Sheffield DocFest

An audience inside the Oval Hall at The City Hall in Sheffield. An audience inside the Oval Hall at The City Hall in Sheffield.


Sheffield DocFest is the UK's leading documentary festival and one of the world’s most influential markets for documentary projects.

The festival champions and presents the breadth of the documentary form across film, television, immersive technology and art - with film screenings, virtual reality exhibitions, an industry marketplace, unmissable live events, and its own awards.

Widely recognised as one of the top three documentary festivals in the world, the festival has been held in Sheffield since 1994, offering makers and audiences a place for inspiration, debate, development, learning and challenge.

Sheffield DocFest returns for its 33rd edition in 2026, running from 10-15 June.



One of Sheffield’s biggest cultural events, the Showroom Cinema forms the main festival hub - but there are often film screenings, events and exhibitions happening in venues across the city." amend to "Sheffield DocFest is of the city's biggest cultural events. The Showroom Cinema forms the main festival hub, whilst a diverse range of film screenings, events and exhibitions also take place in venues across the city, with many open to all.

Sheffield DocFest is run by International Documentary Festival Sheffield, an independent registered charity, whose purpose is to advance the art of film, education and training in documentary filmmaking. See the full programme of screenings www.sheffdocfest.com


A bedroom at Mercure Sheffield St Paul & Hotel Spa.

Book your 2026 festival accommodation

Staying over for Sheffield DocFest? Hotels tend to be quite busy during festival, especially with a few other key events in the city.

So, if you what to guarantee a great place to stay, we've got some specially reserved accommodation to ensure Sheffield DocFest delegates don't miss out - but we advise you to book early to ensure you get your preferred choice of hotel.

Book here

Night view of Sheffield railway station with its historic stone façade illuminated by warm lights. In the foreground, a curved water feature with cascading fountains is lit in vibrant colors, including red, orange, and blue. The station entrance and signage are visible in the background under a deep blue evening sky.

Travelling to Sheffield from London?

If you are travelling to Sheffield for DocFest from London you will want to consider travelling with East Midlands Railway.

If you have planned in plenty of time, you will find some great early bird offers on the East  Midlands Railway website. If, however, it is closer to the event and the early deals have gone- why not take advantage of our partnership tickets with EMR?

Find out more


Explore the City Centre

Sheffield city centre has a load of really great places to explore and a thriving independent scene of shops and restaurants. So make the most of your time here and find out what makes this city so special. 

See more

Explore Kelham Island

Recently named one of the World's 51 Coolest Neighbourhoods by TimeOut, Kelham Island has a vibe all of its own. Microbreweries and tattoo parlours; flea markets and flat whites; street food and skateboarding - all surrounded by water and with music at the beating heart..

See more
Two fountains in the Peace Gardens frame Sheffield Town Hall in the city centre. The Peace Gardens is full of people enjoying the sunshine. A large brick wall, in Kelham Island, decorated with bright and cheerful street art.


While you are in Sheffield...

Where to eat

From food halls to fine dining, street food to cosy cafes, across the city you'll be spoilt for choice.

We're also a brewing capital of the world, with a proud tradition of making our own ale and plenty of characterful pubs to enjoy it in.

Find out more
A table laid with a light lunch and cocktails. A table laid with a light lunch and cocktails.

Things to see & do in Sheffield

With an amazing array of unique experiences, renowned live music, great outdoors, award-winning theatre, colourful street art, fascinating exhibitions and vibrant festivals throughout the year, there’s always something to keep you entertained.

Find out more
A huge bearded palm dominates the view inside Sheffield Winter Garden. There are lots of other plants and flowers too. There are people are walking about or sitting on benches. A huge bearded palm dominates the view inside Sheffield Winter Garden. There are lots of other plants and flowers too. There are people are walking about or sitting on benches.


Useful information for your stay in Sheffield

Getting to Sheffield

You can find useful information on getting to Sheffield here.

Taxis

If you should need a taxi while you are in Sheffield you can download the City taxi app here.

Car parking

Sheffield City Council operates several surface level car parks and on street parking – parking charges and maximum parking times vary – details can be found here. Privately operated multi storey and surface level car parking is also available across the city centre to give motorists lots of choice. Details (including up to date availability) can be found at en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/Sheffield/. If you are staying overnight, ask your accommodation provider if they have a discount parking offer with a preferred car parking site.  Remember you'll need to validate your parking ticket for the discount to apply.

Public electric vehicle charge points

There are new rapid electric vehicle chargers in a range of locations across the city. You can find the SCC charge sites here or look at sites such as ZapMap for other locations of most publicly available chargers.

Clean Air Zone

Sheffield now has a Clean Air Zone in Sheffield city centre to help lower emissions and improve air quality. This means that taxis, coaches and goods vehicles that don't meet the emissions standards will have to pay to drive in the city centre. Private cars and motorbikes will not be charged.

Cycle Parking

For anyone cycling into Sheffield, the city offers cycling stands, lockers and pumps across the city centre. Further details can be found here.

)
X
Discover...
Sheffield Inspires Logo x