An evening discussion exploring what historic acquisitions mean for museums and how they should be approached today.
Festival of Debate
Each year, Sheffield's Festival of Debate sparks conversations that shift clouds from around some of the big issues we face. Through talks, poetry, films, workshops and more, it helps to clear paths towards answers to questions that can sometimes seem too big to ask.
The politics festival took place for the first time in 2015 as the country prepared for general election. Now in its tenth year, from 22 April to 30 May, the 2025 edition explores ideas for systemic change – here in Sheffield and around the world.
Scroll down for our top 10 picks from the packed Festival of Debate 2025 programme.
For more, see the Festival of Debate website.
Festival of Debate is organised by the fine folks at Opus. Events take place in venues across the city and online. Many are free, while others are discounted for people on low/no wages.
Lanre Bakare: We Were There
Thu. 1 May 2025
Workstation, 15 Paternoster Row, S1 2BX
Journalist Lanre Bakare talks to writer Désirée Reynolds about his new book on modern Britain. We Were There brings into our national narrative stories of Black cultural creation, organising and resistance from outside London and across the UK.
Shon Faye: Love in Exile
Thu. 8 May 2025
The Leadmill
Last at Festival of Debate with her first book The Transgender Issue, writer Shon Faye is back – this time, reflecting on love and its ideals. Her new book makes the case that love is as much a collective question as a personal one.
Free Party: A Folk History
Fri. 9 May 2025
Showroom
A film and talk about the early-90s underground dance music scene. Exploring how this youth culture exploded outside the mainstream through word of mouth, and its resurgence in today's challenging political times. Presented by No Tags and Gut Level.
All the People: An Inclusive Party
Thu. 15 May 2025
The Leadmill
A party bringing together artists with and without disabilities. With nightmare pop band SHRUB, multi-instrumentalists The Stars Band, the gutsy Sparkle Sistaz, and London's “egg funk” pioneers Electric Fire. Plus a live drawing jam with ArtWorks.
Jeremy Corbyn: Monstrous Anger of the Guns
Sat. 17 May 2025
The Leadmill
Join the Islington North MP, journalist Ahmed Alnaouq and others, as they discuss a new book on the deceitful global arms trade. Helping us to understand how we can fight back against the flow of weapons and the devastation they bring.
Joycelyn Longdon: Natural Connection
Wed. 21 May 2025
Workstation, 15 Paternoster Row, S1 2BX
A deeply researched book celebrating the people who paved the way for today’s environmental action. Bringing together inspiring stories from marginalised people from around the world, rooted in our connection with nature and the power of community.
Nat Raha and Mijke van der Drift: Trans Femme Futures
Wed. 21 May 2025
Soft Ground
Trans Femme Futures is a transfeminist call for collective liberation. At this event, its authors discuss trans healthcare, the need for collectives over institutions, mutual care and how allowing queer life to thrive can contribute to social change.
Kehinde Andrews: Nobody Can Give You Freedom
Thu. 22 May 2025
Pennine Lecture Theatre, Sheffield Hallam University, S1 1WB
Join the UK’s first professor of Black Studies for a discussion around his radical new book on Malcolm X. Arguing that Malcolm X’s political mission is more urgent than ever. Followed by a panel conversation featuring local anti-racist activists.
Rebirth of Mother Earth: To Act or Not To Act?
Fri. 30 May 2025
Utopia Theatre, 11 Rockingham Gate, S1 4JD
A newly-devised performance from the Utopia Community Ensemble highlighting the untold stories of ordinary ‘champions’ around the world – people who are creating change in their local environments and communities.