Free preview: Catch early Off the Shelf events at Festival of the Mind

Exciting news! For those eager to dive into the 33rd edition of Off the Shelf, you won’t have to wait until 7 October…

We’re bringing you four special preview events at the University of Sheffield’s Festival of the Mind: a biennial festival where University researchers join forces with local creatives to bring pioneering research to life through immersive exhibitions, films, live performances and much more.

Featuring inspiring writers from across the region, the early Off the Shelf events will be held in The Spiegeltent at Barkers Pool from 24 – 27 September.

There is no need to book for the free talks, which are open to everyone:

Late Night Final? An oral history of Sheffield’s newspapers since the 1960s – Clare Jenkins and Stephen McClarence

Tuesday 24 September | 1pm–1.45pm

An illustrated talk exploring 60 years of journalism at the Sheffield Star and Telegraph.
Here is a world of noisy newsrooms, clattering typewriters, daily columnists, street newspaper sellers, murders, traffic accidents, weddings, funerals, council meetings, courts. Featuring Clare Jenkins, a Radio 4 programme-maker and Sheffield Newspapers journalist alongside Stephen McClarence, a former Star and Yorkshire Post columnist turned Times and Telegraph travel writer.

Unceasing War on Poverty: Beatrice & Sidney Webb and their World – Michael Ward

Wednesday 25 September | 1pm–1.45pm

An illustrated talk looking at the work of this remarkable campaigning couple. They created and shaped institutions – the Fabian Society, the London School of Economics and the New Statesman – which flourish to this day and were instrumental in far reaching reforms including the establishment of the NHS. Presented by Michael Ward, a researcher and writer on social and economic policy and development.

Mountain Walks Kinder Scout – Sarah Lister

Thursday 26 September | 1pm–1.45pm

Sarah’s illustrated talk will share how Kinder Scout, an iconic mountain in the Peak District, inspires her work as a career coach, walk leader and podcast host, and how this led to becoming a published author. Themes include the importance of human connection with landscape and nature, and the challenges change can bring. Sarah Lister is a qualified Hill and Moorland Leader, a Career Coach and host of two podcasts, Wild About Kinder and About The Adventure.

The Happiest Ever After – Milly Johnson

Friday 27 September | 1pm–1.45pm

Polly Potter is taken for granted by everyone in her life, especially her terrible boss and cheating partner. Is it possible for Polly to start over again? Award winning, Barnsley based author Milly Johnson is a Sunday Times bestseller and a Top 10 UK Female Fiction author. Join her as she talks about her 21st novel with her trademark wit and warmth.

Festival of the Mind, which has brought more than 150,000 visitors into Sheffield city centre since 2012, returns with a series of free events from 19 – 29 September, including activities, talks, performances and exhibitions.

Visit the Festival of the Mind website to see the full programme.