About

Every autumn, Sheffield bursts into life, becoming a vibrant hub for literature and ideas as Off the Shelf Festival of Words takes centre stage.  Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary line up of live events, offering you the unique opportunity to connect with celebrated authors, artists, and media personalities.

Off the Shelf isn’t just a festival; it’s a cornerstone of South Yorkshire’s cultural landscape. We’re dedicated to bringing you face-to-face with some of the most influential voices shaping our world, forging connections and inspiring new perspectives.

Join us this autumn and discover why Off the Shelf is a must-attend event for anyone who loves the power of words.  

We can’t wait for you to join us!

Thank you 

Our thanks go to: Sheffield City Council who have supported a diverse programme; guest curators Jake Hall, Professor Joanna Gavins, Sunjeev Sahota and Ruth McDonald for bringing a fresh perspective to the festival.  

Thanks too to our valued collaborators: The Japan Foundation, Speaking Volumes, LTI Korea and the Women’s Prize Trust.

We would also like to thank our booksellers, the box office team at Sheffield Theatres and our volunteers for their support across the festival. 

Festival booksellers:  Juno Books, La Biblioteka, Rhyme & Reason, Waterstones.

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