About
Celebrating books, words and ideas: 13 -29 October 2023
Off the Shelf Festival of Words is one of the largest literary festivals in the North of England, bringing the best in local, national and international literary talent to Sheffield.
Each October we bring live events in real venues with the chance to hear some brilliant speakers in person, some of the best-known and rising stars in writing, arts and media. See the film below for a taste of last year’s festival.
We also have a collection of online events from previous festivals available to watch any time on the University of Sheffield Player.
Featured online events
Off the Shelf Festival of Words is brought to you by the University of Sheffield
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our funders, supporters and partners who are helping us to deliver a diverse programme for audiences across the region:
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Theatres Trust, New Dutch Writing.
Thank you to our Booksellers: Waterstone’s, La Biblioteka, Rhyme & Reason, Juno Books
Festival team:
Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director
Sara Unwin, Festival Manager & Co-ordinator for University of Sheffield
Maria de Souza & Lesley Webster, Festival Curators
Ashley Barnes and Sophie Parkes-Nield, Festival Co-ordinators for Sheffield Hallam University
Thanks also to:
Kitty Turner
Modern Culture
Sheffield Theatres Box Office
BOOKING
Events in Sheffield
We are delighted that Sheffield Theatres Trust continues as our festival box office partner for events in Sheffield. Ticket sales will be online, in person and by phone.