Ink dries on a successful festival!
Festival Wraps Up Another Stellar Year!
Thanks to its enthusiastic and committed audiences, Off the Shelf has cemented its remarkable popularity. The festival’s record box office sales and numerous sold-out events are a powerful testament to the city’s unique and vibrant passion for literature.
This year’s festival delivered a memorable experience, filled with thought-provoking new ideas, incisive audience questions, bursts of laughter, and plenty of opportunities for attendees to connect with their favourite authors—including a few cherished selfies.
Over the festival period, Off the Shelf welcomed thousands of lovers of the written and spoken word to over 50 events held across Sheffield.
The stages were packed with literary star power and local talent:
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Alison Steadman regaled a sold-out crowd at the Crucible Theatre.
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Historian Lucy Worsley revealed the secrets of Bolsover Castle.
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Japanese bestseller author Mizuki Tsujimura enchanted attendees.
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Sheffield’s own Graham Fellow’s (Jilted John/John Shuttleworth) delighted audiences.
Shining a Spotlight
Beyond the main stages, the festival was proud to shine a spotlight on Black writers during Black History Month. A series of free events at the Winter Garden saw local voices reading works from their favourite writers—an inspiring celebration of the courageous and brilliant trailblazers whose powerful words have shaped our world.
Relive the Magic!
While Off the Shelf turns the page on the live events, the magic doesn’t have to end, visit the University of Sheffield Player and deep dive into the festivals exclusively commissioned work and digital archive.
