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Sheff Herd.
We are a community magazine, bringing you the best of Sheffield.
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Scene and Herd
EVENT OF THE WEEK 1
w/c 11th May 2026
The first of our Events of the Week this week is on Thursday 14th May. Cattlegrid headline Yellow Arch Studios marking the launch of their debut EP and the biggest show of their career so far.
Formed two years ago, the all‑female, queer four‑piece have become known for pulling together sharply contrasting musical instincts into something cohesive and loud. Classical violin rubs up against metal‑leaning guitar riffs, folk‑informed basslines and indie‑rooted drums, all in service of grand, sweeping instrumentals that leave plenty of room for bite. Three members take lead vocals across the set, giving their shows a restless momentum and constantly shifting perspective.
The EP being launched on the night was recorded not in a polished studio environment, but in the band’s own rehearsal space on Harwood Street. That DIY ethos runs through Cattlegrid’s songs, which tackle petty grievances and much larger frustrations with equal commitment.
Cattlegrid come into Yellow Arch with serious live credentials, having honed their sets at venues including Delicious Clam, Record Junkee, Shakespeare’s and Sidney & Matilda. Those shows have earned them a reputation for performances that are loose, charismatic and deliberately unpolished yet musically sharp drawing praise for their social commentary.
Recent single He’s My Man, released last week, offers a glimpse of what to expect from the EP. Led vocally by bassist Maddie, the song draws on her work with Women’s Aid supporting women escaping abusive relationships, bringing emotional weight into the band’s signature sweeping arrangements.
They are joined on the night by Nottingham's 5 piece punk group No Peeling and Pagodas - a grunge and psychadelic pop group from Sheffield.
For fans who’ve caught Cattlegrid in basements and back rooms over the last couple of years, the Yellow Arch show promises the same fearless energy on a bigger stage and for anyone new to the band, Thursday night is a timely introduction to one of Sheffield’s most distinctive live acts.
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Scene and Herd
EVENT OF THE WEEK 2
w/c 11th May 2026
Our second event of the week falls on Saturday 16th May where one of Sheffield's newer venues Arundel Emporium hosts a diverse night of live music, bringing together four acts spanning melodic songwriting, garage punk, electro-rock and shoegaze-infused post-punk.
Sheffield's Fluorescent bring a fierce collision of hard rock, punk and garage energy guaranteed to bring the energy.
Local musician and great supporter of the local scene Robyn Gair delivers melodic singer-songwriter compositions filled with warmth, honesty and understated power. With rich vocals and finely crafted songwriting, they draw audiences into reflective and deeply personal spaces.
Also joining the bill are Doncaster’s Polygon Rain, whose high-octane electro-rock sound fuses electronic pulse with live-band intensity.
Headlining the night, Noisemakers' Guild make a welcome return to Sheffield. Fresh from a sold out gig at Mary St Live supporting Blackwater Lightship, this is a band you don't want to miss. Blending shoegaze textures, post-punk intensity and progressive songwriting, their sound balances swirling guitars and atmospheric weight with driving rhythms and pure charisma.
MAY 2026
TOP 4
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Your guide to the month ahead.
Check out our weekly event recommendations every Monday.
01
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Get Together Festival
Kelham Island and Neepsend’s Get Together on 16th May is one of Sheffield’s key indie all-dayers, and 2026 is looking great.
The lineup is led by The Horrors, Fat Dog, Erol Alkan, DEADLETTER, Lime Garden, Jessica Winter, Gwenno, and Alexis Taylor, alongside a deep bill of emerging bands spread across lots of venues: Peddler; Yellow Arch; Heist,
Neepsend Social Club;
Alder; Grafters and
The Victoria
It’s very much a “bounce between stages and discover your new favourite act” kind of day, with a mix of indie, electronic and left-field pop. Tickets are selling out but available here
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Weston Park Fayre
The Weston Park May 17th Fayre is a free, day-long event that brings together live music, performances and local stalls in the centre of Sheffield. It’s designed as an accessible, family-friendly occasion with activities spread across the park so people can dip in and out throughout the day.
Music plays a steady background role, with performances from local brass bands, folk acts and acoustic musicians, alongside the occasional indie-style set. Around this, visitors can browse craft and food stalls, watch roaming circus performers, and use the children’s rides and activity areas.
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Sheffield Food Festival
Sheffield Food Festival returns to the city centre from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th May, marking its 15th year as one of Sheffield’s largest free public events. Taking place across key central locations including the Peace Gardens, Town Hall Square and Millennium Square, the festival brings together street food traders, artisan producers, bars and drinks specialists, with a clear focus on local and regional businesses. The layout encourages people to move between areas at their own pace, with food stalls, markets and pop-up kitchens spread throughout the heart of the city.
Alongside the food and drink, the festival also programmes live music and family-friendly activities across the weekend. A dedicated grassroots music stage showcases emerging Sheffield artists, while demonstration kitchens host chef-led talks and cookery sessions.
There’s also a strong emphasis on accessibility and participation, from fairground rides and children’s activities to informal spaces to sit, eat and take a break.
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Too Damn Loud Festival
At Sidney & Matilda, Too Damn Loud Festival puts its full weight behind the heavier end of Sheffield’s DIY music scene.
Taking place on Saturday 30th May, the festival is built around punk, noise, hardcore and abrasive electronics, with a tightly packed line-up that prioritises energy over polish. The focus is very much on bands and artists who thrive in intense live settings, making the most of one of our city's best venues.
Running from mid‑afternoon into the night, Too Damn Loud leans into the raw character of the basement space, where volume, sweat and proximity are part of the appeal. The line up is really strong with acts including Skint Knees, Mannequins, Harlot, Ratpakk and The Red Stains, amongst others.
It’s a festival that reflects Sheffield’s long-standing grassroots culture and is a great way to end the month.