showtime. I was the host of the show, but it didn’t really work as it didn’t suit the John Shuttleworth character. Sadly, it never got picked up. Mine cost £50,000 and went nowhere. They made two pilots that summer. At the same time, they filmed Caroline Aherne’s pilot show for Mrs Merton –it cost less than a quarter of what mine did, and look what happened there. I do have a tape of my show. I might put it up on YouTube sometime. People seem to like it when I post unusual stuff on there.

Is it too obvious to say that you’re becoming John in some way?

It’s easy to lose your momentum, your sense of career. Sometimes you just want to stop and gaze into the middle distance – well, I do anyway. Maybe that’s the character taking me over. I’m now older than the age John was when I created him. I was 26, and he was meant to be about 46. He’s aged slowly, and I’ve crept up and overtaken him now.

John Shuttleworth: Raise the Oof comes to Sheffield City Hall on 26 March. Tickets (£31.50) are available from Ticketmaster.

wednesday 5 feb 2025 matt forde

£17.50, Doors 7:00pm

thursday 6 feb 2025 ahir shah

£18.00, Doors 6:30pm

tuesday 11 feb 2025 the tuesday club: shy fx ft. rage mr williamz (live) charla green

£14.00/£16.00, Doors 11:30pm, 18+

tuesday 18 feb 2025 the wombats

£15.50, Doors 7:30pm

thursday 20 feb 2025 w h lung

£17.00, Doors 7:30pm

tuesday 25 feb 2025 the tuesday club: badger (in the wild uk tour)

£13.00/£15.00, Doors 11:30pm, 18+

wednesday 5 march 2025 submotion orchestra

£22.00, Doors 7:00pm

saturday 8 march 2025 the amy winehouse experience

£15.00, Doors 7:00pm

tuesday 11 march 2025 the tuesday club: yung singh bullet tooth, vnee

£14.00/£15.00, Doors 11:30pm, 18+

saturday 15 march 2025 ash sarkar in conversation

£21.50, Doors 6:30pm

thursday 20 march 2025 alabama 3

£30.00, Doors 7:00pm

saturday 22 march 2025 geoff norcott

£16.00, Doors 7:30pm

thursday 27 march 2025 overpass

£14.00, Doors 7:30pm

friday 28 march 2025 sambroso all stars: the buena vista

£15.00/£17.50, Doors 7:00pm

SATURDAY 12 april 2025 fleetwood bac

£19.00, Doors 7:00pm sunday 4 may 2025

beth mccarthy

£19.00, Doors 7:00pm

SATURDAY 27 sept 2025 float along festival

£35.00 (early bird), Doors 12:00pm

SATURDAY 12 april 2025

Craig charles funk & soul house party

£19.00, Doors 7:00pm

SATURDAY 6 december 2025

808 state

£30.00, Doors 7:00pm

shows open to the public (14+ unless stated otherwise) tickets available from foundrysu.com box office: 0114 222 8777

ALL TOGETHER NOW NEWS

Get Together festival, which takes over venues across Kelham Island on 17 May, recently announced critically acclaimed songwriter Katy J Pearson, Hastings trio HotWax, much-hyped London quintet Ain’t, electronic pop sibling duo Disgusting Sisters and many more including April Tapes, Brodie Milner, Kean Kavanagh and Midnight Rodeo will all perform at the fifth anniversary of the festival.

They join previously announced artists including headliners and 2024 Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, acclaimed songwriter and Bella Union artist BC Camplight, Sheffield-born psych-pop project The Moonlandingz, and Nottingham risers Divorce.

Also announced last month was the festival’s Artist in Residence for 2025, with popular and collage artist Cold War Steve joining up with Get Together to create new work for this year’s event.

Kieran Crosby, Festival Director said: “I can’t wait for another day packed to the brim with some of the most exciting

new artists around! It’s been a pleasure seeing  English Teacher go from strength to strength and I’m so happy they’re back to headline!”

In the years since its inception, Get Together has become a key part of Sheffield’s music scene, with an innovative approach to developing and showcasing both established and emerging talent that has seen artists including Self Esteem, CMAT, Anthony Szmierek, Squid, Confidence Man and Wunderhorse perform at the festival on their way onto some of the country’s biggest festival stages.

In addition to seven stages of live music and late-night DJ sets, the festival will once again bring together the very best independent food and drink, with a huge selection of street food specially curated by Peddler, while Kelham Island Brewery will welcome some of the best breweries in the country for The Kelham Beer Mile.

Tickets (£42.50) available now at gettogetherfestival.com

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE

Sheffield’s Harmony Works Trust has taken a significant step towards its ambitious plans for the Canada House building, securing a £4,677,306 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will contribute to the transformation of the Grade II* Listed building into a cutting-edge music hub for South Yorkshire.

The trust, which gained charitable status in August 2023, purchased the historic city centre property last year for £1.6 million from retail brand Panache. Built in 1875 as offices for the Sheffield United Gas Light Company, Canada House is set to be reimagined as a central hub for music education and performance, offering state-of-the-art practice, rehearsal, and performance facilities.

The project has garnered widespread support, with funding also secured from the Architectural Heritage Fund, Sheffield City Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, and the UK Government’s Levelling Up Funding, alongside contributions from local trusts and foundations.

Once refurbished, the new music hub will become home to organisations including Sheffield Music Academy, Sheffield Music Hub, Brass Bands England, Music in the Round, Choir with No Name, Orchestras for All, and Concerteenies. It will also support music education programmes from The Sheffield College and the University of Sheffield.

For updates on the project, follow @harmonyworkssheffield on Instagram

Beyond IWD: Making space for women in music all year round

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Sheffield-based singer-songwriter and promoter Teah Lewis spoke to several women in the industry, giving them space to provide advice for other women and minority genders, as well as sharing how the rest of us can help support them.

TEAH

I’ve been a part of the Sheffield music scene for eight years as both a performer and a promoter, and I’m excited to have the chance to highlight some of the artists and music industry people who are doing amazing work at the moment in our city region.

International Women’s Day is a really important opportunity to celebrate women

Teah

KID BLUE Artist (rapper).

What is one thing the Sheffield music scene can do to support your journey?

Follow me on Instagram, follow me on TikTok and just listen to my music.

What is one thing you want to tell other women and minority genders in music right now? You know what? Just go for it. @kid_blu3e

LUCY REVIS

and minority genders, especially considering the gender disparity that’s still so prevalent in the music industry. However, IWD efforts are often on the edge of being tokenistic and beyond this momentary celebration, don’t do anything to tackle the issues that perpetuate gender gaps in music all year round. This article is one part of a much bigger picture, not only are women and minority genders less often celebrated and prioritised, we are statistically less safe, lower paid and offered fewer opportunities to take up space.  What I wanted to do is let the artists, creatives and leaders who are out there, and integral parts in the Sheffield music ecosystem tell you for themselves what the music industry can do to support them all the time –not just on International Women’s Day.

Director at TRACKS, an organisation dedicated to helping young people get involved in the music industry. What is one thing the Sheffield music scene can do to support your journey?

Come to events that support young people. Donating money, instruments, time and sharing our story helps us reach more people. Our young people are so talented and will be the ones Sheffield sees in a few years on stages at festivals, doing it on their own and owning it – if they are supported in the right ways. Music is for everyone, regardless of your ambition for it. The more we do now, the happier our young people will be because we know music supports mental health. @tracks_uk

Lewis is a folk-pop singer-songwriter and founder of BOXIE, a promoter for women and minority genders. @boxiesheffield

MONQI

Artist, musician and one half of Lunghorn. What is one thing you want to tell other women and minority genders in music right now?

Never talk yourself out of a room that you’ve been invited into. This one sentence changed my relationship with imposter syndrome entirely. You deserve to be here; you deserve to take up space.

@monqi

MOLLY CLARK

Music producer, artist and sound technician.

What is one thing the Sheffield music scene can do to support your journey?

Seek out women and minority gender acts when you’re putting on shows – not just because you’re organising something for International Women’s Day or a ‘Women in Music’ gig. We make great music all the time, not just on IWD. And if you think there aren’t any women or minority gender acts in the genre you’re booking – there definitely are. Just keep looking.

@mollyclarksounds

JEMMA FREESE

Composer, experimental musician and session musician in Maximo Park. What is one thing the Sheffield music scene can do to support your journey?

To believe in me when I don’t believe in myself. What is one thing you want to tell other women and minority genders in music right now? Do whatever the fuck you want. @jemma_freese

CATTLE GRID

All queer, all-singing 4-piece, bringing wry originals and the odd high-energy covers. What is one thing you want to tell other women and minority genders in music right now? We’d tell women and minority genders to stop being humble and just start telling each other: “I’m actually an awesome musician and I want to play more with other people.” We know loads of folks who really downplay or just downright lie about how talented they are.

We’re really enjoying collaborating with different people, and you can tell when everyone feels comfortable—it changes everything. It’s allowed us to experiment and try loads of new things without feeling embarrassed or too self-conscious. In the Sheffield scene, Key of She (@keyofshesheffield) is an example of a really inclusive space that 100% promotes this vibe.

@cattlegridband

MONDAY 3 MARCH YOU ME AT 6

TUESDAY 18 MARCH THE LATHUMS

THURSDAY 20 MARCH THE MARY WALLOPERS

WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING

FRIDAY 4 APRIL ANDY & THE ODDSOCKS

WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL THE K’S

WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL POST MODERN JUKEBOX

MONDAY 12 MAY SUPERGRASS

THURSDAY 15 MAY AN AUDIENCE WITH LUCY WORSLEY ON JANE AUSTEN

FRIDAY 16 MAY SPELL SONGS

SATURDAY 24 MAY BRIAN BILSTON & HENRY NORMAL

TUESDAY 17 JUNE CHRIS HADFIELD: A JOURNEY INTO THE COSMOS

THURSDAY 2 OCTOBER ALAN DAVIES

FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER THE DUALERS

SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER SAXON

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT performancevenues.group.shef.ac.uk Octagon Centre, Clarkson Street, S10 2TQ

SOUTH YORKS SHINES FOR NORTHERN MUSIC AWARDS

The Northern Music Awards are back for 2025, celebrating the best of the region’s thriving music scene – with this year’s nominations highlighting South Yorkshire’s significant contribution to the industry.

Among the nominees are Sheffield’s own Otis Mensah, nominated for Best Independent Artist. Known for his poetic, experimental hip-hop, Mensah has been making waves with a unique sound and reflective lyricism.

Rock heavyweights Bring Me The Horizon are up for Best Band. With a career spanning over 15 years, the Sheffield-born group continue to grow a global fanbase.

Self Esteem, the pop phenomenon and Mercury Prize-nominated artist from Rotherham, is nominated for Best Solo Artist. The artist’s critically acclaimed album Prioritise Pleasure has cemented her as one of the UK’s most innovative performers.

It’s not just individual talent being celebrated – Sheffield festivals are also in the limelight. Tramlines, the city’s biggest music festival, has been nominated for Best Festival. The event, held annually in Hillsborough Park, has become a cornerstone of the UK festival scene, attracting big-name acts and local talent alike.

Joining Tramlines in the same category is Get Together, a Kelham Island-based music and arts festival. Known for its eclectic line-ups and celebration of emerging talent, Get Together has quickly become another staple on the city’s social calendar.

The awards ceremony takes place on

Tuesday 23 April 2024 at Manchester’s iconic Albert Hall, supported by Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity. Resurrected in 2013, the stunning Grade II listed venue will host live performances from Liam Fray of indie legends Courteeners, Manchester icon Lisa Stansfield, Warrington’s rising stars The K’s, and Leeds quartet English Teacher. Spoken word artist Antony Szmierek will open the evening with a specially commissioned piece celebrating the power of music therapy.

Nadra Shah, Director of Communications at Nordoff and Robbins, said of the event: “The Northern Music Awards aims to celebrate the massive musical talent that continues to come out of this region and will be held annually in different Northern cities. We want to honour the enormous success of established artists such as the award winning and multi-million album selling Lisa Stansfield - but also spotlight emerging musicians who may not yet be recognised at a national level. We really want to support and help to grow the eco system of Northern musicians whilst shining a light on the transformative work we do with music therapy to connect with some of the region’s most isolated communities.”

For ticket information and the full list of nominees, visit northernmusicawards.co.uk.

THE RIFLES

THE LEADMILL // 6 FEB // £28.50

Noughties indie legends The Rifles make their way to Sheffield’s Leadmill, celebrating their 20th anniversary with a fully electrified set. leadmill.co.uk

SQUID

THE LEADMILL // 22 FEB // £20

Since playing at Glastonbury in 2022, Squid have been making waves with their post-punk sounds. Now, in celebration of the release of their new album, they’re bringing their music to The Leadmill – making it a must-see for everyone! leadmill.co.uk

FEMUR

THE LEADMILL // 28 FEB // £19

Increasingly known for their often racuous live gigs, Sheffield-based Femur bring their psych-grunge sounds to The Leadmill, playing their biggest show to date. leadmill.co.uk

W. H. LUNG

THE FOUNDRY // 20 FEB // £17

Dedicated to capturing the spirit and dynamism of live shows, Mancunian synth-pop band W. H. Lung released their newest album at the end of last year. Now, they’re bringing their signature dance/pop/indie stylings to The Foundry. foundrysu.com

HONEYGLAZE

YELLOW ARCH STUDIOS // 26 FEB // £14

Honeyglaze bring their indie-rock sounds from South London to Sheffield this month, celebrating the release of their album at the end of last year. yellowarch.com

February is here, and with it comes a month of vibrant LGBTQ+ events in Sheffield – all in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month!

The city is hosting a range of activities spanning social gatherings, educational events, cultural celebrations and much more. Whether you’re looking to explore queer history, engage in communitybuilding activities or simply enjoy a night of music, Sheffield has something to offer for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.

SAYiT’s annual series of events to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month includes My Mind on Paper (Wed 19 Feb) at Central Library, an LGBTQ+ readers and writers panel and a captivating Visual Tour of Sheffield’s Queer History (Tue 25 Feb) at Weston Park Museum, inviting participants to uncover hidden LGBTQ+ stories that have shaped the city’s rich history.

Celebrating the life and impact of one of the LGBTQ+ community’s most iconic figures, Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope (Thu 27 Feb) at the Foundry is a special performance honouring the late, great Quentin Crisp. Known for his unapologetic attitude and trailblazing contributions to queer culture, Crisp’s life and legacy will be explored in this evocative show. Expect stories that focus on his contributions to the freedom and self-expression of the LGBTQ+ community, offering a poignant look at the man who became a symbol of resilience and individuality.

At the Students’ Union, the LGBTQ+ Living Library (Tue 4 Feb) is a unique event where you can “borrow” LGBTQ+ individuals as books to hear their personal stories and experiences. For book lovers and those interested in contemporary queer issues, Sheffield Students’ Union also hosts Stressbusters – LGBTQ+ History Month Book Swap (Tue 4 Feb), where you can exchange old books for new reads, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ literature. It’s a great opportunity to refresh your queer book collection and discover new voices in the community.

For those interested in the intersection of

technology and relationships, The Love Fix: A Conversation with Rachel Thompson (Thu 13 Feb) at Juno Books explores the impact of dating apps on intimacy and self-esteem, especially within marginalised communities. Meanwhile, Jake Hall – Shoulder to Shoulder (Wed 5 Feb) at Central Library examines themes of connection and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. At No & Other Stories (Tue 11 Feb) at Juno Books, Kirsty Logan will discuss her latest short story collection, blending love, lust and desire across time and place.

The Over 50s LGBTQ+ Group (Thu 13 Feb) at Weston Park Museum invites older LGBTQ+ individuals to gather in a relaxed, dementia- and neurodivergent-friendly environment, providing a peer support space led by members of the LGBTQ+ community. For those looking to get active, the Foundry Fit: Grapefruit HIIT Class (Mon 10 Feb) at Sheffield Students’ Union offers a fun and energising high-intensity workout tailored for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate health and fitness.

If you’re a neurodivergent queer individual or an ally, the Neurospicy Queer Boardgames (Sun 23 Feb) event at Mandala Cafe provides a welcoming and inclusive space to play board games, enjoy drinks, and meet new people. Meanwhile, Rainbow Minds (every Wed), a weekly group hosted by Sheffield Mind at the Wellbeing Centre, offers a supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to focus on mental health, connect with others, and relax. For a communal dining experience, check out Gut Pleasers – Communal Meal (Wed 5 Feb) at Gut Level or Stressbusters – LGBTQ+ History Month: Weston Park Museum Trip and Picnic (Fri 7 Feb), both of which provide opportunities for community bonding. There’s plenty happening on stage and screen this month. Curzon Cinema hosts a special Galentine’s Day screening of the iconic Thelma and Louise (Thu 13 Feb), a film that celebrates friendship, freedom,

and rebellion. Gut Level offers a unique screening of Wende Cragg Documents the Birth of Mountain Biking (Sun 2 Feb), exploring a pivotal moment in outdoor sports history. Comedy fans can enjoy Sophie Duker – But Daddy I Love Her (Sun 16 Feb) at Leadmill, where the Taskmaster champion delivers her witty take on sex, race, and absurdity.

The QUACKS (Wed 19 Feb) stand-up workshop at Showroom provides a beginnerfriendly space for LGBTQ+, women, femmes and allies to try their hand at comedy and build confidence. Head to Wig & Pen for Tom Short – Nothing Special (Wed 19 Feb), where the comedian offers a darkly humorous and existential take on stand-up, with support acts Jack Wood, Zoe Cousins, and Andy Lane. Angela Bra is the MC.

Leadmill also hosts Lady Maisery with O’Hooley and Tidow (Wed 26 Feb), a spectacular performance to celebrate International Women’s Day early. These two powerhouse acts of the English folk scene will take the stage with songs of solidarity, love and empowerment.

For singalongs and queer anthems, catch Emma Maezin’s Dragoke (every Thu) at Maggie Mays or her Drag Karaoke performances (Sat 15 & Fri 21 Feb) at the Ball Inn. To keep dancing, Sassy Saturdays with DJ Brooke (Sat 8 & 22 Feb) at Malin Bridge Inn promises a night of music and laughter.

Ever fancied getting behind the decks? Check out the FLAW DJ Workshop & Social (Tue 4 Feb) at Gut Level to learn DJing in a queer-friendly, inclusive space. For those looking to party, Grapefruit: LGBTQ+ Club Night (Fri 14 & 28 Feb) at Sheffield Students’ Union offers a high-energy atmosphere with chart-topping hits, queer anthems and disco vibes.

Gut Level also has a packed schedule of parties, including ARMPIT w/ Wes Baggaley (Sat 15 Feb), where you can enjoy a thrilling mix of techno, electro, post-punk, and wave. Gut Level Presents: K Means, Diessa, Korra (Sat 1 Feb) offers everything from footwork and jungle to ambient and grime, while Machine Soul Third Birthday – Part 1 (Fri 7 Feb) celebrates music, community, and culture.

Finally, BABii, Yem Gel + more (Fri 7 Feb) at Sidney and Matilda promises a night of hyperactive audiovisual goodness. Headlined by BABii, the event features experimental pop and electronic acts that will keep you mesmerised.

That’s your lot for this month! Check out the latest event announcements at facebook.com/sheffieldlgbtevents.

Gingerbread Boba (go hot +30p)

Merry Matcha

£6.50 (cold only)

Cinnamon Boba £5.50 (go hot +30p)

Chocolate Strawberry £6.50 (cold only)

SEARCHING FOR JIM

The end of the Sixties was a dangerous time to be a rock star. Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones died in July 1969, and within two years Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison of the Doors were also dead. They were all aged 27, giving rise to the urban myths surrounding what conspiracy nuts refer to as the 27 Club. Jim Morrison’s death has proved the most controversial, mostly because it wasn’t announced until six days later and after he had been buried in a sealed coffin with no autopsy.

WORDS: MARK PERKINS

The documentary 'Before the End: Searching for Jim Morrison' made its global streaming debut on January 13, just after what would have been Jim Morrison’s 81st birthday. Filmmaker Jeff Linn has given it the tagline “One man. Countless Myths.” The film was twelve years in the making and treats Morrison’s death as a coldcase investigation. It follows Jeff as he consults private investigators and forensic scientists, along with former classmates, family, friends and lovers. After all this, he starts to conclude that Jim Morrison may have faked his own death. I booked myself a transatlantic Zoom chat with Jeff to find out more.

How did you arrive at the idea that Jim Morrison might still be alive?

I picked up a copy of No-One Here Gets Out Alive by Danny Sugerman and Jerry Hopkins, which was the first book ever written on Jim Morrison, and which questions the narrative that he died in his hotel bathtub. I was hooked

instantly. Not only did I not believe he had died in Paris in July 1971, but frankly I also didn’t believe a good deal of the other things in the book either. In 1971 Jim had left The Doors, or been sacked, depending on who you believe, but with no real publicity. He was facing jail time on some ridiculous charges of indecent exposure on stage and was totally worn down by the life he was expected to lead as a rock star. He had often talked about faking his own death as the only way of escaping his problems, and the book laid all this out. Hopkins actually wanted to release two versions of the book, with two different endings: one where Jim dies and the other where he fakes his own death. They were intended to be distributed randomly, but the publishers wouldn’t go along with it.

As soon as I read the book, in 1985, I started doing my own research, really just as a hobby, and it just increased over the decades. In 1996 I had the idea to write a book about the ‘real Jim Morrison’, as opposed to his rock persona, and started an

internet forum for discussions about Jim. In those dial-up days, the internet mainly consisted of people talking to each other. It often seemed easier to call someone on the phone.

Then your research led you to this guy, Frank, who is central to your documentary, and who you finally got to meet and interview.

In late 2016 I met him, and from that point, I had to totally rebuild the entire project from scratch. He is uncannily linked to The Doors and to Jim Morrison and knows so much about them and the people Jim knew. There were so many crossovers between Frank and Jim Morrison that I had to pursue them and see if the unthinkable was true. Could this man actually be Jim Morrison? People will have to watch the documentary and draw their own conclusions.

The film has a fascinating structure and covers more than just speculation over his disappearance. Yes, the editor, Steve Shuster, is an unsung hero of the piece.

He came on board after I’d met Frank and helped me rebuild the project from the ground up. He brought a lot of light and colour to the form of this film. Jim’s death was so big and dramatic that sadly it often overshadows and overwhelms his life. I wanted to try to illustrate Jim’s life and times, to get across the psychedelic world he lived in. His life has mystery upon mystery. I ended up trying to show how I went down what I call “a rabbit hole lined with coincidence.” His formative years are fascinating, and I managed to talk to lots of people who knew him as he grew up. His rock stardom is analogous to his death: all big and shiny, and so overwhelming that it tends to dwarf his poetry. I hope this brings a broader spectrum to what we think we know about Jim Morrison.

Before the End: Searching

For Jim Morrison is out now on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube, with an accompanying book, 127 Fascination: Jim Morrison Decoded, out soon.

DEATH AND THE KING’S HORSEMAN

This month, Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres will stage Death and the King’s Horseman at the Crucible – a thought-provoking production enriched with music and dance, deeply rooted in the culture and spirituality of the Yoruba people and inspired by true events.

PHOTO: ANTHONY ROBLING

Ahead of the play’s opening night, director and executive producer Mojisola Kareem shared her vision for this fresh take on the revered work.

What is your artistic vision for the staging of the play?

My direction for Death and the King’s Horseman is anchored in the vibrant identities of indigenous cultures, with a particular focus on Yoruba traditions and belief that everything has a spirit, weaving magical realism and spiritual struggle into the narrative. The production will display Yoruba storytelling, celebrating our traditions through music, dance and attire that honour our ancestors and values.

Part of my vision is to demonstrate the connection between the physical and spiritual realms through the staging and design. Our set and costumes draw from Yoruba artistry and characters will be portrayed with emphasis on their struggles with cultural expectations and the impact of colonial influences. As a Yoruba woman, my intention is to create a heartfelt tribute to our cultural heritage.

Can you tell us more about the Yoruba people?

The Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria are one of Africa’s most influential groups, feeding into social, cultural, educational, political and commercial lives across the world. They are one of the largest ethnic groups in sub-Saharan Africa and are the largest African community in the UK.

Yoruba art, religion and philosophical tradition has offered cultural inspiration since its ancient roots dating back to 1500 BCE and continues to intrigue scholars and artists worldwide to delve into its rich history, which is where I found influence when bringing together elements of Death and the King’s Horseman.

What’s the driving force behind your choice to stage this play?

I was drawn to this play because it is beautifully written and portrays a world that I feel I have a good grasp on. As a female director, I chose to interrogate the complex roles and contradictions faced by women in society. I hope to offer a fresh, transformative interpretation by bringing contemporary insights into the portrayal of gender dynamics. As a proud Yoruba woman, I’ll be delving into complex female characters’ motivations and relationships, emphasising their strength, influence and vital roles in their communities - despite societal constraints - and ensuring their perspectives are fully realised and appreciated.

I’m excited to explore the intersection of Yoruba culture and colonial influences’ impact on women, traditional roles and underlying misogyny, and will be encouraging audiences to reflect on these issues.

What does it mean to you to be able to stage Death and the King’s Horseman and what would you say to people who may not be familiar with Wole Soyinka’s work?

Staging Death and the King’s Horseman is both an honour and a privilege for me. As an admirer of Wole Soyinka’s work, bringing this powerful play to

life feels like a dream come true. It represents a significant moment in my artistic journey, plus a connection to my Yoruba heritage and the rich storytelling traditions it embodies.

For those who may not be familiar with Wole Soyinka’s work, I would say that his plays offer profound insights into the complexities of human nature, culture and the interplay between tradition and modernity. Death and the King’s Horseman specifically explores themes of duty and sacrifice, cultural misunderstanding and the importance of ritual.

How does this production align to Utopia Theatre’s mission?

As we aim to be the UK’s leading voice and producer of African theatre, this production embodies our commitment to showcasing innovative works that celebrate African culture and storytelling and encourage authentic voices from the African diaspora.

Death and the King’s Horseman is at the Crucible, 3-8 Feb. Tickets can be booked through the Sheffield Theatres’ Box Office in person, on 0114 249 6000 or sheffieldtheatres. co.uk.

@utopia_theatre

DERRICK GREAVES RETROSPECTIVE OPENS

The Graves Gallery has unveiled Derrick Greaves: Art Worlds, a major retrospective celebrating the life and work of one of Sheffield’s most acclaimed painters. Running from 25 January to 21 June 2025, this marks the first comprehensive exhibition of Greaves’ art since his death in 2022.

Born in Sheffield in 1927, Greaves’ early experiences in the city profoundly influenced his work. Spanning eight decades, the exhibition features over 20 paintings, drawings, and sketchbooks, alongside preparatory works and photographs. Curated with James Hyman and the artist’s estate, the collection is divided into four themes: Home Life, The World of the Studio, The Art of the Past, and The Natural World.

Highlights include Greaves’ portraits of his parents and industrial landscapes inspired by his Sheffield upbringing, as well as whimsical Post-It note doodles that informed later works. Visitors can explore his connections to art history, from Ancient Greece to Picasso, and view his final paintings created during the Covid pandemic.

Alison Morton, Head of Exhibitions at Sheffield Museums, said: “This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to explore the impact of Greaves’ Sheffield experiences and wider influences on his work.”

Derrick Greaves: Art Worlds is free to visit, with donations welcome. More info at www. sheffieldmuseums.org.uk.

PREVIEW

SHEFFIELD THEATRES ANNOUNCES CAST FOR A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Sheffield Theatres has revealed the full cast for Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, running from 1 to 29 March 2025 at the Crucible . Directed by Josh Seymour (Spend, Spend, Spend), this new production stars Joanna Vanderham as Blanche DuBois, with Amara Okereke as Stella and Jake Dunn as Stanley.

The cast also includes Bridgette Amofah, Lia Burge, Nuhazet Diaz Cano, Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong, Jack Ofrecio and Dominic Rye, all making their Sheffield Theatres debuts.

Set in 1940s New Orleans, the play follows fading Southern belle Blanche as she seeks refuge with her sister Stella, sparking a clash with Stella’s husband Stanley. As tensions rise and past secrets unravel, Blanche and Stella are forced to confront harsh realities.

Tickets are on sale now via the Box Office on 0114 249 6000 or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk. Don’t miss this powerful revival of Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning classic.

2, 2. Derrick Greaves, Blossom (Two Trees), 2020 © Estate of Derrick Greaves, courtesy of James Hyman Gallery, London

of 4. Derrick Greaves , Wall Drawings , 2003 © Estate of Derrick Greaves, courtesy of James Hyman Gallery, London

2. Derrick Greaves, Blossom (Two Trees), 2020 © Estate of Derrick Greaves, courtesy of James Hyman Gallery, London 4. Derrick Greaves , Wall Drawings

Derrick Greaves, courtesy of James Hyman Gallery,

BRINGING THE MOST AUTHENTIC ASIAN FLAVOUR TO YOU IN A FUN WOKIE BOX WAY!

FROM THE TASTE OF JAPANESE TERIYAKI, TO THAI TOM YUM, KOREAN SPICY SHIN, SINGAPORE SATAY, MALAYSIA SAMBAL, HONG KONG XO SAUCE, SAIGON BLACK PEPPER AND MANY MORE.

YOU PICK THE INGREDIENTS & WE WOK IT UP FOR YOU, SUPER FRESH & FLAVOURFUL!

With no money

As long as I’ve got you.

Paul X

I’m sorry Paul,

I just don’t think you’ve thought this through. It would have to have television and Wi-Fi too, only a small television though (but still HD) and we’d need the car and somewhere to park for free. And what about your three kids? Where the hell would they go?

And where would we wash all of our dirty clothes?

There’d have to be a washing machine, and a dine-in kitchen, say A second and third bedroom because you wanted to work from home four days. And what if my mum and dad wanted to stay? And central heating?

And we are going to America next July

So we can’t just leave all of our possessions in a padlocked boat for 14 nights.

And I’d miss the garden so we’d need a lawn and flowers too

A nice place to sit outside

Or have a Sunday barbecue. And what about our dog, Snowy?

We can’t just leave him barking, howling in the lashing rain tethered up on deck all night long, he’d be going insane. Poor little sod

Taken from David Venn’s recently released collection of poems, Hell’s Angel Coffee Morning (@hellsangelcoffeemorning).

Signed copies available from davidvennwriter.wordpress.com.

Illustration: Helen Frank (@helen___frank)

DEATH AND THE KING’S HORSEMAN

CRUCIBLE // 3 - 8 FEB // £15 - £33

Set in late 1940s Nigeria, the king’s horseman is tasked with carrying out a sacred ritual upon his monarch’s death –but must first battle the allure of earthly desires. Selected by The Guardian as one of the best theatre productions this year, enjoy a thought-provoking and resonant theatrical experience showcasing the music and dance deeply rooted in the culture of the Yoruba people.

sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

LYCEUM // 4 - 8 FEB // £15 - £45

Follow detective Hercule Poirot as he tackles the ‘unsolvable’ murder on the Orient Express. The classic Christie mystery makes its way to Sheffield’s Lyceum, bringing its masterfully cryptic story to the city. With a final twist described as ‘among the very best,’ it’s sure to keep you guessing till the end of the line. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

PIG HEART BOY

PLAYHOUSE // 27 FEB - 15 MAR // £15

Based on the novel by Malorie Blackman, Pig Heart Boy follows thirteen-year-old Cameron, who just wants to be normal. Faced with an unavoidable heart transplant and with limited time left, he must decide how far he’ll go to get his life back.

sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

DERRICK GREAVES: ART WORLDS

GRAVES GALLERY // 25 JAN - 21 JUNE // FREE

When he died, Sheffield-raised Derrick Greaves was one of the most acclaimed British painters of the last half-century –with the city having a significant impact on his work. This gallery is the first retrospective of his art since his death in 2022, bringing together a selection of paintings, drawings and sketchbooks from an 80-year-long career.

sheffieldmuseums.org.uk

STRANGE PRESENCE: JOHN HOYLAND

MILLENNIUM GALLERY // 18 JAN18 MAY // FREE

Celebrate the life and work of Sheffieldborn artist John Hoyland across two exhibitions now open at the Millennium Gallery. Showcasing the bold, striking and abstract paintings for which Hoyland was best known.

sheffieldmuseums.org.uk

THOMAS MARRIOTT

Could we begin by discussing early artistic influences?

Well, when I was a very young boy, my mum would encourage anything creative. But I don’t think she thought I’d eventually be making my own art. And then one day, we were at school – I must’ve been about six or seven years old – and the teacher showed us Water Lilies by Monet. And that was it. I just made loads of versions of that, really. From there on, it was just something I enjoyed. After a bit of time, I

had my fill of copying things and started to sketch my own ideas.

What did those early drawings look like?

Oh, it was the sort of drawings any kid would do – your interests at the time. Lego, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Spider-Man. Stuff like that.

How did things progress from there?

I went to study Fine Art at Sheffield Hallam University. And immediately, I felt at home. It

was brilliant studying in the new building at Fitzalan Square. I was still slightly hesitant, unsure and sort of guarded. But throughout uni, I was able to hone my style a bit and didn’t feel as much trepidation.

Then, when Covid happened, loads of people were leaving studios. Me and a friend, who’s also an artist, managed to get a studio at Exchange Place. We got quite far up the list and secured one, basically because nobody else wanted them at the time. That was great as it provided a base and a structure for work –which I’m still trying to master!

Most of my work has been shown in group exhibitions or open calls. Back at university, the tutors would encourage us to look out for those opportunities. I’d say, “But I’m just a student,” and they’d reply, “Trust me,

what you’re doing here, people will want to see it.” So I started submitting work, and it’s been great to connect with different themes – things like 'birth and rebirth' or 'home' – the sort of things that tie into the everyday stories I love exploring.

When would you say you started developing a sort of style of your own?

There’d be little moments where I’d be exposed to a new painting or drawing. I’d see something and think, “Oh, that’s better than what I can do.” And it’d inspire a burst of creativity. I remember at school when I saw the work of George Shaw – that visual art and depiction of the everyday was a big influence. I thought, “Right, that’s the sort of thing I want to make.”

Speaking of that, moments captured from everyday life is a recurring theme in your art. How do you decide on subjects?

The drawings usually come from an idea that sort of grabs me, and then from that, I can compose this whole image in my head. It all sort of needs to get out immediately. But before I draw it, I’ll do sketches and prepare material to make it match as close as I can to that initial idea.

I’ve got my interests – things like football, domestic life and family – and they naturally filter into my art. They’re like little worlds of their own and I like to capture bits from them. You can wait for ages for new ideas to come to you, but sometimes it’s about just keeping your mind supple and experiencing things. I take photographs and do sketches when I see certain things. It’s about connection; a lot of art these days focuses on how people are different. But everyday life is something 99% of us can relate to – and there’s a lot of joy in it.

There’s often a lot of beauty in the mundane parts of life, isn’t there? Yeah, that’s it. Something that seems simple, like a piece depicting the chaos of a family at home rushing to get ready for a function, can inspire a lot of

emotion and nostalgia in people. It can also make people laugh, too.

What role does humour play in your work?

A big one. I think art without humour can feel very heavy, certainly for me anyway. There’s so much ridiculousness in everyday life – you’ve got to capture it.

When people engage with your work, what do you hope they take away?

I’d like them to feel noticed. Everyday life can seem repetitive or insignificant, but there’s beauty in it. I hope my work helps people see that – and maybe, more generally, feel that everything’s going to be fine.

What advice would you give aspiring artists?

Make art about what you love. It’s like when someone learns to play guitar or piano – if they’re learning songs they have no desire to play, they’re not going to get far. But if you’re playing your favourite songs, you’ll push yourself. Technique and refinement come later, but the joy of creating will give you that fire that can keep you going for life.

thomasmarriottart.co.uk

@thomas_marriott.art