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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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SHEFF HERD
FILMS OF THE WEEK
IN ASSOCIATION WITH KELHAM FILM CLUB
w/c 12th May 2025
Sheff Herd is delighted to be sponsoring the fantastic Kelham Film Club - a community cinema night that holds weekly screenings of unique films, with great drinks deals in the welcoming Alder Bar.
This week, there are three screenings to enjoy and tickets to all are here.
Tuesday 13th May at 6:30pm
First up is Secret Cinema #3. Work out the clue from the poster or just prepare to be surprised! Tickets are free but donations are accepted.
Thursday 15th May at 8pm (but arrive early to get a drink)
The second screening of the week is Jean- Luc- Godard's Alphaville (1965).
Alphaville: une étrange aventure de Lemmy Caution (Alphaville: A Strange Adventure of Lemmy Caution) is a French New Wave tech noir film that combines the genres of dystopian science fiction and film noir. There are no special props or futuristic sets; instead, the film was shot in real locations in Paris, the night-time streets of the capital becoming the streets of Alphaville, while modernist glass and concrete buildings represent the city's interiors. Although the film is set in the future, the technologies used and the corporations and events mentioned in the film place them firmly in the 20th century.
Sunday 18th May at 7:30pm (but arrive early to get a drink)
The last screening of the week is Pedro Almodóvar's 2011 La piel que habito (The Skin I Live In) which is part of an ongoing collaboration with the Sheffield Spanish Intercambio group, celebrating Spanish language cinema.
The Skin I Live In (Spanish: La piel que habito) is a psychological thriller starring Antonio Banderas and Elena Anaya, based on Thierry Jonquet's 1984 novel Mygale, first published in French and then in English under the title Tarantula.
This film is about a brilliant plastic surgeon, haunted by past tragedies, who creates a type of synthetic skin that withstands any kind of damage. His guinea pig: a mysterious and volatile woman who holds the key to his obsession.
Almodóvar has described the film as "a horror story without screams or frights". The film was the first collaboration in 21 years between Almodóvar and Banderas since Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1990).
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Scene and Herd
EVENT OF THE WEEK w/c 12th May 2025
Sheffield’s cultural calendar reaches a refined crescendo this May with the return of the Sheffield Chamber Music Festival, running from Friday 16th to Saturday 24th May. Hosted primarily at the acclaimed Crucible Studio Theatre, the festival is a jewel in the UK classical music scene, bringing together world-class musicians, intimate performances, and a warm, accessible atmosphere.
At the heart of the festival is Ensemble 360, Sheffield’s own virtuoso group of eleven musicians, whose dynamic, inclusive approach continues to redefine what chamber music can be. This year, they’re joined by a roster of stellar guests from across the globe, promising fresh interpretations of both beloved repertoire and contemporary works.
The festival opens with Schubert’s Octet and features a blend of beloved chamber works and innovative collaborations. Highlights include performances with the Elias String Quartet, a fusion of Western and Indian classical music with sitarist Jasdeep Singh Degun, and an evening with renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.
Events are held in intimate venues like the Crucible Playhouse and Samuel Worth Chapel, offering audiences a close-up experience of the performances. Tickets are priced to be accessible, with discounts for under-35s and students.
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Herd the Word
EVENT OF THE WEEK w/c 12th May 2025
Laura Bates returns to Sheffield on Friday 16th May as part of the Festival of Debate 2025, bringing her sharp and timely perspective to the evolving face of gender inequality.
Best known as the founder of the Everyday Sexism Project and the author of several influential books on systemic misogyny, Bates has become one of the most recognisable and urgent voices in British feminist discourse. Her work has consistently explored how sexism infiltrates daily life, but in recent years she has shifted her focus to how these dynamics are playing out in increasingly digital, insidious, and radicalised ways. In her latest book, The New Age of Sexism, Bates confronts the mechanisms by which misogynistic ideologies are spreading online, from fringe forums to mainstream platforms, and how these patterns are not only affecting individual lives but influencing politics, culture, and education on a wide scale.
Chairing the event is academic and poet Helen Mort, a familiar and esteemed figure in Sheffield's literary and public life. Mort's engagement with issues of voice, identity and gender makes her the ideal interlocutor for this unmissable conversation.
Event starts 7pm at Pennine Lecture Theatre
MAY 2025
TOP 4
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Your guide to the month ahead.
Scroll up for our weekly event recommendations.
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Highland Fling Festival
Get ready for a day full of rustic fun as the Highland Fling Festival returns to Whirlow Hall Farm on Sunday, May 4th running from 10am to 3pm. This much-loved annual event is a highlight in Sheffield’s spring calendar, bringing together families, animal lovers, and countryside enthusiasts for a unique celebration centred around the impressive and characterful Highland cattle.
The stars of the day are, of course, the cattle themselves—proudly paraded and judged in a friendly livestock show featuring animals from across the region. But there’s plenty more on offer: tractor rides, children’s activities, and a bustling array of local food and craft stalls make for a lively, wholesome atmosphere that blends farm life with community fun.
With face painting, farmyard encounters, and hands-on activities for the kids, the event is especially welcoming to young families, while adults can enjoy browsing artisan stalls and sampling locally produced treats. The event offers a laid-back, family-friendly alternative to the usual May Bank Holiday outings.
Entry is just £2 for adults, and children under 12 go free, making it an affordable day out for everyone. Tickets can be booked in advance via Whirlow Hall Farm’s website or purchased on the day (subject to availability).
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the festival or a first-time visitor, Highland Fling 2025 promises a warm welcome and a wonderful taste of rural life, right on Sheffield’s doorstep.
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Sheffield Food Festival
Get ready to indulge your taste buds—Sheffield Food Festival returns to the heart of the city from May 24th to 26th, bringing with it a mouthwatering celebration of local produce, global flavours, and vibrant street food culture. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Peace Gardens, Pinstone Street, and the surrounding city centre, this free, family-friendly event is one of the region’s most beloved bank holiday traditions.
Now in its 13th year, the festival is a showcase of Sheffield’s culinary creativity, spotlighting independent traders, artisan producers, and top local chefs. Visitors can expect everything from award-winning pies and gourmet burgers to plant-based innovation, exotic curries, craft beers, and decadent desserts—all served fresh and with a focus on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients.
But it’s not just about eating. The 2025 programme promises live cookery demos, masterclasses, talks on food ethics and sustainability, and a Kids’ Kitchen to inspire the next generation of food lovers. There’ll also be live music, pop-up bars, and street performers to keep the atmosphere buzzing well into the evening.
Whether you’re a die-hard foodie, a curious grazer, or just after a great day out, Sheffield Food Festival 2025 is a delicious celebration of the city’s culinary scene and community spirit. Arrive hungry—you’ll want to try everything.
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Sheffield Cocktail Festival
We have been getting excited about this for months! Get ready to raise your glass as the Sheffield Cocktail Festival arrives on Saturday, May 17th. Set in the stylish industrial setting of The Steamworks on Randall Street, this all-day celebration of Sheffield’s vibrant drinks scene promises an unforgettable blend of craft, creativity, and cutting-edge cocktails.
Now firmly established as one of the city’s most exciting spring events, the festival brings together some of Sheffield’s best-loved bars and top mixologists under one roof—alongside guest appearances from major spirits brands, interactive tasting sessions, and hands-on cocktail masterclasses. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or just love a good mojito, there’s something here for every kind of drinker (there are non-alcoholic options available too).
Expect an atmosphere buzzing with music and flair. Live DJs will provide the soundtrack all day, while festival-goers sip limited-edition creations, classic favourites, and experimental new blends from pop-up bars. A highlight of this year’s festival is the fiercely competitive Bloody Mary Showdown, featuring Sheffield’s iconic Henderson’s Relish—a local twist on the traditional hangover cure that promises to be both fiery and fun.
More than just a party, the Sheffield Cocktail Festival is also a showcase of local talent and hospitality, celebrating the craft, flair, and imagination that make Sheffield’s bar scene one of the most dynamic in the country. Expect collaborations, surprises, and plenty of Instagrammable moments throughout the day.
Whether you’re heading out with friends or planning the perfect date night, Sheffield Cocktail Festival 2025 is your one-stop destination for a spirited night out in the city.
Tickets are almost sold out—so grab yours, dress to impress, and come thirsty.
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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.
On 1st May, Lanre Bakare will share compelling stories of underrepresented communities, 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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