Conversation and Community: A Review of Off the Shelf Festival of Words
By Minnie Hamilton
As a recent English Literature University graduate, I’m always searching for new ways to immerse myself in culture and books. So, when I moved back to my hometown of Sheffield, I was intrigued by the concept of Off the Shelf Festival of Words.
Over the month of the festival, I have both attended and volunteered at a variety of events, some that I had previous knowledge of and some topics that were completely new to me. That’s the beauty of having a literary festival with an international reach in my local area, it’s perfect for exploring new avenues and interests.
In an increasingly digital age, I am of the firm belief that reading is more important now than it ever has been before. The magic of this festival is that it not only encourages adults to revel in the pleasure of reading but also offers a space to explore fresh perspectives. Deep engagement with literature has never been more vital than it is in the present day. In a world increasingly saturated with short form content and automated AI summaries, it is thrilling that Off the Shelf champions critical thinking and community. Books, poetry and prose have never been so accessible, with more formats than ever, from Kindles, to audiobooks and libraries. Watching Sheffield unite in its appreciation for diverse literary voices has genuinely restored my optimism for a future shaped by a social fabric of cognitive discernment and cultural joy
As an audience member, I was lucky enough to experience venues both familiar and new to me. Historic backdrops of the Drama Studio, Lyceum theatre and Firth Hall only accentuated my enjoyment of the intellectual discussions. A standout event for me was having the opportunity to see three new debut authors in conversation at the First Fiction event early in the festival. The intimate nature of the Workstation venue fostered a genuine connection and richly intellectual conversation between the authors and with the audience. The hour of conversation left me reflecting on my own shared living experiences, the politics of identity and buying one of the books, Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler, with a view to following it up with the other two. Seeing young writers achieving their goals was inspirational, providing a sense of hope for young people who are often overwhelmed with negativity surrounding postgraduate life, unemployment and consistently told to ‘be realistic’ rather than dream.
As a volunteer for Off the Shelf, not only did I get to meet some incredible authors and gain hands-on event experience, I also received complimentary tickets to other events throughout the festival. As well as checking tickets, handling microphones in Q&As and setting up the green room, volunteering provided the opportunity to listen to the talks of esteemed authors such as Lee and Andrew Child as well as MP Naz Shah. The greatest learning opportunity came as I volunteered at a range of talks in which I did not know what to expect, appreciating new perspectives and learning about current political issues through literature, as Shah spoke about her experience of forced marriage. The team were all exceptionally welcoming and supportive, making it a brilliant, inclusive experience that I would recommend to anyone. Seeing the festival from a variety of perspectives not only allowed me to form a holistic review but also reaffirmed my belief in the power of local arts.
Initiatives like Off the Shelf represent and showcase the vibrant heart of Sheffield. We are a city overflowing with creativity, culture and individuals that shine the brightest when we come together to celebrate them. Anyone and everyone could benefit from stepping away from their screens for an hour or two to listen to someone else’s story and passion. It is time to recentre and reprioritise the arts in Sheffield and bring young people into the fold.
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