Icons from the worlds of literature, art, media and sport are heading to Sheffield as Off the Shelf Festival of Words returns for its 35th edition, running from 28 September to 25 October.
Delivered by the University of Sheffield, one of the longest-running literary festivals in the UK, this year’s edition brings some of the finest local, national and international literary talent to stages across the city centre, with a programme of more than 50 live and online events.
Headline guests include five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins, sharing his journey of survival and self-discovery in his memoir The Chain; award-winning Guardian columnist Marina Hyde, chronicling absurd political times with her satirical new book What a Time to Be Alive! Scenes from a Strange Age; much-loved stand-up comic and writer Lucy Porter, with her book Middle-Aged Women Get Sh*t Done; and world number one bestselling author Lee Child with his brother Andrew Child, discussing the latest chapter in the Jack Reacher saga, Chain Reaction.
They’ll be joined by bestselling neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow, exploring how we survive in the face of AI; Doctor Who and Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnall, discussing his second crime thriller; Bradford West MP Naz Shah, charting her own journey from childhood trauma to national political life; and Booker Prize-winning author Ben Okri, whose latest work, Waking the Warriors, is set in a dystopian world of invading armies, terrified refugees and demotic tyrants.
Forensic science on trial
Further guests include Great Pottery Throwdown judge Keith Brymer Jones, whose book Firing Earth charts his personal journey through the history of ceramics; the UK’s leading forensic scientist Professor Lady Sue Black, who will put forensic science itself on trial with an exploration of landmark cases; and historian and geopolitical expert Arthur Snell, discussing how the climate crisis is reshaping our lives while offering an alternative, hopeful vision for the future.
The festival will also shine a spotlight on the city and region. Journalist Daniel Dylan-Wray will present his musical love letter to Sheffield, charting the city’s musical history through 150 interviews with the likes of Pulp, Cabaret Voltaire and Self Esteem, in his new book Groovy, Laidback and Nasty.
Sheffield Poet Laureate Beth Davies will premiere a poem commissioned specially for Off the Shelf to mark the end of her tenure, and reveal the identity of her successor. As a champion of underrepresented voices, the festival will also host a free Roots and Futures interactive exhibition at the Winter Garden from 18 to 21 October, celebrating diversity through history, heritage and storytelling.
Shaped by its audience
Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Off the Shelf Festival Director at the University of Sheffield, said: “This will be my last Festival as Director, as I will be stepping down in December to return to the community of scholars within the School of English. I am immensely proud of the role the University has played in saving, investing in and enabling the Festival to grow since taking it on over ten years ago.
“The Festival will continue to be shaped by its audience, its long term supporters and the vibrant cultural community it is part of, and this year we have a bumper series of events. We take equal delight in the role Off the Shelf plays in the city’s cultural vibrancy, bringing tens of thousands of people to venues across Sheffield to celebrate their love of the written and spoken word. As we prepare to mark our 35th edition as one of the longest-running literary festivals in the UK, this year promises to be one of our boldest and most vibrant yet.
“The University’s strong global reputation enables us to attract acclaimed international voices, all while continuing to champion the unique talent, creativity and grit that set our city and region apart. Whether you’re a seasoned ‘Off the Shelfer’ eager to mark your picks in the festival brochure or a first-timer curious to see what all the fuss is about, we can’t wait to welcome you to what will be a festival to remember.”
The full programme and tickets are available on the Off the Shelf website from today. Printed programmes will be available at venues throughout Sheffield, and tickets can also be booked in person or by telephone (0114 249 6000) from Sheffield Theatres Box Office.
