23 minute read
Visit
Sheffield is a city of culture. It’s home to some of the most exciting theatres in the country, a landmark indie cinema, a neverending festival season, and a string of galleries that make for a great art trail. And that’s not to mention all the art and poetry to be discovered in the streets. It’s also, famously, a green city. The green isn’t just at its hilly edges; it’s in the very heart of the city, where an urban glasshouse sits next to a beautiful public garden. There’s fun for all the family here, whether it’s at a huge leisure complex or an indoor adventure game. There are historic sights to check off that nod to the city’s proud industrial heritage and, after a busy trip, some great spots to slow down and relax. Cultural destinations and visitor attractions will reopen from lockdown in phases. Make sure you follow the social distancing and other measures in place at each venue, to help keep all visitors and locals safe.
Bloc Projects
– Sunshine Wong
Bloc Projects is a contemporary art space that, though relatively small in size, is big in ideas. Its exhibitions give artists space to explore their practice freely, while its workshops and events invite everybody to join them. In lockdown, Bloc continued to present art – and conversations about art – both online and outside on the Bloc Billboard. Curator Sunshine Wong shares how the gallery provides a platform for creative thinking.
How did Bloc Projects adapt and stay active during lockdown?
For the first few months, Dave McLeavy (our former director, who left in February 2021) and I were having lots of discussions about what to do! We put in an unsuccessful Arts Council bid but did receive some government support. So we thought: maybe the best use of our energy would be to understand how we are responding, both as Bloc and as a sector, to the collision of health, cultural and socio-political crises.
You hosted a series of online talks about the state of the art world. How will these discussions influence future Bloc programmes?
People were feeling all types of ways and getting stuck into other media, new hobbies, etc. Our Harsh Light series of webinars responds to this shift, and asks how we are coping as art workers. Because of these conversations, we’ve made critical care an overarching ethos. This includes making our work accessible to more people, e.g. our webinars have live BSL signing, while the current Bloc Billboard by June Lam includes an accompanying poem read aloud by the artist for partially sighted passers-by. And our new artist residency, Blueprints of the Otherwise, emphasises mutual learning between artist and organisation.
Bloc explores ideas through exhibitions, billboards, talks and workshops. What’s been a highlight for you?
I wasn’t yet working at Bloc Projects but in 2019 I saw a beautiful exhibition by Alex Farrar. The gallery was punctuated by domestic furniture, body-like soft sculptures, and the floor was flooded with water. You have no idea what to make of this scene; it was sinister, familiar and cosy all at the same time. I had no expectations, and this really surprised me.
What are your hopes for the arts and culture community in Sheffield as we emerge from the pandemic?
I hope we don’t go back to normal, in many ways. I hope we’ve learned how interconnected we are. I hope organisations have used this time to ask why their work matters. I hope we’ll emerge a little more humble and willing to learn. I would love to see the city’s different arts communities confident in what they do, with a genuine sense of place. See p87 to find out about Bloc Studios, the connected complex of artist workspaces.
71 Eyre Lane, S1 4RB blocprojects.co.uk
Millennium Gallery
Graves Gallery
Millennium Gallery
Located in the heart of Sheffield, this gallery and museum is the city’s premier destination for art, craft and design. It’s home to an exquisite collection of metalwork and a fascinating exploration of beauty in the Ruskin Collection, while its changing galleries host an intriguing and accessible array of exhibitions. The gallery also facilitates regular talks, tours, craft clubs and workshops – catering for adults, families, schools, colleges and universities. Its shop is worth a visit for prints, homeware, clothing, stationery and books, many of which are made by local Sheffield makers. Arundel Gate, S1 2PP museums-sheffield.org.uk
Graves Gallery
Situated above the Central Library since 1934, the Graves Gallery has long been the home of visual art in Sheffield. It features permanent exhibitions of work spanning the centuries, as well as significant touring shows. The Graves sees the likes of Turner, Blake, Bridget Riley and Damien Hirst on its walls – with a few local heroes in the mix too. It is host to regular events, such as an art club and curator talks and tours, and a shop for art and gifts. Surrey Street, S1 2LH museums-sheffield.org.uk
Site Gallery
Site is a space for world-class contemporary art in Sheffield. It pioneers new art practices, with a focus on moving image, new media and performance work from local, regional and international creators. It also inspires the next generation of culture vultures with its Society of Explorers collective of 14-to19-year-olds. 1 Brown Street, S1 2BS sitegallery.org
Image courtesy of Our Favourite Places
DINA
Since 2016 DINA has provided a nurturing home for fresh and new alternative arts and culture in Sheffield. A gallery, veggie and vegan diner and performance space, the DINA community first found their home in a converted former nightclub. After four lively years, in 2021 they relocated to Fitzalan Square. When its doors open, you can expect a progressive and inclusive programme – past events have ranged from improv comedy to drag cabarets to electronic music open mic nights. 12 Fitzalan Square, S1 2AZ dinavenue.com
DINA
99 Mary Street
Describing itself as a postindustrial concept space, 99MS is a vibrant hub of creative activity. Exhibitions have ranged from pop art to folk art, while the venue also hosts the occasional intimate gig. 99 Mary Street, S1 4RT 99mary.st
GLOAM Gallery
Set up by artist Mark Ridington in 2017, GLOAM is a gallery and studio space dedicated to artist development. In its original location on Mary Street, between 2017 and 2019 it hosted a series of fascinating solo and group shows of emerging artists from across the country, as well as electronic music nights. In 2020, GLOAM became collectively-run and relocated to Arundel Street, though Covid-19 delayed its opening plans. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for updates. 160 Arundel Street, S1 4RE /GLOAMGallery
APG Works
Set in an old cutlery factory, APG is an specialist picture framing and screen-printing studio and gallery, founded by Rupert Wood in 2002. Today it operates as a collective, pooling the talents of its team to offer expert services both to artists and those wishing to display art in beautiful ways. 16–20 Sidney Street, S1 4RH apgworks.co.uk
Sidney and Matilda
In a former paper factory where Sidney Street meets Matilda Street, this place is art gallery by day and social club by night. Artist and curator Al Daw runs the venue and regularly transforms the space depending on the artists and work on display. In the evening its orange lanterns beckon passers-by to its speakeasy-style basement bar, where they’ll find table football, darts and regular live music or comedy nights. Rivelin Works, Sidney Street, S1 4RH sidneyandmatilda.com
Kurious
Kurious shares Castle House with food court Kommune (see p68) and tech enterprise space Kollider (see p124). It’s a creative hub focussed on inspiring people in artistic endeavour through workshops and events. Castle House, Angel Street, S3 8LN /artskurious
APG Works
Sidney and Matilda
Image courtesy of Sidney and Matilda
Image courtesy of Kurious
Artcade Gallery
Artcade Gallery
Based in the Forum shopping arcade, Artcade is a space for Sheffield artists to create, show and well their work. It shines a spotlight on artists with solo exhibitions, with artworks for sale at reasonable prices. Forum Arcade, Devonshire Street, S3 7SB /Artcade-Gallery
artSocial
Launched on Snig Hill in 2021, the Social is driven by the desire to make art accessible to all. It’s managed by Yes2Ventures, an organisation that sets up and supports social firms that offer training and employment to people who are disadvantaged in the labour market. It showcases and sells art – paintings, books, cards, prints – with profits supporting people the organisation works with. There are also plans to create a microbrewery on site – watch this space. 24–26 Snig Hill, S3 8NB yes2ventures.org.uk/ thesocial
Fronteer Gallery
Artists Sharon Mossbeck and Michael Borkowsky opened Fronteer Gallery in 2020. Their aim is to provide inclusive, supportive exhibition opportunities for artists from all backgrounds. 18 Exchange Street, S2 5TS fronteer.co.uk
Street art
In 2016, artists Florence Blanchard and Ed Bradbury invited sixteen internationally renowned street artists to leave their mark on Sheffield with their Feature Walls event, funded by Sheffield BID, Arts Council England and the University of Sheffield. Locations of lasting Feature Walls murals include Birley Lane car park (Nano 4814), Wellington Street car park (Jo Peel, Will Barras, Michael Fikaris, Kid Acne), The Red Deer on Pitt Lane (Frau Isa), and Charles Lane (Faunagraphic). Other street art highlights in the Sheffield BID area include Phlegm’s surreal creatures on the side of the Rutland Arms, Rob Lee’s celebration of local magazine Now Then on Howard Street, and Pete McKee’s Muriel character on the back of the Art House.
In 2020, the Cultural Industries Quarter welcomed two largescale additions. Florence Blanchard covered the once-grey, unfriendly ground opposite Site Gallery (locally known as Pinball Park) into an inviting pop of colour. Just up the road, Jo Peel combined her distinctive illustrations with planting designed by Nigel Dunnett to create a living mural on the side of Yorkshire Artspace’s Persistence Works.
Artists are constantly adding their unique style to the city’s outdoor gallery – keep your eyes peeled for new murals as you wander the streets.
Image courtesy of B&B Gallery
Crucible Theatre and Lyceum Theatre
Crucible Theatre
The iconic Crucible is the main feature of the stunning Tudor Square at the heart of the city. It regularly welcomes famous faces to tread its boards and has won Regional Theatre of the Year an unprecedented four times at The Stage awards. Its auditorium boasts 1000 seats arranged around the circular stage, while the smaller Crucible Studio is an intimate place with a focus on emerging theatre makers. As well as being known for its plays and annual end-of-year musical, the Crucible also hosts the World Snooker Championships. And while it was closed for lockdown, it continued to delight theatre lovers with live streamed shows and online workshops. 55 Norfolk Street, S1 1DA sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Lyceum Theatre
The Lyceum is one of Sheffield’s oldest and grandest theatres. There’s been a stage on-site since 1879 and it has gone through many regenerations in its life. It’s now home to a 1068-seat theatre and acts as a touring theatre for some of the country’s largest scale musical and opera performances. It is also home to the yearly pantomime, a much-loved and cherished Sheffield tradition. The Lyceum sits next to the Crucible in Tudor Square opposite the picturesque Winter Garden and is surrounded by some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. 55 Norfolk Street, S1 1DA sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Image courtesy of Theatre Deli Theatre Deli
Theatre Deli
Theatre Deli started in London but now resides here in Sheffield. They take abandoned buildings and turn them into artistic hubs and performance venues. They support emerging theatre makers working with non-traditional styles of performance, and also host the occasional poetry reading and music night. Theatre Deli have taken over the old Mothercare on the edge of the city centre and transformed it into a place where audiences can see new and cutting edge work created in Sheffield and around the country. 202 Eyre Street, S1 4QZ theatredeli.co.uk
Library Theatre
This art-deco venue in the heart of Sheffield’s theatreland is committed to supporting local theatre, arts, music and film. Surrey Street, S1 1XZ sheffield.gov.uk/ librarytheatre
Montgomery Theatre
The Montgomery features performances crossing a multitude of genres – with a particular focus on children’s and family programming. Montgomery Hall, Surrey Street, S1 2LG themontgomery.org.uk
National Videogame Museum
National Videogame Museum
A gamer’s paradise. The NVM showcases over a hundred videogames, and traces the history of how gaming culture has evolved over the decades. There are plenty of chances to get your hands on the joysticks, buttons and controllers for a play – and even to have a go at creating your own game. Look out for familyfriendly workshops and events hosted by the NVM team, exploring everything from pixel art to interactive storytelling. Castle House, Angel Street, S3 8LN thenvm.org
National Emergency Services Museum
In the West Bar area of town, rather appropriately located adjacent to the central police station, the National Emergency Services Museum is another of Sheffield’s treasures. Home to over 50 emergency service vehicles from throughout history, the museum offers visitors a fantastic insight into the heroics and the methods employed by our emergency service workers through the ages. With three floors of exhibits depicting everything from burning buildings to an accurately smelly Victorian police cell, this is the place for the whole family to experience the sights, sounds and smells endured by the lifesavers of the past. Old Police and Fire Station, West Bar, S3 8PT emergencymuseum.org.uk
Showroom Cinema
One of Europe’s largest independent cinemas, the Showroom offers a unique cinematic experience to the people of Sheffield and beyond. Housed in a converted 1930s car showroom, this distinctly idiosyncratic cinema is a landmark in the Cultural Industries Quarter. The Showroom is home to international documentary film festival Doc/Fest and the Children’s Media Conference, the UK’s premier event for children’s content. It is paired with the longest-running creative business centre in the city, the Workstation. 15 Paternoster Row, S1 2BX showroomworkstation.org.uk
National Emergency Services Museum
Showroom Cinema
Sheffield City Hall
One of Sheffield’s most famous landmarks, the Grade II listed City Hall was designed by renowned architect Vincent E Harris and opened its doors in 1932. Having forged an extensive entertainment and musical legacy, it has become Yorkshire’s premier music venue and conference centre, playing host to a fantastic array of events from ballroom tea dances, comedy and opera to ballet, exhibitions and charity fundraisers. It is also home to the Sheffield International Concert Season, a highlight on any classical music fan’s calendar. Barker’s Pool, S1 2JA sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
Women of Steel
Sheffield City Hall
Women of Steel
Standing proudly next to City Hall, the Women of Steel statue marks a celebration of Sheffield women’s contribution to the war effort in both world wars, specifically in the steel industry. Serving as an inspiration to young women today as well as rewarding the invaluable efforts of the women of steel, this statue symbolises the struggles women were forced to overcome in those chaotic times, from having to take on. Constructed by Martin Jennings, the Women of Steel statue is an important part of Sheffield’s history and landscape today. Barker’s Pool
St Marie’s Cathedral
St Marie’s is a beautiful English Roman Catholic Cathedral nestled in the heart of Sheffield City Centre. It offers a warm welcome to visitors from all cultural and national backgrounds. The Cathedral is open every day and holds mass and services throughout the week. In addition to their regular celebrations, St Marie’s holds a variety of special masses throughout the year. It is a renowned concert venue and has hosted many of the finest choral ensembles. Guided tours led by knowledgeable guides are available and group visits to the Cathedral can also be arranged. Norfolk Street, S1 2JB stmariecathedral.org
Winter Garden
Winter Garden
Located in the heart of the city, the Winter Garden is one of Sheffield’s most cherished sites thanks to its beautiful glass architecture and collection of more than 2,500 plants from around the world. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll, taking in the picturesque plant life. It’s a great lunchtime spot too, with cafes offering hot drinks and light refreshments. Also home to the Sheffield Makers Shop (see p86) and a pop-up featuring local traders and makers, it’s a wonderful place, and has a direct connection to the Millennium Gallery (see p20). 90 Surrey Street, S1 2LH
Sheffield Cathedral
The Cathedral has been a focal point of the city centre for over 1000 years. It is the oldest building to still be used on a daily basis within the city. The first brick was laid on this site by William de Lovetot when he was building the township of Sheffield and has had a rich and lively history ever since. Not only is it a place of worship but the Cathedral is also home to some fantastic projects, such as the Archer Project which supports adults at risk of homelessness. They provide care and support to all they can and long term care to those who need it most. Church Street, S1 1HA sheffieldcathedral.org
Sheffield Cathedral
Victoria Hall Methodist Church
A multicultural church with a beautiful modernist interior, Victoria Hall brings people together over prayer, food and coffee. The church also runs community projects like the Sheffield Box, delivering a welcoming shoebox of small items and information to new arrivals in the city, whether they’ve moved from abroad for work, are an asylum seeker or otherwise. Norfolk Street, S1 2JB victoriahallmethodist church.org
Russell’s Bicycle Shed
Russell’s Bicycle Shed
Visitors can explore the city on two wheels as soon as they step off the train in Sheffield, thanks to Russell’s Bicycle Shed. Based just by the entrance to the station, they sell and service bikes, and hire them out at decent day, overnight and week rates. The shop is next door to the station’s Cycle Hub – a secure bicycle lock-up, accessible 24/7 with a key fob (which you can buy from Russell’s). You’ll also find free-to-use cycle stands on platform 6. Sheffield Railway Station, Sheaf Street, S1 2BP russellsbicycleshed.co.uk
“I would like cycling to become as normal as eating cornflakes for breakfast.” Russell Cutts
Bike Rehab
This friendly bicycle service and repair centre is tucked away just off Devonshire Green. It offers everything from puncture repairs to the full works. 100 Wellington Street, S1 4HX bikerehab.co.uk
Unity Yoga
This city centre yoga studio offers a range of classes, suitable for beginners and more advanced yogis, in its airy and comfortable studio space. 190 Norfolk Street, S1 1SY unityyogasheffield.com
Image courtesy of Sheffield City Trust Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
Ponds Forge has been honing some of Britain’s best athletes since 1989. There’s something for everyone – from the Olympic-sized swimming pool and the family fun leisure pool with slides winding their way around the outside of the building, to a fully equipped gym and fitness centre. Or for those looking for a more relaxing day, the sauna and steam room are at your disposal. Sheaf Street, S1 2BP sheffieldcitytrust.org
The Great Escape Game
Described as “like being in a real life video game”, this exciting game challenges a group of people to escape from a room, in the allocated time slot of 45 minutes. Get ready to test your clue solving skills and common sense before time runs out. St James House, Vicar Lane, S1 2EX thegreatescapegame.co.uk
Quasar
Pure entertainment for all ages. Think sci-fi adventure, armed with your own personal laser gun and sent out to explore a faraway planet, whatever the weather. 4 Bank Street, S1 2DS laserfun.org.uk
The Fitness Club
– Austin McIntosh
Driven by health and happiness, Austin McIntosh’s approach to wellbeing is refreshing. At the heart of his independent club is the gym. It’s complete with all the cardio equipment, resistance machines and free weights you’d expect from a quality facility. The Fitness Club goes beyond a gym and spinning classes, though. It offers a much more holistic experience. You’ll find a sauna and a salon specialising in afro hair here, as well as one-on-one coaching, massage therapy and a structured mental health programme.
What makes The Fitness Club different to other gyms?
We are more than just a gym. We are a community that not only provides all the amenities that allows us to work on our physical health (group training, personal training, dance, pilates and more) but also our mental health. We complete it with additional benefits such as hair and beauty, as well as partnering with a service that helps vulnerable young people find better living circumstances through our self-development programme.
What’s the best thing about running a club in Sheffield city centre?
The people! And this is what makes our club so special. We have genuine, good people, looking to improve on their overall health.
How did you stay connected to the TFC community during lockdown?
Through various social media platforms and online classes. We also offered a free shopping delivery service during the first lockdown. Our ethos of being there for people was something that we wanted to cement even during the toughest times.
What advice would you give to someone who is keen to exercise but doesn’t feel confident joining a gym?
TFC is the place for you! I know through experience that walking through the doors is the toughest step to joining a gym. But here at TFC, from the moment you walk through the doors and we greet you with your name and “good morning,” you’ll be made to feel in a place where you are not only welcome but a place where you belong.
High streets
Exciting changes are coming to the city’s high streets. Investment from the government’s Future High Streets Fund will enable Sheffield City Council to reinvent Fargate and High Street as social hubs over the coming years. At the centre of plans is Event Central, a new space for events, exhibitions, co-working and cafes. Plans also include bringing in new greenery, seating areas and lighting, improving the high street experience for all and making it more sustainable for the future. The successful funding bid was a real team effort, with the council drawing on the expertise and research of the University of Sheffield.
Fitzalan Square
One of the oldest civic spaces in the city centre, Fitzalan Square has seen a lot since it was built in 1881 – including a bombing during the Blitz. After a relatively quiet few years, the square now has a new lease of life, and landscaping and pedestrianisation have since transformed it.
Sharing the square is the grand former post office building, now home to Sheffield Institute of Arts. The art school has welcomed some new neighbours – alternative arts venue DINA, art and craft supplies shop Fred Aldous, and cafes Hygge and the Chakra Lounge. Together they give more reasons to visit this historic part of the city.
Castlegate
Once the site of the town’s castle, Castlegate is the historic heart of Sheffield. In the 19th century it became a hub of working-class culture, with everything from music halls to markets. The area’s Exchange Street is once again home to a lively independent community, with music venues Plot 22, Delicious Clam and Bal Fashions, Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurant Frehiwet Habesha, and skate-able street architecture. Around the corner, Castle House encompasses food court Kommune, tech enterprise space Kollider and creative hub Kurious. And towards the river, the Grey to Green project has brought colour to the area with a freshly planted route, new seating and habitat sculptures.
The Moor
Alongside the rejuvenation of The Moor into the city’s main destination for high street brands, the area has transformed for independent businesses in recent years too. The Moor Market is a hive of indie traders, with everything from Thai street food to fresh fish to craft beer. The Light brings cinema to The Moor, with nine screens showing the latest releases as well as a bar. Around the corner, Lane 7 brings bowling, video games, ping pong, a bar and Fat Hippo burgers together under one roof. And at the end of The Moor, longstanding gay bar Dempsey’s has been joined by Queer Junction and Social Rehab in the burgeoning newly designated Gay Quarter.
Sheffield city centre festivals & events
TR A M L IN E S
Sheffield’s lively calendar of cultural festivals, sporting events and family festivities looks a little different in 2021 and 2022. Some events are moving online. Others are offering a mixture of online and in-person activity. And many venues, when they reopen, will be operating with seating in bubbles and at less than 100% capacity. Details may change in response to Covid-19 guidance, so keep an eye on their websites and social media for updates.
World Snooker championships 17 April–3 May 2021 cruciblesnooker.com
Open Up Sheffield 1–31 May 2021 (online) openupsheffield.co.uk
Festival of Debate 4 May–5 June 2021 (online) festivalofdebate.com
Sheffield Chamber Music Festival 11–15 May 2021 (online) musicintheround.co.uk
Together Season Festival 24 May–5 June sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Doc/Fest 4–13 June 2021 (online & in person) sheffdocfest.com
Migration Matters 14–20 June (online) & 9–17 July (online & in person) migrationmattersfestival.co.uk
CMC Playground 1–11 July 2021 cmcplayground.com
Children’s Media Conference & Playground 5–9 July 2021 (online thechildrensmedia conference.com
Cliffhanger 9–11 July 2021 theoutdoorcity.co.uk
Sheffield Adventure Film Festival 9–11 July 2021 shaff.co.uk Bears of Sheffield 12 July–29 September 2021 bearsofsheffield.com
The Fringe (Tramlines) 23–25 July 2021
Sheffield by the Seaside August (TBC) welcometosheffield.co.uk
Sheffield Showcase Festival 2–5 September 2021
Heritage Open Days 10–19 September 2021 heritageopendays.org.uk
Sheffield Half Marathon 26 September 2021 runforall.com/events/halfmarathon/sheffield-halfmarathon
Sensoria 1–9 October 2021 sensoria.org.uk
Celluloid Screams 21–24 October 2021 celluloidscreams.co.uk
Off the Shelf 15–31 October 2021 offtheshelf.org.uk
Out of this World October (TBC) welcometosheffield.co.uk
Yorkshire Artspace Open Studios 20–21 November 2021 artspace.org.uk
Lyceum Pantomime 3 December 2021–3 January 2022 sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Returning in 2022:
Festival of the Outdoors March 2022 (TBC) welcometosheffield.co.uk
Sheffield Bricktropolis August 2022 sheffieldbricktropolis.com
Festival of the Mind 15–25 September 2022 festivalofthemind.group. shef.ac.uk
SheFest shefest.org.uk
Sheffield Food Festival sheffieldfoodfestival.org
Dine Sheffield dinesheffield.co.uk
Style Sheffield stylesheffield.com
Photomarathon Sheffield photomarathonsheffield.co.uk
Sheffield Modern sheffieldmodern.co.uk
