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Off The Shelf Festival of Words 2026

09 Oct 2026 - 25 Oct 2026

Sheffield's annual festival celebrating books, words and ideas! Off the Shelf is one of the largest literary festivals in the UK.

Every October the festival brings the biggest names in local, regional, and international literary talent, media and the arts to South Yorkshire.

The festival covers the whole literary spectrum, showcasing work across fiction and nonfiction, poetry, politics, journalism, music, history and science.  

Now in its 35th year, the 2026 edition of the festival is set to take place 9 - 25 October, with another varied programme of hundreds of events, including talks, Q&As, readings, screenings and live performances for all ages. 

The 2026 lineup will be announced later in spring/early summer.

For more info visit: offtheshelf.org.uk 

Two speakers standing on a stage in front of a full audience inside a theatre with star‑like ceiling lights.
Close up of two people having a conversation on stage with an Off the Shelf banner in the background.
A wide auditorium filled with an audience seated in tiered rows, viewed from a stage setup that includes two upholstered chairs and a small table with two water bottles and glasses. Overhead rigging and circular lighting structures illuminate the venue, creating a dramatic atmosphere focused toward the stage area.
A packed theatre with tiered seating surrounding a central stage where two people are seated for a live talk under colourful lighting.
A speaker stands on a stage in a large hall, facing an audience seated in rows. The speaker is positioned in front of a large screen displaying the words “Lemn Sissay – let the light pour in live.” The hall has tall wooden paneling, pipe-organ–style architectural features, and stage lighting equipment on both sides. A banner to the right of the stage promotes the Off the Shelf festival. The audience fills the space, watching the presentation.
Two speakers standing on a stage in front of a full audience inside a theatre with star‑like ceiling lights.
Close up of two people having a conversation on stage with an Off the Shelf banner in the background.
A wide auditorium filled with an audience seated in tiered rows, viewed from a stage setup that includes two upholstered chairs and a small table with two water bottles and glasses. Overhead rigging and circular lighting structures illuminate the venue, creating a dramatic atmosphere focused toward the stage area.
A packed theatre with tiered seating surrounding a central stage where two people are seated for a live talk under colourful lighting.
A speaker stands on a stage in a large hall, facing an audience seated in rows. The speaker is positioned in front of a large screen displaying the words “Lemn Sissay – let the light pour in live.” The hall has tall wooden paneling, pipe-organ–style architectural features, and stage lighting equipment on both sides. A banner to the right of the stage promotes the Off the Shelf festival. The audience fills the space, watching the presentation.

Prices

All Off the Shelf events are ticketed.


Ticket prices vary by event. 

Additional Information

The festival is delivered by the University of Sheffield and pulls together a vibrant and diverse programme playing host to around 80 live and online events across the city including household names. 

It is also supported by Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Hallam University.  

For more information, visit: offtheshelf.org.uk

Venue/Location

Various venues across Sheffield

Event Organiser

Off The Shelf Email:
offtheshelf@sheffield.ac.uk Website:
Off The Shelf website
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