About

Each Autumn Sheffield transforms into a vibrant stage for captivating live events with the chance to hear renowned authors, artists, and media personalities.

Off the Shelf provides you with an exciting, diverse experience, allowing you to enjoy the work of established writers and personalities. Previous festivals have welcomed  guests including Chris Packham, David Olusoga, Sara Pascoe, Richard Ayoade, Julian Clary, Jackie Kay and Bernardine Evaristo while also providing a platform for new authors and exciting new voices like Asako Yuzuki author of Butter.

Delivered by the University of Sheffield the festival enriches South Yorkshire’s cultural scene, bringing you face-to-face with some of the greatest voices shaping our world. You can also explore our extensive archive of talks, films, and digital commissions, on The University of Sheffield’s Player.

Festival team

Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director
Sara Unwin, Festival Manager & Co-ordinator for University of Sheffield
Maria de Souza & Lesley Webster, Festival Curators
Pip Strafford, Communications and Marketing

Thanks also to:

Sheffield Theatres Box Office
Festival Booksellers :Waterstone’s, La Biblioteka, Juno Books, Rhyme & Reason

Booking

Sheffield Theatres Trust are our festival box office partner