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Sheff Herd.
We are an exciting new online magazine, bringing you the best of Sheffield.
Herd Hangouts - Venue Spotlights
Scene and Herd - News & Reviews
Herd the Word - A Celebration of Steel City's Peak Creative Writing.
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Scene and Herd
EVENT OF THE WEEK W.C 21st April 2025
Independent Abbeydale presents Abbeydale Live which is getting ready to light up one of Sheffield’s most vibrant streets with its very first edition on Saturday, April 26th and it’s coming in hot.
With more than 17 venues throwing open their doors and over 50 acts performing throughout the day, this brand-new festival is set to flood Abbeydale Road with sound, colour, and unmistakable local energy. Whether you’re into jazz, Latin, indie, or something you didn’t even know you liked yet, there’ll be a corner of this festival that hits just right.
Music lovers can look forward to the likes of the Langsett Dance Orchestra, who bring big swing vibes with a vintage twist, and the University of Sheffield Big Band, whose brass-heavy sets are guaranteed to get feet moving. Montuno will fire up the Latin groove, while emerging artists from WaterBear Music College are on hand to shake things up with fresh sounds and fierce talent. Also expect surprise sets popping up in shopfronts and side streets; you’ll ot a soundtrack that shifts as you wander!
Families can head to Broadfield Park for a full day of kid-friendly fun, hosted by Everyone Active. With performances from the ever-enchanting Benoit the Magician and plenty of hands-on activities, the younger crowd will be more than sorted.
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets either. At Over the Yardarm bar, Sheff Herd recommended Charity Shop Disco will be spinning eclectic floor-fillers late into the night—expect bangers, oddities, and serious dancefloor joy, all for a good cause. It’s one of many after-hours highlights that’ll keep the buzz going long after the final guitar solo.
This festival isn’t just about music, though—it’s about what happens when a community comes together to create something brilliant. Abbeydale Live was born from a spirit of resilience and collaboration, sparked by local traders uniting after a spate of challenges in 2022. From that, the Abbeydale Traders Association and the Independent Abbeydale brand were born, and with help from the Economic Recovery Fund, this festival is their way of giving back to the road they love.
Abbeydale Live isn’t just launching a new festival—it’s kicking off a new tradition.
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Herd the Word
EVENT OF THE WEEK W.C 21st April 2025
As part of Sheffield’s Festival of Debate, join John Harris in conversation with Melissa Simmonds for an evening exploring his latest book, Maybe I’m Amazed, on Thursday, April 24th 2025, at The Workstation.
In his new book, Harris takes readers on a personal journey, reflecting on how music shaped his life and identity. From the sounds of The Beatles and Amy Winehouse to the radical influences of Kraftwerk and The Velvet Underground, Harris delves into the profound impact these artists have had on his understanding of the world. He also opens up about raising an autistic child, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of neurodiverse parenting.
Alongside this, Harris uncovers a rich history of neurodivergence and creativity, revealing why music has such a powerful connection to the human experience.
This event is part of the Festival of Debate, which runs from April 22th to May 30th 2025, and offers a wide range of discussions, panels, and performances on topics from politics to culture. Don’t miss the chance to hear Harris discuss his life, his book, and the intersection of music and neurodivergence.
Tickets for this insightful event are priced between £5-£7 and available here.
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Scene and Herd
EVENT OF THE WEEK W.C 14th April 2025
Eggs Festival returns to grassroots "dive bar" Green Room this April 18th - 20th for a weekend of bold, alternative sounds and experimental performance. Running from the 18th to the 20th, the festival brings together a carefully selected lineup of underground artists working across noise, punk, electronics, and everything in between. The venue itself offers a great atmosphere in the centre of Sheffield.
Expect raw energy from Sheffield’s own Get The Fuck Outta Dodge, join the "spookies" for the electronic sounds of Spook Muziek, and tightly wound, guitar rhythms from Taut Angles. Dreamy, grungy introspection comes courtesy of My Lo-Fi Heart, and gorgeous silky vocals will be offered by Sheffield songwriter Maisie Brook.
There is a wide range of other acts across the weekend, spanning various genres and each offering something distinct but united by a commitment to doing things differently.
Intimate, loud, and defiantly DIY, Eggs Festival is a chance to catch some of the most interesting live acts operating outside the mainstream, all under one roof.
APRIL 2025
TOP 4
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Your guide to the month ahead.
Scroll up for our weekly event recommendations.
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April Theatre takes the Stage
Sheffield’s theatre scene offers a wide range of exciting performances this April in a variety of our excellent smaller venues. Here are some key picks:
From 2nd to 4th April, SUTCO’s presents Luke Hookham’s It Came from the Ice at The Library Theatre. Described as a 'cosmic horror', the play focuses on survivors who return from an Antarctic expedition… but something else joins them. Read Sheff Herd’s article about this production and other work from this innovative theatre company here.
On 11th and 12th April (11th sold out at time of publishing), Butter Side Up Theatre Company will host Thestival; a two day celebration of musicals, comedy, drama and creative debuts. The event will take place at the charming Lantern Theatre in Netheredge.
On 25th April, Longpig Theatre’s highly anticipated production (read Sheff Herd’s preview here) of Jim Cartwright’s Two will be staged at Shakespeare’s. This gripping, darkly comedic two-hander explores the complex nature of human relationships, set in the unusual space of one of Sheffield’s favourite pubs. With strong performances and sharp dialogue, Two promises to be a captivating addition to the city’s theatre scene.
Finally, on 29th April and May 1st, Forge Light Theatre brings a new adaptation of The Roaring Girl to Crookes Social Club. The production reimagines the classic tale with the backdrop of 1970s punk subculture and will feature a live band playing original music. Sheff Herd will be previewing this event so look out for more information soon.
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Abbeydale Live Festival
Sheffield’s Abbeydale Road will be buzzing with activity on Saturday, April 26th, with the launch of Abbeydale Live, a brand-new music festival from Independent Abbeydale celebrating local talent and community spirit. The event will feature over 50 live performances spread across 14 independent venues, transforming the area into a hub of creativity and sound.
Organised by the Abbeydale Traders Association, the festival is designed to support local businesses while showcasing Sheffield’s vibrant music scene. Popular venues such as The Bear, Rumkeg, Cole’s Corner and Herd Hangout The Broadfield will open their doors to a wide range of acts, offering music lovers a chance to experience live performances.
The lineup features an exciting mix of artists, including the Langsett Dance Orchestra, the University of Sheffield Big Band, and up-and-coming musicians from WaterBear Music College. Behind the scenes, event operations arebeing carefully managed by Tim Foulerton-Walker, a well respected festival coordinator with experience working on Glastonbury and our very own Tramlines.
Running from 1pm.- 11 pm, the festival is completely free to attend, making it an accessible and inclusive celebration for all. With a broad range of music and a strong community focus, Abbeydale Live is set to be an exciting addition to Sheffield’s cultural calendar. Keep an eye on local event listings and social media for full details and lineup announcements.
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Egg-cellent Easter Events
There are all sorts of great events in Sheffield this Easter. For fans of the Easter bunny, we hear that he's visiting Graves Park Animal Farm on 18th - 21st April. Children can search for hidden eggs and receive a chocolate treat at the end. The event is an annual family favourite, offering a fun outdoor experience in one of Sheffield’s most popular parks. Book tickets here
Sheffield Manor Lodge will also be running an Easter egg hunt on April 20th. Visitors can explore the historic grounds while searching for hidden eggs and enjoying chocolate prizes. This event tends to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.
Families with young children might enjoy the Easter craft workshop at Sheffield Plate in Orchard Square. Taking place on April 13th from 10-11am, this session includes Easter-themed arts and crafts, music, and a creative atmosphere for kids. As spaces are limited, it’s advisable to book in advance here.
Finally, motorcycle enthusiasts can take part in the annual Sheffield Theo's Egg Run on April 20th, which begins at Europa Link and finishes at Weston Park. This charity ride for the Children's Hospital attracts riders from across the region, and has stalls, refreshments, and a great community atmosphere at the final stop. Details can be found here
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Festival of Debate 2025
Sheffield's Festival of Debate, the UK's largest annual politics festival, is gearing up for its 2025 edition, running from April 22nd to May 30th. This annual festival is dedicated to sparking conversations about systemic change and exploring alternatives to current political and social systems. Throughout its duration, attendees can expect a variety of events, including lectures, discussions, and performances aimed at creating dialogue and inspiring action. The events take place at a variety of venues - from The Octagon and the Pennine Lecture theatre to The Leadmill.
One of the exciting highlights of the festival is a special event with John Harris on April 24. Harris will reflect on the political landscape, offering insights into how it has evolved and the forces shaping it.
For those interested in global economic shifts, anthropologist Jason Hickel will delve into the topic of degrowth on April 29th, arguing for a model that challenges the traditional emphasis on economic expansion. Meanwhile, journalist Lanre Bakare will share compelling stories of underrepresented communities on May 1st, shedding light on their influence in shaping societal changes.
The festival will also feature writer Shon Faye, who will present her work on themes of identity, love, and belonging on May 8th. Additionally, the event titled All The People: An Inclusive Party on May 15th will be a celebration of inclusivity, bringing together artists with and without disabilities to showcase their talents.
Another highlight will be Helen Mort's discussion with feminist writer Laura Bates on May 16th about the modern-day challenges of sexism.
The festival will also screen a documentary on underground dance culture, followed by a panel discussion on May 9, and showcase Sheffield’s thriving social enterprises with a documentary screening on May 28th.
The Festival of Debate 2025 promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking experience, offering a platform for critical discussions on a variety of topics. For more details on the event schedule and ticketing, visit here
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