This is Sheffield at Christmas
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Twinkling lights and glittering ice. Bustling markets and cosy corners. Streets alive with music and magic. The festive season is upon us, and Sheffield city centre is well and truly ready to embrace it. Follow this guide and enjoy the sights, savour the tastes, and revel in the sounds of Sheffield at Christmas.
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Christmas lights switch-on
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Christmas markets
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Santa’s grottos
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Craft fairs, markets and workshops
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The most wonderful time
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Shopping area map
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Pantos and shows
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Music 18 Christmas films
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12 days of eating and drinking
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Moor Market
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Ten fun ways to spend the holidays
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Chapel Walk
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Help us help
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Getting here
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The
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Christmas lights switch-on Sunday 19th November 2pm-6.30pm It’s impossible not to enter into the festive spirit when the city’s adorned with Christmas lights. This year, different corners of the city centre are coming alive with street entertainment for one big switch-on event. The Peace Gardens will host the main stage, right by the huge Christmas tree and strings of lights ready to be illuminated. Leopold Square will become a winter wonderland with a snow machine, reindeer and a sleigh, and live music. And The Moor is pulling out all the stops with panto characters, carol singing, a mini ice rink, fairground rides, face painting, and more, with events starting from 12.30pm. Make sure you’re gathered at the Peace Gardens for 5.30pm to join in the big countdown. 3… 2… 1… For updates see: facebook.com/SheffEvents.
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Christmas markets
The heart of the city will once again become a browsers’ wonderland for all ages this December, as the Christmas Market comes to town. Lining Fargate, the market’s many cabins and stalls will be filled with everything from traditional Russian dolls to Nepalese blankets, Kenyan fair trade crafts to locally made macarons – making it easy to work through your Christmas gift list in no time. And after a hard day’s shopping, treat the family to a hot chocolate at Thor’s Tipi Bar at the Peace Gardens, relax in the Sleigh Bar, or refuel at the traditional German sausage grill. Sheffield Christmas Markets open Wednesday 15th November-Sunday 24th December. 10am-6pm Sunday-Wednesday 10am-8pm Thursday-Saturday.
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7 Photography by Ian Spooner
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Photography by Ian Spooner
Wait, what’s that we hear? “Ho ho ho” and the sound of bells and hooves can only mean one thing – Santa Claus is coming to town! Santa and his elves are making time in their busy schedule to sprinkle some merriment on Sheffield city centre. Santa’s grotto at the Christmas market on Fargate from Wednesday 15th November-Sunday 24th December 10am- 6pm. Breakfast with Santa in Massarella’s restaurant at Atkinsons on Sunday 10th December. To book a table at Email: R06@massarella.co.uk or telephone 01142751636. A donation from each booking will be made to St Luke’s Hospice. Why not visit Santa’s very own Post Office on Chapel Walk (next to Dr Martens). In this magical interactive environment Children can write a letter to Santa and meet his Elves. Once the letter is posted, Santa’s magic map will show the journey it takes to Lapland. Open every Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm starting Saturday 18th November until Saturday 23rd December plus every Thursday from 23rd November, 4pm to 7pm. Santa’s Post Office will also be open all week Monday 18th December to Saturday 23rd December (11am until 4pm / 7pm Thursday).
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Millennium Gallery Craft Market
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© Museums Sheffield
Handmade for Christmas
© YoFancy
Exchange Place Christmas pop up market
© Giles Kozdon
Craft fairs, markets and workshops
Christmas Craft Market Millennium Gallery Saturday 25 November 10am-4pm Wonderful wares, crafted by hand. Also in the Gallery is the Handmade at Christmas shop – open 27th October-14th January. Etsy Made Local Cutlers’ Hall Saturday 2nd December 10am-5pm & Sunday 3rd December 11am-4pm A big, beautiful hall filled with beautiful things, plus chance to take a break with afternoon tea. Magical Making Room The Moor Market Saturdays 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd December 12 noon-3pm Drop in for a free workshop with the market’s elves. Christmas Art Fair 35 Chapel Walk Art Space 2nd-9th December Shop for original artwork made by locals.
Christmas Art & Craft Market The Art House Saturday 9th December 10am-4pm Stalls selling everything from pottery to prints. Exchange Place Studios Sparkly Christmas Pop Up gift shop 9th – 22nd December 11am-5.30pm, open until 8pm Thursday 14th and 21st December Original pieces direct from the artists and makers. From ceramics, silverware and fused glass to cards, paintings, textiles, and prints. Plus Christmas family workshops including lantern and jewellery making. To find out more search Exchange Place Studios on Facebook. Craft your Christmas Gifts Union St Saturday 16th December 11am-5pm Screen print Christmas cards, have a go at macramé, candle making or flower arranging, and buy/swap plants at this day of sessions with local businesses. For timings/booking details, see: www.facebook.com/UnionSt.Coworking Monty’s Christmas Workshop The Montgomery Saturday 16th December 10am-12pm / 1-3pm Chance for children aged 7 and above to get messy and let their imaginations run free – £10 a session, book ahead on 0114 272 0455.
© Maytree Photography
A craft fair is the perfect place to pick out a truly special, one-off gift, straight from the person who made it. This Christmas, Sheffield’s hosting some of the region’s finest makers at a string of craft fairs, and even giving you chance to get creative yourself at a craft workshop. Get these dates in your diary and take a detour from the high street.
Etsy Market
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The most wonderful time… Each December, the Crucible enchants audiences with a musical spectacular. This year, follow the yellow brick road and join Dorothy and pals for The Wizard of Oz. We asked Lauren Martin (left) and Kate Harrison to tell us a little about what goes on behind the scenes as the team create the magic ahead of opening night. How do you know when Christmas season has arrived in the costume department?
Our tree goes up very last minute as we’re so busy creating the costumes for our Christmas production. There’s always a period of calm about two months before a show opens before it becomes filled with cutting fabric, sewing sequins and creating costumes! How do the team get in the Christmas mood?
Our Christmas season begins in early October and ends in January, so we have an Elvis at Christmas CD that is ONLY played during December to ration out the Christmas cheer. Do you have a favourite panto?
Regardless of which show he’s in, we love Damian Williams who plays our Dame each year. He only has to open his mouth to have us laughing. Do you have a favourite Wizard of Oz character costume?
At the minute, the Lion costume is proving a real favourite. From its feet, to its mane; each piece has been individually created and we can’t wait to see how it looks on stage! Another top pick for this year is Glinda, her costume is rose gold and packed with sequins.
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13 © Nigel Barker Photography
Shopping areas Cathedral Supertram
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Fargate Park between the Peace Gardens and Running Square Sheffield Cathedral, Fargate is Sheffield’s bustling high street. Here you’ll find big names like Marks and Spencer, Topshop, Pandora, River Island, Next, Thorntons, Hotel Chocolat, and Lush. John Lewis sits just off Fargate, opposite Sheffield City Hall and H.L. Brown jewellers at Barkers Pool. And off to one side of the street is Orchard Square, home to the likes of Waterstones and Clarks, as well as independent record shop Bear Tree Records and Michael Spencer Jewellers. On High Street you’ll find favourites such as HMV and Boots. The junction at Haymarket is home to more big names including Argos, Wilko and Sports Direct.
Sheffield Station Supertram
Known as the independent end of the city centre, the Devonshire Quarter fills the area between Division Street, Devonshire Street and West Street. By day, enjoy an expertly brewed barista coffee at the likes of Steam Yard and Tamper, before hitting designer boutiques like Eton and Sa-Kis, vintage shops, jewellers like Green and Benz, and outlets trading in everything from skateboards to unusual plants to tattoos. The Devonshire Quarter is also a nighttime hotspot, serving up cocktails and pints into the early hours at the likes of Forum, BrewDog and The Devonshire, and hosting live music at Bungalows and Bears, The Green Room, and The Frog and Parrot. The Moor The Moor’s been given quite the makeover in recent years. First, it got a shiny new market, which now houses around 90 independent retailers. More recently, multiplex cinema The Light has moved in, as well as a string of restaurants like Pizza Express and Gourmet Burger Kitchen, plus Blacks’ biggest UK store. Longstanding department stores are still thriving, with Debenhams at one end of The Moor and Atkinsons at the other – Sheffield’s oldest and last remaining independent department store, dating back to 1872.
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Pantos and shows
Panto season is upon us, and the city’s stages are preparing to dazzle audiences of all ages with spectacular sets, outrageous costumes and hilarious banter. December in Sheffield theatreland also means it’s once again time for the Crucible Christmas musical – this year, we’re off to see the Wizard!
The Wizard of Oz Crucible Theatre 7th December-20th January
The Snow Dragon The Montgomery 18th November
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ far-out-theatre-10451748665
www.themontgomery.org.uk Neverland 1st-31st December Theatre Deli www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/theatredeli-neverland Mother Goose Lyceum Theatre 8th December-7th January www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
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www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk Dick Whittington: the Very Rude Panto The Library Theatre 8th-9th December
Sleeping Beauty Sheffield City Hall 27th December-7th January www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk Dick Whittington The Montgomery 12th-20th January www.themontgomery.org.uk
The Snow Dragon
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Music Festive sounds will ring out across Sheffield city centre this December. Yes, there’ll be classic carols and choral repertoires – but there’ll also be a jolly set from Sheffield’s premiere comedyukulele quintet, plus options for those who’d rather rock or rave their way into Christmas. HRH: The Xmas Rocker – NWOBHM o2 Academy 2nd-3rd December
https://academymusicgroup.com/ o2academysheffield Big Fish Little Fish Winter Wonderland Rave Plug 3rd December
www.bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk Military Wives Choirs 2017: Home For Christmas Sheffield Cathedral 7th December
www.ticketmaster.co.uk/militarywiveschoirs Nell Bryden Christmas Tour Upper Chapel 9th December
https://events.ticketbooth.eu/event/nell-brydenchristmas-tour-2017---sheffield Cara Dillon: Upon a Winter’s Night Sheffield City Hall 10th December
www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk
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Christmas with The Overtones Sheffield City Hall 15th December
www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk Christmas with Music in the Round Crucible Theatre 16th December
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk The Everly Pregnant Brothers Present: Our Wayne in a Manger o2 Academy 16th December
https://academymusicgroup.com/ o2academysheffield City Hall Christmas Concert: Black Dyke Band and Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus Sheffield City Hall 16th December
www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk DayGlow UV Hard House Xmas Party Trafalgar Warehouse 16th December
www.facebook.com/ events/113707212561012/ Bad Manners: the Annual Christmas Tour Plug 20th December
www.the-plug.com
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Christmas films Settling in for a festive film is a holiday tradition for most families. And Sheffield’s cinemas won’t let us down this December, as they bring together programmes featuring wintery tales, classic ballet, and Christmas specials of regular film nights. Bolshoi: The Nutcracker Sunday 3rd December Showroom
www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/cinema ROH Live: The Nutcracker Curzon Sheffield Tuesday 5th & Sunday 10th December
www.curzoncinemas.com/sheffield + The Light Tuesday 5th December
https://sheffield.lightcinemas.co.uk The Muppet Christmas Carol dates TBC Showroom
www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/cinema
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IndieFlicks Sentinel Wednesday 6th December
www.ifshorts.com It’s A Wonderful Life Showroom from 15th December
www.showroomworkstation.org.uk/cinema White Christmas The Light Thursday 21st December
https://sheffield.lightcinemas.co.uk
GRAB O B M I R CH E H T Y B S E L B U BA Sheffield’s coming alive after five this Christmas Our city centre has plenty to offer after 5pm. You’ll find offers on food, shopping and culture. So stay around. Hit pause on home time. Press play on you-time.
#sheffafter5 www.sheffafter5.com 21
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Whether it’s a cup of something hot in a cafe oozing charm, a flavourful dish at a restaurant inspired by far-flung places, or a locally brewed pint in a cosy pub – the festive season is a perfect excuse to taste what Sheffield city centre has to offer. Here’s some tips on where to begin your feasting and drinking adventure.
days of eating and drinking u Warm up with a brew. The city centre is home to tons of great independent coffee shops – try Marmadukes, Steam Yard, Tamper, Fusion, HowSt, The Holt, Couch, or Ink & Water.
v Spend the evening at Thor’s. The tipi bar is back at the Peace Gardens (21 Nov-31 Dec), offering a Scandi-style retreat with an open fire pit, poutine from local street food faves The Gravy Train, hot cider, mulled wine and a hot chocolate station for kids big and small.
w Pick up something healthy in a hurry. The likes of Fanoush, Nourish, Humpit and QC’s Bagels all make nutritious pitstops when you’re rushing between shops.
x Book a table at one of Leopold Square’s eclectic array of restaurants. The delightful square is home to The Botanist, Wagamama, Zizzi, Strada, Cubana, and Aagrah, plus cocktail bars Kuckoo and The Bamboo Door.
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y Treat yourself to something sweet, like stacked waffles at Lucky Fox or a creamy slice from Cake R Us.
U Take a culinary tour of Asia, trying Korean specialities at Ginseng, contemporary Chinese cuisine at Oisoi, sushi at Mr Miyagi, Sakushi or Sushi Express, or Indian dishes at Butlers Balti House.
V Enjoy a slice of Italy at one of the city’s many pizza places – from local institution Mama’s and Leonies to fresh independents Craft and Dough or Bloo 88 to family favourite Pizza Express (now on The Moor, Devonshire Street and St Paul’s Place).
W Dine on fresh, local, seasonal fare at Silversmiths, AKA The Yorkshire Restaurant.
X Head out on an ale trail. The centre of Sheffield is a destination for craft beer and ale enthusiasts, with drinking holes like Sentinel Brewhouse, Sheffield Tap, The Devonshire Cat, The Bath Hotel, BrewDog, The Red Deer, Rutland Arms, Tap and Tankard, Fagan’s, Dog and Partridge, The Grapes, and many more. Some of them even have their fire lit at this time of year, for an extra cosy pint.
at Sample some of the finest street food around beneath the fairy lights at Streetfood Warehouse, a pop-up market with bar and DJs on Trafalgar Street (4 & 11 Dec).
ak Hit up the Devonshire Quarter for cocktails. Division Street and West Street are lined with places that know how to stir and shake up a storm, like Forum, The Devonshire, The Great Gatsby, The Green Room, and The Wick at Both Ends.
al Rustle up something at home. You’ll find all you need to create your own fantastic festive feasts at the Moor Market or Simmonite on Division Street, plus something tasty for afters at the Christmas Market on Fargate.
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Moor Market With around 90 businesses, Sheffield’s Moor Market has the biggest collection of independent retailers under one roof in the region, and it’s at the heart of new developments in The Moor shopping district. We asked five traders for their best festive tips.
Andrew Hudson – Waterall Brothers Butchers If you’re having pork for Christmas, ask for it to be dipped in brine. It enhances the flavour and gives amazing crackling.
Andrew Naylor - Anthony Andrews Fishmongers For something lighter at Christmas try monkfish. Cut a slice through each fillet (one per person) and stuff with pesto. Wrap with slices of prosciutto then brown in a pan with a little oil. Finally, roast in the oven for 15 minutes on a medium heat then serve with some seasonal greens. 24
Sean Clarke - Beer Central Dark, complex beers are a great pairing with rich Christmas food. Particularly Old Freddy Walker by Moor Beer Co (7.3%), Plum Pudding Porter by Wiper & True (6.8%) and Belgian Blue by Bradfield Brewery (4.9%) Karon Breckon - Meadowhead Flowers
All images on this page Š Nigel Barker Photography
Fresh flowers can bring wonderful festive colours and smells. Personal favourites are amaryllis for a touch of glamour and winter cinnamon for fragrance.
Dane Briddock Stuart’s Fruit and Veg For a twist on Christmas sprouts - boil for a few minutes until soft, drain and toss in a wok with some bacon lardons. Fry until crispy and delicious! 25
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Ten fun ways to spend the holidays
All shopped out? Had your fill of mulled wine and mince pies? Take some time out from the Christmas merriment to enjoy the sights of the city centre during the holidays, with a hand from these top 10 tips:
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8 Take the family for a dip and a slide at Ponds Forge’s leisure pool, or simply relax in its sauna and steam room.
1 Do a mini art crawl with a visit to exhibitions at Millennium Gallery and its charming older sibling the Graves Gallery.
2 Gather a team together for a laser tag adventure at Quasar.
3 Treat your body and mind with a class at Unity Yoga.
4 Bask in the beautiful surroundings of the Winter Garden, home to more than 2500 plants.
5 Discover stories from Sheffield’s past in the interactive displays at Sheffield Cathedral.
6 Several colourful murals cover walls around Wellington Street, Charles Street and the Devonshire Quarter. Head out on a street art trail and see how many you can find.
9 Challenge your clue solving skills by taking on The Great Escape Game with a group of friends.
7 Climb aboard a historic fire engine and learn all about our country’s lifesavers at the National Emergency Services Museum.
10 Hire a ride from Russell’s Bike Shed and explore the city on two wheels.
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A hidden gem of a walk
Bird’s Yard
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Tucked away just off Fargate, Chapel Walk is a charming lane of family-run and independent shops, with big names like Paperchase, Superdrug, Claire’s and The Dr. Martens Store among them. Chapel Walk’s entrance is currently hidden by scaffolding as luxury accommodation is being developed, but don’t let that put you off from exploring this gem of the city centre. On a present-hunting mission? Head to Bird’s Yard for one-offs by local artists and makers, including scented candles, eye-catching homeware and unique jewellery. Personalise your own mug or card in minutes with the friendly staff at Cards and Gifts, where you can also pick up all the wrapping paper you’ll need. Find all the latest mobile accessories and gadgets at Phone Extras. And call in on Cookshop Clearance Co. for beautiful pieces of Sheffield cutlery, Christmas cake kits, and every kind of kitchen gadget you could dream of. Once you’re all shopped out, pause for a look at an exhibition in 35 Chapel Walk – you may even leave with a piece of art! And rejuvenate with afternoon tea or a winter warmer at family-run Andrews, a sandwich from Feast or confectionery from master baker Staniforth’s.
Cookshop Clearance Co.
35 Chapel Walk gallery
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All images on this page © Nigel Barker Photography
Home also to Victoria Hall Methodist Church, a tailor and several health and beauty parlours this really is a unique little street.
HELP US HELP
Want to help someone on the street who is homeless or begging? The Help us Help campaign is a collaboration between all of the charities who support those who find themselves homeless or begging. Many have complex needs and we aim to give those on the street a future through both practical and compassionate advice. This Christmas, help us to help people living on Sheffield’s streets. We’re working with homeless charities in the city to find out what items are most needed, and we’ve arranged a number of drop-off points for people to take their donations.
Visit our website to find out what donations are needed and where to drop them off: www.helpushelp.uk Help us Help will also have a cabin at the Christmas Market on Fargate from Thursday 30th November to Wednesday evening on the 6th December with more about the campaign and the charities we support.
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Getting here Parking
Bus and tram Christmas services
Q-Park
Sunday 24th December normal Sunday service with early finish, last buses around 6.30–7.30pm.
Quote XmasSheff1025 when you book online at www.q-park.co.uk/parking/sheffield for the following discounts:
Monday 25th December: no service.
25% off Durham Road Castlegate Riverside
Tuesday 26th December: special service.
10% off Sheffield Station Charles Street Rockingham
Sunday 31th December: normal Sunday service with early finish, last buses around 6.30–7.30pm.
APCOA and the Moor Market
Tuesday 2nd January normal services resume.
Park in an APCOA car park for two hours for £2.20. To take advantage of the offer, park up then visit the Moor market customer service desk to claim the discount. www.apcoa.co.uk/parking/sheffield
Wed 27th–Sat 30th December: Normal Saturday Service (operated by First, Stagecoach & TM).
Monday 1st January - Special service (operated by First). Please check details before you travel at www.travelsouthyorkshire.com
Sheffield Council car parks Sheffield City Council will be providing free parking in any of its car parks or on street pay and display bays on Sunday’s leading up to Christmas. It all begins with the City Centre Christmas Light switch on Sunday 19 November and will run until Sunday 24 December. This free parking offer complements the low prices offered year round in the city centre, with parking prices after 4.30pm costing a maximum of just £2 until 8am the following morning.
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Sheffield BID In 2015, over 500 businesses in Sheffield city centre collectively decided to invest in improving their environment. They wanted a busier, more vibrant city centre. They wanted a city centre that’s cleaner, safer, and easier to access and navigate. And they wanted a stronger voice. That’s where Sheffield BID comes in.
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The BID (Business Improvement District) is the very centre of Sheffield – marked out by the boundary of the old inner city ring road. Within the city centre, Sheffield BID’s five-year action plan is to deliver projects and services across all sectors to enhance both the physical and trading environment.
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