A welcome note from the Off the Shelf team

Are you ready for an unforgettable journey through stories, words and big ideas? The University of Sheffield proudly presents this year’s Off the Shelf Festival of Words and it’s big, bold and more vibrant than ever!

We’ve packed this year’s lineup with absolute icons from the worlds of literature art and media. Whether you want to unlock the mysteries of African Queens or Tudor master Holbein, ride along with cycling legend Bradley Wiggins, or turn up the volume on Sheffield’s legendary music history, there is an adventure waiting for you.

Get ready to: Uncover secrets: Dive deep into thrilling crime fiction and radical histories. Explore new worlds: Lose yourself in global fiction and ancient woodlands. Laugh & Learn: Take on razor sharp political commentary, the hilarious side of art history and the rich legacy of brass bands. Feel the spark: Experience breathtaking live poetry and groundbreaking ideas. Don’t just read about it, live it! Step into the room, feel the atmosphere and join the conversation live as it happens.

A special thank you;

Our Festival Director, University of Sheffield’s Professor Vanessa Toulmin will officially take a bow after this year’s Off the Shelf Festival of Words 2026. The team would like to share their heartfelt gratitude for Professor Toulmin’s extraordinary leadership, vision, and passion over the years. She hasn’t just run a festival; she’s nurtured a vibrant, welcoming community where audiences, writers, thinkers, and readers could truly flourish.

Grab your tickets, bring your curiosity, and we’ll see you at Off the Shelf.

The Off the Shelf Team

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