About
Our Story: From Libraries to the World
Born in 1992, Off the Shelf Festival of Words began with a simple but ambitious goal: to bring the best of the literary world to the heart of the Steel City. What started as a local collaboration with the city’s libraries has grown into one of the largest and most respected literary festivals in the UK.
The name “Off the Shelf” was a call to action, an invitation for everyone, regardless of background, to take a book down and dive into a new world. Decades later, we are still opening those doors, celebrating the power of words to challenge, comfort, and inspire.
What we have achieved
Every October, Sheffield transforms into a vibrant hub of ideas. Over the many years the city has breathed stories through:
- Live author events: From Booker Prize winners to debut novelists.
- Text in the city: Our unique initiative put poetry and prose on the very walls and pavements of Sheffield.
- Workshops and masterclasses: We have supported the next generation of writers with hands-on guidance.
- Community and outreach: Through targeted engagement and local initiatives, we’ve ensured the festival resonates in every corner of our diverse communities.
Off the Shelf is one of the most established literary festivals in the UK. It reflects our civic responsibility of contributing to Sheffield’s rich cultural depth and diversity.”
— Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of Off the Shelf, University of Sheffield
Why We’re Different
We don’t just stick to the classics. Our programme is a curated mix of culture, politics, music, history, and exciting voices old and new. Whether it’s a legendary actor discussing their memoir at the Crucible Theatre or a local poet performing in a music venue, we believe the right words can happen anywhere.
Our Partners
Since 2017, the festival has been proudly delivered by the University of Sheffield. This transition from Sheffield City Council to now a unique academic backbone allows us to bridge the gap between world-class research and public engagement. Over the years we have been proud to partner with a wide range of organisations including The Japan Foundation, Sheffield Hallam University, Speaking Volumes, LTI Korea and the Women’s Prize Trust. Alongside some of the city’s best booksellers including Juno Books, La Biblioteka, Rhyme & Reason and Waterstones.
Our Values
- Inclusivity: Words are for everyone. We strive to make our events accessible and representative of Sheffield’s international community.
- Innovation: From drive-in poetry during the pandemic to immersive multimedia performances, we are constantly redefining what a “literary festival” can be.
- Legacy: We are proud to support local talent, working with writers such as Helen Mort and Sunjeev Sahota and independent publishers like And Other Stories and The Poetry Business.
Join the Conversation
The festival runs annually during October. Whether you are a lifelong bibliophile or just looking for a new perspective, there is a seat at the table (or a spot in the crowd) for you.
Fun Fact: The Valentine’s Connection
In our early days, our curators used to recruit big-name authors by sending them Valentine’s Day cards signed from “a city full of admirers.” It’s that same Sheffield warmth and grit that continues to bring the world’s best storytellers to our hills today.