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The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

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.

Should Museums Return Objects?

Wed. 30 April 2025

Weston Park Museum

An evening discussion exploring what historic acquisitions mean for museums and how they should be approached today.

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.