Conference Sheffield outlines what’s drawing event organisers to bring their events to the Steel City.
Sheffield has started 2024 as it means to go on. The return of the mighty Gladiators after 15 years has seen audiences across the UK tuning in to the series filmed entirely in Sheffield, while Sheffield Theatres’ Standing at the Sky’s Edge has hit London by storm as it opens in the West End. Just this week the city has announced its newest festival – Crossed Wires – an ambitious Podcast Festival across several city centre venues including Sheffield City Hall and the famous Crucible theatre.
The city is fast becoming known for its reputation for working with event organisers to go that extra mile on things like sustainability and social impact. In February, the 26th Annual Mobo Awards arrived in town at the Utilita Arena Sheffield (to be part of the ASM Global Europe family of arenas from January 2025) Sheffield wrapped an impressive three- day fringe around the awards showcasing everything from the city’s young music talent to more than 4,000 school children performing Stormzy’s Blinded By Young Grace. Mobo CEO and Founder Kanya King CBE described their time in Sheffield as ‘a historic moment that will be remembered for its profound impact and the waves of change it initiated’.
And if understanding the needs of event organisers isn’t enough – there’s so many new venues about to open their doors as the city centre is transformed through the Heart of the City Project (that’s £470million of redevelopment) Europe’s largest purpose-built food hall is near completion: Cambridge Street
Collective is set to be Sheffield’s newest food destination and social hub, complete with 24+ kitchens, rooftop bars, a cookery school and much more, over three levels! This amazing space is a game changer for networking events for large numbers in the heart of the city and will be run by foodie entrepreneurs, the Blend Family. Independent Sheffield food and drink companies will be trading on-site along with local pop-up chefs and vendors.
A new Radisson Blu hotel is taking shape with an enviable location overlooking the Peace Gardens. Opening in the summer it’s restored the charming Victorian architecture of the original building and, as well as events space, it will introduce a stunning bar with spectacular views and 154 bedrooms.
Meanwhile leaf HOSPITALITY is working on the DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield City hotel development at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane football stadium and is expected to welcome guests from late summer. The 155- room hotel will include a penthouse suite, a fitness centre, and events space for up to 300 guests.
With many more hospitality and events spaces as part of Sheffield’s developments, this cultural and foodie hotspot is a real delegate crowd pleaser. Sheffield recently retained its ‘real ale capital of the world’ title with 300 different real ales on sale in the city every day (zero alcohol options available) which makes it a city that should be on your shortlist for 2024 and beyond to enjoy more than just a local beer…
Conference Sheffield team are always available for advice on any aspect of event planning in the city. They can be contacted on 0114 273 5978, by emailing conferences@ sheffield.gov.uk or you can find a wealth of information at Welcometosheffield.co.uk/conference