Exposed Magazine August 2025

DIFFERENT CLASS

PULP BRING THE RAZZMATAZZ TO TRAMLINES '25

TRAMLINES: REVIEWED // REVEREND & THE MAKERS

LICK OF PAINT FEST // KELHAM ISLAND ARTS COLLECTIVE FAINT PAINT // YELLOWBONES ILLUSTRATION

available until 6.00pm, SUNDay TO FRIDAY

Treat yourself to a delicious cocktail or two!

CHOOSE FROM OVER 20 COCKTAILS TAGGED WITH THE 'CUBANA STAR' IN OUR DRINKS MENU FOR ONLY £7.00! PLUS...

>> House Spirit Double £7.00

>> Selected bottled beers £3.50 - Corona and Super Bock

>> Selected house wines £4.25 per glass or £18.50 per bottle. Choose from Pinot Grigio White, Pinot Grigio Rosé or Montepulciano Red

>> Prosecco - £22.50 per bottle

>> Sangria or Sangria Blanca £22.50 per jug

**DOWNSTAIRS BAR EXTENDED HAPPY OFFER**

We have extended all of the above Happy Drinks offers for a further two hours, until 8pm, Monday to Friday in the downstairs bar **only available in the downstairs bar

available until 6.00pm, SUNDay TO FRIDAY

Call in and chill out at the end of a hard day, unwind and soak up our relaxed Latino vibe whilst enjoying our ‘Happy Tapas’ deals. ANY 2 tapas dishes for £12.95 £5.00 off ANY Of our tapas set menus –– OR ––

Fantastic value when you dine early. APPLIES TO ALL TABLES SEATED AND ORDERING BEFORE OR AT 6PM. HAPPY

Please note our Happy Drinks and Happy Tapas Offers are not available on Bank Holiday Sundays

salsainthesquare!

LATIN MUSIC & DANCE FIESTA!

SUNDAY

BANK HOLIDAY

AUG 24

AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

FREE OUTDOOR SALSA SPECTACULAR IN LEOPOLD SQUARE FROM 5pm UNTIL 10pm. For the last Salsa in the Square of 2025, we’ve the amazing 8 piece all Latin band ‘TIMBA DE CUBA’

> Flavio Correa (Congas)

> Jimmy Martines (Bass)

> Felix Conzales (Singer)

> Peter Medland (Trumpet)

> Pete Williams (Saxo Tenor)

> Luis Tumbamilian (Drums)

> Jesus Batallan (Piano)

> Gustavo Andrade (Saxo Tenor)

Plus DJ ANNA DE ORTE (Direct from Barcelona) and DJ EBO (Baila Reggaeton UK). Latin Dance Performances from THE SABROSO DANCE COMPANY and so much more!

The party continues inside CUBANA from 10pm through to 2am:

BARRIO LATINO

BANK HOLIDAY FIESTA!

FOUR TOP DJS PLAYING OVER TWO FLOORS

> DOWNSTAIRS: > DJ ANNA DE ORTE (BARCELONA)

TA PA S RES

Playing in the square from 6pm

TIMBA DE CUBA

> DJ EBO (BAILA REGGAETON UK) WITH ARMANDO MURILLO (CONGAS)

- Reggaeton, Salsa, Samba, & Latin House

> UPSTAIRS: > DJ ANTONIO ( SABROSO)

> DJ SEAN WILSON

- Kizomba, Semba, Kudoro

Timba De Cuba is an exciting Cuban band offering a unique Latin sound that blends Timba, Salsa, Latin Jazz/Funk, and Son. Their repertoire features the latest musical styles from Havana, Cuba — including “Timba”— with many original compositions, harmonies, and rhythms by some of the best Latin Grammy-winning composers, including Tony Perez and Luz Viajara.

TA PA S RES

PA S RES TA URANT

Get ready for a perfect evening of dancing and cool Latino vibes.

DJ Anna De Orte

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST

EAT FOR

DUE TO OUR STUNNING REFURBISHMENT TAKING PLACE, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY OFFERS WILL NEED TO BE REDEEMED IN AUGUST. THE CASINO WILL BE OPEN AS USUAL DURING REFURBISHMENT.

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TRAMLINES REVISITED

17 years on, Tramlines continues to throw the city’s biggest annual bash. Ruby Deakin reports from Hillsborough Park, where homecomings, sunshine and singalongs made for a landmark weekend – and then Ash Birch reflects on this year’s plentiful fringe offerings.

18:

LICK OF PAINT

A brand-new street art festival – the first of its kind in Sheffield – is set to take over the city next month. We spoke to co-founder Megan Russell (AKA Peachzz) to find out more.

46:

SONGS OF PRAISE

This month’s Red Light Session features local music royalty as Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure steps to the mic for a one-take jam with some old friends. We caught up with him after the session.

50: KELHAM ISLAND ARTS COLLECTIVE

Tucked away behind Ball Street Bridge, KIAC is a thriving hub of creativity and community. Rosie Brennan meets some of the people turning this hidden industrial space into one of the city’s best-kept artistic secrets.

60:

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

From miniature birds to sci-fi skeletons, Jack Donaldson’s playful artwork blends digital design with hands-on craft. We caught up with the Sheffield illustrator to chat terrariums, comic books and creative freedom.

GAFFERS

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FINANCE

Lis Ellis (Accounts) accounts@exposedmagazine.co.uk

GRAFTERS

Joe Food (Editor) joe@exposedmagazine.co.uk

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Lizzy Capps (Content Creator) lizzy@exposedmagazine.co.uk

Marc Barker (Design Dogsbody)

GI’ US A HAND PLZ

Isobel O'Mahony, Rosie Brennan,, Blessing Adefemi, Mark Perkins, Ruby Deakin

THE BUSINESS STUFF

Exposed is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1b, 2

MUSEUM CURATOR

WE ARE NOT HIDING THINGS AWAY

EVERY DAY IS DIFFERENT

Looking after artworks is really varied – you might be planning the layout for an exhibition, transporting artworks to another museum or working on a database, inputting (and struggling to read) handwritten 19th-century information on a painting.

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YOU LEARN HOW MUCH YOU DON’T KNOW

There’s multiple lifetimes’ work in understanding a collection like this. There are over 16,000 objects in the part of the collection I look after, made by over 1,800 artists and printers. Every day I learn something new, ranging from how the ink made from oak galls in manuscripts is acidic and eating itself, to the fact that one of the artists in the collection was ‘born at sea’.

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WE DON’T WEAR WHITE GLOVES

It’s a bit of a myth that curators wear white gloves. We actually wear surgical gloves, because the acid in your skin can damage the materials you touch. Popular culture has built an image of the curator in white gloves, so most of us have a pair lying around for when we are photographed. For the 10th-century books made of vellum (calf skin), we don’t wear gloves at all, because it’s vital we can feel the delicate surface and know we are not causing damage (but we do wash our hands first!).

4 5

There’s an idea that museums are hiding things in storage, but our jobs are about care. The museums’ role is to keep objects forever, so future generations can learn about the past. This involves looking after the objects so they don’t deteriorate. Light can fade objects, so we rotate things between storage and display so that they are protected, last longer, and there is always something new to see. I think of it like a library – you can’t read all the books at once, but it’s important they are there and in good condition for when you want them next.

IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE

Objects are brought to life by people’s stories, so working with people is at the heart of being a curator. This is very varied –recently, I’ve worked with Sheffield-based charity Baton of Hope on a display about suicide prevention, helped students to make films based on artworks and collaborated with paint researchers from Oxford University to try to work out who owned a paint palette in the collection (which is currently on display). John Ruskin built the collection to inspire the people of Sheffield, and today we use it to work with the people of the city to tell their stories.

Ashley Gallant is Sheffield Museum’s Curator of the Ruskin Collection, housed at Millennium Gallery. The current exhibition Capturing Colour runs until 30 November. Find more info at sheffieldmuseums. org.uk

Photo:

THE CIRCUS IS IN TOWN

Sheffield’s Don Valley Bowl is set to come alive once again as Rock N Roll Circus returns for another immersive long weekend of music, spectacle and circus-inspired chaos.

Running from Wednesday 27 to Saturday 31 August, the event is known for combining worldclass live acts with a visually striking, big-top atmosphere. This year’s line-up brings a mix of rock royalty, pop legends and local heroes to the stage – all under the giant circus tent.

Kicking things off midweek are Queens of the Stone Age, who’ll headline two nights with support from a hefty line-up including Viagra Boys, shame, Jehnny Beth, Circa Waves and The Murder Capital – a mix that promises loud guitars, bold performances and a healthy dose of punk energy.

On Friday, none other than Bryan Adams rolls into town with his So Happy It Hurts tour, just ahead of his next album release. He’ll be joined

Melanie C, Newton Faulkner and a varied bill that includes Nell Mescal, Cassyette and local rising acts like Bethany Grace and The Crooks.

Saturday shifts the spotlight to Sheff itself, as Reverend and The Makers celebrate their 20th anniversary with a hometown headline set. Curated by frontman Jon McClure, the day will feature a DJ set from Groove Armada, a Libertines reunion of sorts with Doherty & Barat, and appearances from Lottery

READY, SET… ACTION!

The Sheffield Film Festival is back this month, with Showroom Cinema unveiling a month-long programme that celebrates the city’s rich cinematic heritage alongside global indie highlights and cult classics.

Now in its second year, the festival opens on 1 August with Sheffield on Film – a journey through 90 years of local life on screen, curated by Yorkshire Film Archive. This special event sets the tone for a programme that spans powerful documentaries, community-led screenings and star-studded Q&As.

One of the most anticipated events is the world premiere of Survivors: The Spectre of Threads (30–31 August), a new documentary exploring the legacy of the iconic 1984 TV drama. It follows a 40th anniversary screening of Threads earlier in the month (22–23 August).

Football fans can enjoy When Saturday Comes on 9 August, followed by a panel

featuring Blades legend Tony Currie and writer-producer James Daly. Meanwhile, BBC Radio Sheffield’s Paulette Edwards shares her film influences in a special screening on 31 August.

The festival also spotlights Sheffield’s lively community cinema scene with events by Celluloid Screams, Reel Cult Cinema, Film Girls Galore, FFStival and more on the bill. Highlights include a 35mm Mystery Horror Marathon on 2 August – not an event for the faint of heart!

New and award-winning films are showcased throughout the month, with previews of The Regulars (7 August), Castration Movie Pt. 1 (3 August) and BAFTA-nominated Sister Midnight (27 August), including Q&As with filmmakers.

For the full programme, new additions and ticket information, visit: showroomcinema.org.uk

Winners and the Everly Pregnant Brothers.

The weekend rounds off with James leading Sunday’s bill. Fresh from an orchestral tour and celebrating over 40 years as a band, the Manchester legends will be joined by Ocean Colour Scene, Embrace, Cast, and Sleeper –offering a nostalgia-packed finale to what’s set to be one of the summer’s standout events. For full lineups and the latest ticket news, head to rocknrollcircus.co.uk

by

NORTHERN SEOUL!

Sheffield is about to get a vibrant new addition to its retail scene as Oseyo Korean store, the UK’s leading Korean and Asian supermarket brand, announced plans to open its largest-ever store on The Moor later this year.

“This site will be our largest and most ambitious project, spanning across three floors, essentially being a mini-department store,” said Isaac Kweon, Operations Director at Oseyo.

“After our epic success and the viral sensation of our Arndale store, the Oseyo team have decided to go even crazier for our latest location in Sheffield.”

The new store will combine food, lifestyle, culture, and fun under one roof. More than just a supermarket, it’s a full sensory experience spanning approximately 13,000 sq. ft across three floors.

Shoppers can expect a wide selection of authentic Korean and Asian products, including items

from a range of popular brands such as Lotte, Samyang, Nongshim, Daesang, CJ Bibigo, and Cuckoo. Trending products such as Samyang Carbonara noodles, Squid Game dalgona, cat jelly and fish-shaped bread will also feature heavily throughout.

There will be several standout in-store features including a striking atrium rising through all floors, a curated ‘Tea House’ display, fun ‘IceUp’ station, full height figurines on the first and second floor facade and themed “Oseyo Snaps” selfie areas inspired by Incheon Airport and Jeju Island.

Kweon added: “We have been working hard to create an epic destination in the heart of Sheffield to amaze customers from all walks of life, from students to families or anyone who just wants to experience a bit of fun!”

The opening date is set to be revealed soon. We’ll keep you posted.

“HOMELESSNESS DOESN’T TAKE A SUMMER BREAK”

It’s something that people seeking support at The Archer Project, and the team who work to deliver its services, unfortunately know all too well.

Summer is a favourite time of year for many of us, with the promise of longer days, festivals, barbeques and holidays on the horizon. But with the fun that summer brings, the brutalities of homelessness can often be forgotten.

Heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburns, social isolation, and heightened risks of abuse are all prevalent in summer for people experiencing homelessness. The Archer Project have launched a Summer Campaign to highlight these factors, while asking for help to raise the funds needed to cover the costs of their vital services.

The charity’s Head of Fundraising, Joe Logan says: “We want to emphasise that homelessness is still an issue in the warmer months, when people don’t necessarily recognise it. Awareness of homelessness drops significantly during summer, but we still have to keep up with demand for our services during this time.

“Understandably, people associate a greater need for homelessness services with the winter months. But actually, our team reports consistency in the need for our services throughout the year. Even with the warmer weather, we very recently saw the busiest breakfast service we’ve ever had at The Project!”

There are lots of different ways you can fundraise as part of The Archer Project’s Summer Campaign.

Deputy Head of Fundraising, Lucy Wilks says: “Fundraising is a great way to explore something you know you really enjoy, or something you’ve never tried before! Whether you raise funds individually or in a group – choose something that you find engaging and genuinely want to take part in.”

2024 was The Archer Project’s busiest year on record. The team supported 1,223 individuals, served over 24,000 meals, facilitated 205 therapeutic sessions, and helped 27 people move towards stability through volunteering – all without any government funding. And 2025 is already shaping up to be just as demanding, with over 550 people supported in the first three months alone.

So this summer, while you’re soaking up the sun, consider lending a hand – or a fundraiser – to support one of Sheffield’s most vital charities. You can find fundraising ideas and a digital fundraising guide over at archerproject.org. uk/fundraising.

2025 marks the final chapter of ILLUMINATE THE GARDENS at the Sheffield Botanical Gardens.

What started as an ambitious idea in 2015 became a sold-out sensation, bringing thousands of people together for nearly a decade of unforgettable shows!

SHEFFIELD BOTANICAL GARDENS 7th- 9th NOV 2025 ‘Final Show’

The team at EVENTS COLLECTIVE has loved every moment of planning, designing, and delivering this experience.

Now, as we move on to new projects, we want to ensure this FINAL SHOW is the most SPECTACULAR yet!

www.illuminatethegardens.co.uk

FACES OF SHEFFIELD

Armed with a 1969 Rolleiflex 3.5F, local photographer Matt Willoughby wanders Sheffield, snapping portraits, swapping stories and capturing the spirit of the city’s residents, one shot at a time.

RHIANNON RUTHVEN

Rhiannon is a Sheffield-based singer-songwriter whose music, written on her beloved acoustic guitar, speaks to the poets and dreamers of the world. Her songs aim to shine a light for those who feel unseen, offering warmth and connection through honest lyrics. She is happiest when surrounded by fellow creatives – and cats, obvs.

@rhiannanruthvenn @mattwilloughbyfilm

NO BOUNDS LEVELS UP

No Bounds Festival has unveiled its Phase 2 lineup for 2025, expanding on its core themes of sonic resistance, community and collective creativity. Taking place across Sheffield and Rotherham from 10–12 October, this year’s edition – themed Grit & Graft – promises an ambitious fusion of sound, art, and discourse rooted in resilience and radical collaboration.

Leading the latest wave of announcements is Interplanetary Criminal, returning after a packedout 2024 appearance at Hope Works to headline Friday night’s rave alongside Silva Bumpa and Big Ang. Also newly confirmed are Factory Floor, Bristol’s Josi Devil, Papa Nugs, Silva Snipa, and Sheffield mainstays including The Black Dog, Chris Duckenfield and Nona Fab.

Sunday brings a curatorial shift to Rotherham, with Mark Fell and Rian Treanor shaping a multi-venue programme combining music, choreography and panel discussions. Performers include RP Boo, Beatrice Dillon & Mat Steel (SND), and Gamelan Orchestra. Venues range from the long-dormant Empire Theatre – set to reopen for the festival – to Rotherham Minster and Hope Centre.

The arts programme deepens this year with returning curator Amy Carter Gordon presenting switch room – a multimedia exploration of environment, resistance, and regeneration, hosted in unconventional spaces including the new Igloo 360° immersive dome at Sheffield Hallam University. Gloam Gallery will stage Dani Abulhawa’s dance work Stones & Seeds: Unfolding Palestine, while Hedge Sheffield will exhibit environmentally themed protest art curated by Mikk Murray.

No Bounds will also partner with IKLECTIK, the experimental arts collective recently displaced from their London venue. Their 12.4 Martin Audio system will power a new series of performances at Harmony Works, the historic Gas Company building being reimagined as a music education hub. Arts Catalyst joins forces for the Sounds from the Ground series, with Rashad Becker and Bint Mbareh set to deliver boundarypushing live works.

Meanwhile, the festival launches a cinema strand featuring a radical listening series and a reactivation of Tales From A Hard City (1995), plus talks with WARP Records and The National Literacy Trust.

More info and full lineup at noboundsfestival.co.uk

CITY VIEWS

STORIES FROM THE HEART OF THE STEEL CITY

BLESSING ADEFEMI

I chose Sheffield because I wanted distance – from home, from familiarity, from everything I already knew. I wanted to experience a life where I had more freedom, exploring a part of the UK I wasn’t accustomed to, or even knew much about.

Before making Sheffield a top contender in my university choices, I decided to watch some videos to get an idea of what I’d be getting myself into. So far, I knew my university had a plethora of activities, that Endcliffe and Ranmoor were basically the best student living spaces for first years and that it was a great place academically. Surprisingly, what sold me the most was the Peak District.

I’m going to be very honest with you – there aren’t many “Peak District” spots where I’m from in Essex. Much of our ground is very level. So the idea of being able to go hiking for the first time in my life told me Sheffield was definitely the place to go.

So, the University of Sheffield became my top choice, and another university much closer to home became my second – courtesy of my parents, as it was only a thirty-minute journey and, to quote them, they would “miss me too much.” However, A-levels soon rolled by and (spoiler) I got in!

I was completely naive about how much this city would change me.

Moving day soon came, and my parents were helping me pack my stuff in the car as we made that four-hour-long journey towards the Steel City. Once they’d helped me settle in and left, it hit me that I was alone – and I guess you could classify this as my “actually becoming an adult” moment.

I was so used to being with my hometown friends and siblings. I had never truly been alone, and although lockdown restrictions had been lifted some time ago, I still felt the slight repercussions; my lack of socialisation and my people-pleasing tendencies were slowly creeping back.

But thankfully, before even arriving, I had pushed myself to befriend others who were either doing the same degree as me or going to the same university through Facebook – a platform I had never used before. Honestly, if not for that, I would never have met my best friend and the friends who helped open my eyes to what this place had

I WAS COMPLETELY NAIVE ABOUT HOW MUCH THIS CITY WOULD CHANGE ME.”

to offer.

I soon realised how lovely it is to be here. The people are so friendly, I’m always outside wanting to walk everywhere (forty minutes can go by so quickly) and I’ve never been out to brunch so many times in my life – notable mentions to Gaard and Kollective Kitchen.

But one thing I wasn’t prepared for is – THIS PLACE IS SO HILLY! No one told me (or warned me) about how many hills I would have to walk just to get to my lectures. But now I’m so used to it, I see it as an extra cardio session.

Sheffield truly is my second home away from home. A place where I experienced many firsts: being called a southerner (never had that before coming here), going out clubbing, going to the pub and trying beer (still debating on whether or not I’m a fan), reading one of my poems in public, and trying – and loving – Jollibee’s (thank you to the Philippines and Meadowhall!)

And if you’re wondering – yes, I did get to go to the Peak District. I climbed Mam Tor with my friend, with the help of Apple Maps, because neither of us could really decipher how to navigate using a physical one (that shall hopefully be learned soon).

It was such an unforgettable moment.

Honestly, nothing prepared me for how stunning it would be in person. So if you take anything from me at the end of this piece, it’s this – it’s definitely a place everyone should visit at least once in their life.

But when you’re coming back down, be careful – me and my friend had the unfortunate luck of taking an unnecessarily long route downwards. Still, I’d do it all over again.

Sheffield made me realise how much more there is to life, and how much I didn’t want to waste it – I want to continue to experience and try everything at least once, because why not. T

So although I may not have picked up any Sheffield dialects like ‘Ey up’ or ‘Reyt’, I’d say that within my three years living here, my accent isn’t too far off (depends on who you ask, though).

Though I arrived nervous and unsure, I leave with confidence, memories (and even fond ones of the hills). I’ll always have a deep love for the city that shaped me. And yes – I’ll be back.

PHOTO: ZHI XUAN HEW

enjoy summer at the barn at whirlow hall farm

Tucked away just off Ecclesall road sits a countryside oasis, just minutes away from the city centre. Come and enjoy tasty homemade cakes served with a cracking cup of coffee or tea on our beautiful outdoor terrace while you let the little one’s enjoy our fantastic childrens playground.

Or come for a spot of lunch and enjoy some wonderfully prepared local produce. We have a regularly changing specials board, or lighter deli items and fresh salads. Maybe come and join us for our lively bistro nights and sample a glass of Whirlow Wine paired with fresh, local ingredients.

the barn at whirlow

Whirlow Lane, Sheffield, S11 9QF W. www.whirlowhallfarm.org

E: thebarnbookings@whirlowhallfarm.org

We are open 9am–4:30pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

LICK OF PAINT

6–7 SEPTEMBER // ACROSS SHEFFIELD // FREE TO ATTEND

From graffiti battles and mural trails to hands-on workshops and live painting from international street artists, Lick of Paint is set to bring plenty of colour and culture to Sheffield next month. Co-founded by local artists Megan Russell (aka Peachzz) and Alastair Flindall (Neck of the Wood Studio), the festival is the first of its kind in the city – a weekend-long celebration of public art that’s deeply rooted in community spirit.

“We’ve always said this isn’t just about a one-off event,” Megan told Exposed over a Zoom call last month. “It’s about legacy. We want to build something that lives beyond the festival weekend – more opportunities for artists, more public engagement and more beautiful spaces across the city.”

Taking place 6–7 September, the Lick of Paint festival will showcase work from around 15 artists painting live across sites in the city centre, Kelham Island, Castlegate and beyond. There’ll be largescale murals, pop-up pieces and free workshops for all ages – from doodling walls at Nomad Maison to a spray can upcycling session at House Skatepark, where attendees can bring anything from old T-shirts to tatty chairs for a needed creative refresh.

“We'll have loads of spray cans, and people can just come down and have a go with stencils,” Megan says of the event. “It’s all about accessibility – making it free, fun and hands-on. If something literally needs a lick of paint, this is your chance.”

Each location will offer its own experience. Look out for graffiti battles, live music/DJ sets, films and documentaries, food and drink stalls, and a print shop where you can support artists directly. The festival has even secured a mural spot on the outside of the Kelham Island Museum site – an eye-catching addition from artist Tech Moon that Megan claims gave her “goosebumps” when she first saw the design.

Visitors will be able to follow the trail via a printed or digital map, leading them through the city’s emerging street art spots. “We’ve kept the route to about a 20–30 minute walk,” Megan points out. “We wanted it to be accessible – nothing too hilly, which can be tricky in Sheffield!”

Alongside new pieces painted live during the weekend, the trail will also feature recent murals created as part of Lick of Paint’s ongoing programme. It’s part of the co-founders’ commitment to long-term impact – both in supporting Sheffield’s artist community and

THIS CITY’S GOT SUCH A RICH CULTURE OF GRAFFITI, ART AND CREATIVITY – WE JUST WANT TO KEEP BUILDING ON THAT.”

brightening public spaces across the city.

“We’ve been working all year with artists, students and organisations to make new murals and pieces of art happen. We’ve had projects in Netherthorpe with Hallam Uni students, and others at places like the Millennium Galleries, Castlegate and Fitzalan Square. So even before the festival begins, the city’s already changing.”

Born from a shared vision between two artists, Lick of Paint isn’t just about painting walls –it’s about reshaping how street art is seen and supported. “We’re trying to rewrite the narrative,” Megan says. “We make sure that artists are always paid fairly. It’s about celebrating creativity in all its forms – from graffiti to large-scale murals.”

As well as championing plenty of Sheffieldbased talent, the line-up includes out-of-town guests and at least one international artist. Importantly, Lick of Paint gives space to artists at all stages of their careers. “We’ve got a growing list of artists we recommend for jobs,” Megan explains. “Once someone gets picked for a commission, they step out of the pool, so it’s not always the same people getting work. It keeps it fresh, and makes it fairer.”

Although originally intended as a biennial event, the response has been so enthusiastic that the team already plan to return in 2026 – with even bigger walls, wider workshops and a more developed mentorship programme.

“We had loads of ideas for talks, lectures and tech workshops this year, but we just didn’t get the funding over the line. So we’ve decided to do it again next year too – grow it, keep the momentum going and hopefully bring even more people into the fold.”

Whether you want to spray your own upcycled art, cheer on a live graffiti battle or just soak in the colour and energy, Lick of Paint promises a vibrant weekend for all.

To support the festival, there are several options available: contribute to their GoFundMe (search ‘Lick of Paint Sheffield’), pick up official merch via Okay Clothing (okay-clothing.com) or simply turn up, take part and spread the word.

As Megan puts it: “Sheffield means a lot to both of us. This city’s got such a rich culture of graffiti, art and creativity – we just want to keep building on that. For the artists, for the community, for everyone.”

For updates, maps and artist announcements, follow @lickofpaintfest on Instagram and keep an eye on lickofpaintfest.com.

Artist: @grace_visions

Artist: @ruokmyluv

@artworkssy x LOP Lick of Paint x Artworks

ROOM TO BREATHE

Nestled above the buzz of Dyson Place’s hub of independents, The Nook Retreat offers a soothing escape with its holistic take on beauty and wellbeing. Co-owned by Lauren Eaton and Hannah Emmerich, Exposed popped down to discover how this warm space is inviting people to slow down in an increasingly hectic world.

“I started The Nook hair salon in 2020 ,” Hannah tells Exposed, explaining the beginnings of what has now become a much-loved ecofriendly business. “I wanted to create somewhere that was a bit more one-to-one with my clients and had sustainability at its core. And then Lauren joined me a little later.”

Lauren came on board offering makeup, brow and lash services, but her interests later turned toward more holistic treatments. “It worked well having Lauren in the salon,” Hannah says, “but she wanted to explore additional services like facials and massage, and we just didn’t have the space or privacy required.”

“The salon’s lovely and lively,” adds Lauren, “but the retreat needed a calmer atmosphere.”

And so, The Nook Retreat was born – a softly-lit, serene upstairs space launched in November 2024. It now offers a range of treatments including holistic massage, Weleda facials, brow and lash styling, natural makeup, mani-pedi rituals and bridal makeup.

The space itself is designed with intention – think calming interiors, gentle lighting and wooden dividers that can shift to open up the room for events. “As soon as people walk in, you can see them visibly relax,” says Lauren. “It’s like a little oasis shut away from the noise. There’s a real sense of calm.”

That peaceful energy runs

through everything the team does – but the retreat is about more than pampering and unwinding. It’s a place to connect. Since opening, The Nook has hosted yoga sessions, women’s circles and is set to welcome a sound healing bath in August. “It’s become a genuine wellbeing gathering space,” Lauren explains. “It’s like a little community hub.”

Mirroring the salon’s creed, sustainability and conscious practice sits at the heart of the retreat’s ethos. Both Lauren and Hannah are committed to minimising waste and sourcing consciously. “We recycle everything we use,” says Hannah. “We’re part of the Green Salon Collective, which helps manage waste specific to the hair and beauty industry.”

This commitment to sustainability runs through every detail, from choosing reusable bamboo applicators to partnering with ethical brands like Weleda and Sheffield Skincare Co. All products –from facial creams to massage oils – are made with ethically sourced ingredients, reinforcing a values-led approach that attracts clients drawn to natural treatments.

The team has grown alongside the space, with six practitioners now involved – each bringing their own expertise and energy. “We’re a collective,” says Lauren. “Everyone has their own style, which makes for a really

bespoke experience. It’s the opposite of that conveyorbelt feel you get in some commercial spas.”

Massage – from holistic to pregnancy, Indian head and hot stone – has proved particularly popular, along with lash and brow treatments. But the benefits go beyond the physical.

“People are rushed off their feet and resting less,” says Lauren. “And when they finally come in, they often say they could just fall asleep – even if I’m midbrow wax!”

For many, it’s a reminder of just how much they needed the break. “There’s this weird shame around resting and taking time out for yourself in society these days,” she adds. “Like it’s lazy or self-indulgent. But spaces like this help challenge that. They give people the permission and space to slow down.”

Appointments are made in advance, with doorbell-only entry ensuring a peaceful, uninterrupted atmosphere. “We wanted it to feel like a true @thenookretreat

retreat – a little escape from everything outside,” Lauren explains.

Being part of the proudly independent community around Sharrow Vale Road and Dyson Place also adds to the appeal. “You can come in for a treatment, then go grab coffee or lunch nearby. There’s a real buzz here, especially in summer,” she says. “It feels almost continental with the bars, cafes and shops outside.”

Above all, Lauren and Hannah take pride in creating somewhere that’s warm, welcoming and personal. “It’s nice to make people happy, isn’t it?” Hannah reflects. “To facilitate this type of space – for the people that come and the people that work here.”

For anyone unsure if a retreat is for them, Lauren has simple advice: “You’ll get something out of just taking the time to pause. Even if you don’t think you need it – you might be surprised at how your body responds.”

BUZZ BINGO SHEFFIELD

Bingo: a proud British institution, played everywhere from seaside resorts and rural village halls to vast city centre clubs – and still going strong in the age of streaming and smartphones. Whether it’s the iconic calling phrases (‘legs eleven’, anyone?) or the thrill of a full house shout, there’s something oddly intoxicating about the whole affair. And with Sheffield ranking sixth in the UK for bingo halls per capita – a handy stat sure to break the ice at any social event – we figured it was high time we embraced our inner dabbers and gave it a proper go.

Our post-work team bonding session brought us to Buzz Bingo on Sheffield Parkway, the city’s biggest bingo hall and recently the recipient of a glitzy refurb. With room for up to 1,200 players, a 12-metre games screen in the main room, a new player lounge and a snazzy bar glow-up, it’s not just bingo – it’s bingo with bells on.

We rolled up on a Thursday night for their ‘Dab and Gab’ session – two hours of fast-

paced gaming from 7pm to 9pm. Quick tip: don’t cut it fine. The evening slots get busy, so aim to get in at least 20 minutes early to sort your seat, grab a drink and mentally prepare for a sensory assault of numbers.

But how does it work? Well, you can go old-school with paper tickets or opt for the touchscreen packages, which start from just £14 for 25 tickets (and go all the way up to £50 for 150 tickets if you’re feeling particularly lucky). There are also some enticing bonus games like ‘Big Money Live’, a national link-up offering the chance to win £3,000. Not a shabby take-

home amount for a Thursday night, eh?

We split between the two. Some of us wanted the classic dabbing experience – there’s something deeply satisfying about dotting out numbers in a flow-like state. Others chose the touchscreen route, which takes care of all the admin and lets you fully relax for the whole session. The latter is a decent shout for beginners – the games are quicker than you’d think, and how my nan ever kept up with three books on the go (ciggie in one hand, dabber in the other) is entirely beyond me.

But there are breaks built

in so you can have a breather – perfect for topping up at the bar or having a bite to eat. The menu is solid and won’t empty your wallet: think chicken baskets, pizzas, burgers and curries. Our veggie and vegan colleagues gave the plantbased burger and veggie box a thumbs-up and the staff who served us were friendly, efficient and more than happy to explain the ropes for any bingo novices among us.

As for the wins? Let’s just say that it wasn’t our night. There wasn’t a single full house among us, nor even a measly line to brag about. But honestly, we weren’t there for the prize money. It was all about the buzz (pun entirely intended): trying something different, soaking up the atmosphere and getting stuck into a night out that didn’t cost a small fortune. So whether you’re chasing a jackpot or just fancy a different kind of social gathering with mates, Buzz gets a nod from the Exposed team.

buzzbingo.com @buzzbingosheffield

WORDS: JOSEPH FOOD

HIDDEN GEM

SHEFFIELD ASSEMBLE!

Tucked away in a warehouse on Holbrook Industrial Estate – just a 15-minute drive from Sheffield city centre – lies one of the most unique comic book collections in the country. World of Superheroes is a family-run business packed with rare comics, original artwork and pop culture memorabilia. It’s a collector’s dream – but most people don’t even know it’s there.

That’s something owner Steve Eyre wants to change. “The problem we’ve got is that not enough people know we’re here,” he says. “But when people do come, they quickly become regular customers. They visit, have a chat and love it.”

Steve has been collecting comics since he was a teenager growing up in Sheffield in the 1970s. Back then, he’d pick up reprinted Marvel titles from local newsagents or swap them at the second-hand bookstall in Castle Market. “I’d buy a batch in the morning, go to my grandma’s in Firth Park, read them all, and take them back in the afternoon for part-exchange!”

A lifelong passion gradually turned into a business. Five years ago, with his children Alex and Holly – both just as mad about comics, superheroes and fantasy films – Steve decided to take the plunge. “We just imagined it being a relatively small family concern,” he says. “But it’s grown big. From a standing start, we now turn over a healthy amount and sell to people all over the world.”

Lockdown was something of a turning point. With shops closed and people stuck at home, Steve and the team used the time to build an online store, uploading thousands of items to the worldofsuperhereos.com and ebay stores. Demand surged – and hasn’t slowed since. In terms of both volume and value, World of Superheroes now ranks as the UK’s biggest seller of original comic book art. Despite its success online, the real magic of World of Superheroes is in visiting the

warehouse itself. From floor to ceiling, the space is filled with vintage comics, signed prints, giant superhero statues, rare curiosities and jawdropping artwork.

Some pieces are entirely unique, like the original paintings by Robert Bailey – a former Lucasfilm storyboard artist whose work includes Star Wars, Star Trek and Guardians of the Galaxy. “We’re not allowed to make any prints of them,” Steve says. “They’re one of a kind. And they don’t come up very often – we’re the only ones selling them in this country.”

The collection also includes work by British comic legends like John Higgins (Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns), and certified collectibles signed by Stan Lee, Siegel and Shuster, and Bob Kane. One framed Amazing Spider-Man No. 1 – professionally graded at 5.5 – carries a price tag of £15,000.

But it’s not all high-end. Customers can walk away with a box of 130 vintage comics for £300, or browse five-quid floppies from the Silver and Bronze Age. “There’s something for all prices,” Steve says. “You can come in and pick something up, whether you’ve got a fiver or a few grand.”

And people do come – from collectors to casual fans, and even those looking to sell wares. “We get a lot of people wanting to trade or value their collection. If you go through auction, you lose around 30% in fees. We can offer a better deal – we’re honest with our prices and the way we deal with people. It’s a family-run business and we want to do things properly. Reputation matters to us.”

The business has grown in other directions, too. World of Superheroes now runs an events company, Heroes United, which rents out lifesize superhero statues to shopping centres and exhibitions. As proud Sheffielders, they’re also keen to champion local artists – particularly painter Joe Scarborough, whose final collection be exhibited this summer at the Workstation.

Despite their success, the team stays handson. Alex manages online sales and sourcing, Holly runs the socials and Steve still gets stuck in with buying collections and chatting to visitors. “It’s not like coming to work. We love it. It’s good fun. We have a lot of banter and enjoy meeting new people.”

The warehouse is open to visitors by appointment, and walk-ins are welcome during

the week. “If people want a tour, we’ll show them around. And they nearly always buy something,” Steve says. “Or they might trade something. Or both.”

For fans of comics, art and pop culture, World of Superheroes is more than just a shop. It’s part gallery, part museum – and run with friendly Sheffield hospitality. “Particularly since the Marvel films, this sort of thing doesn’t have the tag of being nerdy anymore,” Steve says. “It’s a cool pastime. It’s like vinyl records coming back – there’s that respect for the art of a previous generation.”

As digital art increasingly becomes the norm in comic publishing, the physical pages and hand-painted pieces at World of Superheroes become even more rare and valuable. “There’s only one of each,” Steve says proudly, holding up another original inked page. “You just can’t reprint that. It’s timeless.”

BATTLEKART SHEFFIELD

A giant, glowing warehouse. Electric vehicles zipping across animated tracks. Power-ups, boosters and all manner of virtual mayhem beamed directly onto the floor beneath your wheels. Welcome to BattleKart – a gamingmeets-driving experience that’s recently landed in Sheffield, and it’s almost certainly unlike anything you’ve tried before.

Taking over a large indoor venue on Downgate Drive (just a short drive from the city centre and three minutes from Meadowhall), BattleKart blends real-life electric karts with projected digital tracks and immersive gameplay. It’s the first of its kind in Yorkshire and part of a growing international brand with over 50 venues worldwide.

So, how does it work? There are a number of different elements involved, including group gaming, tactical challenges and chaotic competition – all from behind the wheel of your own kart. It’s not about who’s the fastest. Instead, each player scores points by navigating hazards, collecting bonuses and outsmarting the rest of the field.

Forget about racing suits and sweaty helmets – players sit comfortably in slick, electric karts while digital worlds unfold around them. No crash barriers or fumes, just a giant, open-plan venue where multiple tracks are projected onto the floor. You can simply stay in your kart and easily switch between different games – the lights go down, new visuals appear and you’re off again. Each session is designed by the players and can include up to four different games, chosen

from a rotating roster of six. The flagship mode, BattleRace, sees you navigating a projected track while using buttons on your steering wheel to fire off attacks or trigger speed boosts. It’s the kind of experience that feels straight out of your favourite retro console – the graphics and gameplay nod knowingly to the classics many of us grew up on, and let’s just say a certain moustachioed plumber wouldn’t feel out of place.

Another favourite is BattleSnake, which plays like a large-scale, kart-based reboot of the iconic Nokia mobile game. Here, players compete to grow the longest digital tail behind their kart while forcing rivals off the board with sharp turns and well-timed moves. There’s also BattleFoot, a team mode inspired by popular console game Rocket League that swaps tyres for tactics as you nudge a virtual ball into your opponent’s net. Completing the set is the cooperative game BattleVirus, the rhythm-fuelled BattleColor and the accruacy-based BattlePool.

With a maximum of 12 players per game, sessions can be booked privately or as part of a public group. Whether you’re turning up with two mates or twelve, you’ll be matched into a full game for the best possible experience.

It’s also refreshingly inclusive. There’s no upper age limit, and the only real requirement is a minimum height of 1.45m, which opens the door to everyone from gaming teens to nostalgic millennials and Gen Zers.

That makes it ideal for team socials, date nights, birthdays or stag and hen dos – and yes, they do offer packages tailored for group

bookings, including hospitality add-ons and private hire options. Businesses take note: it’s a particularly strong contender for corporate teambuilding packages in Sheffield.

BattleKart has already started to turn heads online, with social media reels and online footage racking up thousands of views and piquing plenty of curiosity. That momentum is only set to build as the venue finds its audience here in South Yorkshire – especially during the summer holidays when we’re all looking for new things to try.

So, whether it’s a work away day, surprising your partner on date night or you just fancy enjoying some real-life Mario Kart action with pals, BattleKart is a brilliant shout. It’s nostalgic, it’s strategic, it’s full of chaos – and it’s now right here in your backyard.

FIND US

TRAMLINES 25: THE VIEW FROM S6

Seventeen years in, Tramlines shows absolutely no signs of slowing down – Ruby Deakin takes us through the iconic homecomings, nostalgic singalongs and a powerful sense of local love at Hillsborough Park.

Back for its 17th year, Tramlines once again stormed Hillsborough Park for a phenomenal weekend of live music. While early forecasts threatened dreaded drizzle and dark clouds, unexpected blue skies made for a sunsoaked spectacle of electric performances, northern pride and a powerful sense of togetherness across every stage.

First and foremost, this year’s event was truly a celebration of local talent. Pulp’s legendary homecoming delivered everything it set out to, with Jarvis promising, “this is a night you will remember for the rest of your lives.” They opened with ‘Spike Island’ – the lead single from their newest album which quickly became a fan favourite – before diving into all the classics from their enormous discography. We were even treated to ‘Sheffield: Sex City’,

performed live for the first time since 2012. Jarvis was joined upfront by Sheffield legend Richard Hawley throughout the set, bringing the Friday night to a close with a moving acoustic rendition of ‘A Sunset.’

Elsewhere on Friday, John Grant shone on T’Other stage with an emotionally vulnerable yet powerful set, reminding everyone of his breathtaking musical talents and gorgeous vocals. I Monster were another personal stand-out, an old head on the Sheffield music scene who’ve enjoyed a recent resurgence with their 2005 track ‘Who Is She’ and doing the viral rounds on TikTok.

Local heroes The Everly Pregnant Brothers returned to their usual main-stage slot on Saturday, fronted by new lead Kieran Wardle fresh off his Tramlines debut in 2024. They were joined by the Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra for

a dramatic three-song finale, closing with ‘Breadcake (Not a Roll)’ – a lovingly daft Yorkshire twist on ABBA’s ‘The Winner Takes It All’ – while tossing actual breadcakes into the audience.

Following their set, the K’s pulled a massive turnout early to the main stage, Jake Bugg delivered a heartfelt showcase of indie brilliance and Franz Ferdinand perfectly warmed up the crowd for the headline act. Natasha Bedingfield was another fan favourite whose unmatched vocal energy united the whole park for a spectacular singalong of pop anthem ‘Unwritten.’

The Reytons made history on Saturday night, becoming the first unsigned band to headline Tramlines. They packed their set with passion and community spirit, speaking openly about their rollercoaster journey to topping the bill at South Yorkshire’s biggest festival. The band handled a brief medical emergency with ease and compassion mid-set, even inviting a fan to join them on stage, effortlessly managing to keep the energy high. The audience, full of families, locals and first-timers, came together for a truly memorable headline set.

But my undisputed Saturday champions were pop-rap superstars Rizzle Kicks, celebrating their long-awaited return to performing live in front of a packed-out T’Other

stage. The crowd welcomed the pair and their dynamic band with open arms, energised by nostalgic hits and new instant classics.

Sunday afternoon brought my most-anticipated act of the weekend: CMAT. The Irish country-pop sensation walked out to a tent practically bursting at the seams, delivering a performance that was breathtakingly theatrical and unapologetically authentic. It goes without saying that her set was far too short. In half an hour we were treated to just five tracks – including the muchloved ‘Take a Sexy Picture of Me’ – which has amassed over 12 million Spotify streams since its May release. If only the Tramlines organisers could have foreseen just how much of a powerhouse CMAT would become in the two months following their running order announcement. She promised to return with a longer set, and the crowd erupted into thundering applause that rivalled even the biggest audiences in the main field.

By Sunday evening, a quiet tension began to spread through the park as we all anxiously awaited news of the Women’s Euros final. The Last Dinner Party, who delivered one of the weekend’s most captivating performances, briefly became unexpected commentators, with frontwoman Abigail giving a live update of the scores as she swept across the stage. As they moved

through theatrical renditions of their most-loved tracks –including brand-new single ‘This Is the Killer Speaking’ –the nerves continued to build, with festivalgoers desperately scrambling to catch a single bar of phone signal.

As the match neared its end, the main stage screens finally cut to the final nail-biting moments. In a surreal moment of pure, unforgettable joy, the whole crowd erupted into a roar of celebration as the Lionesses defended their title following a dramatic penalty shootout.

The electric moment perfectly set up Kasabian’s dynamic set, as the audience’s spirits reignited for an energetic final performance of the weekend. Opening with Call from their latest album before bursting into the classic ‘Club Foot’, they showed the crowd that their set would have something for all their fans, old and new. Though

the sound quality did not always do justice to their powerful bass drops and driving drumbeats, frontman Serge still dubbed the experience “the best Sunday night of [his] life.”

Throughout the weekend, artists including The Last Dinner Party, CMAT, Chloe Slater and I Monster voiced support for the people of Palestine, encouraging donations and proving that festivals are so much more than entertainment. From mindblowing live performances to mutual cheer for the Lionesses and crucial support for important causes, solidarity was truly at the heart of this weekend – a sentiment that the wonderful city of Sheffield has always been famous for. And long may it continue. Tramlines 2026 tickets are on sale from 1 August at tramlines.org.uk. Follow @tramlines for updates.

PHOTO: KEVIN WELLS

PHOTO: MATT HIGGS

PHOTO: CAROLINA FARUOLO

PHOTO: ANDREW WHITTON

THE FRINGE AT TRAMLINES

Ash Birch spent the weekend popping to venues around town and soaking up the DIY spirit that sees Sheff really come into its own on festival weekend.

“Oh, it’s not what it used to be.”

“It’s just not the same.”

“It was better when everything was in the city centre.”

Around Tramlines weekend, you hear this kind of chat a lot; some of it’s true, to be fair. It’s not what it used to be – how could it be the same following the relocation? If the ambition was to have a huge festival drawing bigname acts to perform within the city boundaries, then the Hillsborough Park site has achieved this with bells on.

But with progress comes compromise. With bigger names come bigger prices, and more than dubious ownership models – that part of the weekend isn’t for everyone anymore, and that’s

the reality.

However, having spent a weekend eschewing the main site and soaking up the atmosphere of The Fringe at Tramlines, I don’t think you could argue that this weekend in the city centre would have been bettered 15 years ago.

There was that same buzz. There was live music everywhere. The bars were rammed. Shakespeares on Saturday was hotter than the sun! Tramlines may have left the city centre, but its spirit and heart remain in The Fringe at Tramlines.

A big part of that heart (like, maybe both ventricles) can be found in the promoters, venue owners, bands, artists

and photographers who keep the local scene beating all year round, but who reach cardiac arrest levels of activity across Tramlines weekend.

This love of local was epitomised by photographer Benji Wilson, who was handed a photo pass for the main site by Femur as a thank you for his work shooting the band over the years. Instead of hanging around and taking in Pulp et al, following Femur’s set on the main stage, he instead hot-tailed it back to Sidney and Matilda to shoot Micky Nomimono, Sister Wives and Nervous Pills – that is dedication to grassroots!

As a Hillsborough resident, I usually head to the main site – one: it’s convenient, and

two: the kids love it – and you’d be forgiven for thinking all the music lovers in Sheffield are in the park. But this year, I ventured into town for the first time in years and was pleasantly surprised by the sheer volume of fun and excitement on offer. I didn’t feel like I missed out at all.

So, while Tramlines hosted its first unsigned headliners, The Reytons, on the main stage, here are some of our highlights from the unsigned – but no less talented – artists tearing up the Fringe stages.

First up, the weekend’s worstkept ‘secret set’. No, not Barry Chuckle DJing at The Riverside (yes, that happened!), but Femur at Shakespeare’s.

Following their main stage shenanigans on the Friday, Femur headed to their spiritual Tramlines home on Saturday for a (badly kept) under-wraps Shakelines appearance, taking to the stage in novelty Groucho glasses disguise (you know, the ones with fake noses and moustaches?).

“Did you know it was gonna be us?” they asked, ironically.

“You didn’t think we’d forget about the Fringe, did you?” And with that, they tore into the sweatiest set of the weekend.

Femur have long been my favourite local band, and their progression in recent years has been a source of great joy. These days, they’re tight as fuck. They always deliver – and everyone gets it now. People know these tunes. If they don’t ‘make it’, I’m not sure any of our current crop will.

As you’d expect, the room is heaving, bursting out into the corridor. Everyone is bouncing (and I mean, everyone). Closing with crowd favourite I Don’t Like, Felix manages to crowd surf all the way from the stage to the back of the room – and back again. I need a shower.

Taking second prize for sweatiest gig of the weekend was Sister Wives in Sidney and Matilda’s basement room. Another band who, in another universe, could be on the main stage with their atmospheric, Welsh-language-inflected grooves.

There’s a disorienting beauty in their playing that evokes the power of the roiling Welsh countryside they bring to life in their lyrics. A top set from them, as ever – though I can’t imagine how hot it would’ve been if their slot had gone to a band that demanded a mosh pit!

Lastly, a shout-out to Tellyeaters – an impossibly young and very raw indie band with bags of potential. On Saturday afternoon, they took to the stage at 95 Mary Street, bringing a refreshing youthful exuberance and no lack of craft.

Full disclosure: the band’s guitarist, Jackson, is the son of Sheff singer-songwriter Neil McSweeney, who in turn is a friend of a friend – which is how we found ourselves heading down to show our support, with little idea of what to expect.

They’ve earned their place in this roundup, as I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw. Jackson’s guitar playing is well beyond his years, and frontman, McGrail, has more than a touch of David Byrne about him.

Just one of many to keep an eye on following another lively, jampacked Fringe weekend.

DELI-CIOUS NEWS

Forge Bakehouse is set to open a new outlet in Sheffield’s Banner Cross, continuing its expansion with the launch of Deli by Forge Bakehouse.

The new site, located at 910 Ecclesall Road, is due to open in early August and will stock the full Forge Bakehouse range alongside a wide variety of locally-sourced goods. While the focus will be on takeaway items, the shop will also include a small seating area for customers wanting to stop in.

The independent bakery brand already operates cafés and shops in Abbeydale Road, Beauchief, Lodge Moor and Dronfield, as well as an outlet at Sheffield Station. It also supplies fresh pastries and bread to venues including True North Brew Co’s Forum Kitchen and Bar at Devonshire Green.

Michael Bevan, Head of People, Products and Customer Experience at Forge Bakehouse, said: “Sheffield is at the heart of everything we do and we are delighted to be able to announce the launch of a new Forge Bakehouse concept in such a popular area of the city.

“The core of our success is the continued use of the finest quality ingredients and a team of fantastic chefs, bakers and baristas, all bringing the best quality to our customers.

“We are confident that Deli by Forge Bakehouse has found the perfect location and we look forward to welcoming customers.”

Forge Bakehouse has been nominated for multiple awards, recognised for its artisan

breads, pastries, sandwiches and savouries. Its cafés are also known for their coffee and tea offerings, regularly updated by a team of experienced baristas.

“Once we have launched Ecclesall Road, we will be focusing on delivering the same attention to detail and a similar fantastic product range to our Banner Cross customers,” added Michael.

“It’s all about sourcing the right products to complement the breads, cakes and pastries that are produced fresh every day by the outstanding team at our Abbeydale Road bakehouse.”

@forgebakehouse

BARROW BOY CHANGES HANDS

After years of slinging great cocktails and serving up Sheffield’s best bao buns, Barrowboy’s management is calling last orders for the final time.

Since opening in 2018, the bar has played a key role in making Abbeydale Road one of the city’s go-to destinations for independent food and drink – a proper neighbourhood bar that knew how to have fun.

But while one chapter may be closing, the venue’s future looks to be in safe hands. A social media announcement explainedthat the keys are being handed over to familiar local faces – Ed and Doug, stalwarts of the Abbeydale Road drinks scene and the brains behind the hugely popular Dead Donkey bar just down the road. Regulars will know the cosy spot for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere and impressive beer selection – all qualities that suggest they’re the perfect fit to continue the Barrowboy legacy.

However, before they lock up for the last time, there’ll be one final knees-up on Sunday 3 August – open from 12pm for the last dregs of the Abbeydale Road Beer Festival, with the farewell party kicking off at 4pm.

Everyone’s invited, old friends and new, for one last toast to a bar that’s done Sheff proud.

@barrowboybar

Fresh off the back of winning Best Sustainable Brand at this year’s Exposed Awards, Beanies Wholefoods is in celebratory mood. And rightly so. As the beloved Sheffield co-op approaches its 40th anniversary, the team behind it continues to show that you don’t need to compromise ethics for success – or good food, for that matter.

“Beanies started off in Hillsborough and then moved to a little shop just down the road, which was basically running a business out of a Sheffield terrace,” explains Ella Kent, one of Beanies’ workerowners. “About five years ago, we moved to our current home in Crookesmoor, and the business just grew with us.”

The latest site – more spacious, more visible and complete with a small car park and a hub for their organic box deliveries – is a long way from the cramped shelves of the early days. But the ethos remains unchanged: local produce, sustainable practices and strong ties to the community.

Beanies is run as a workers’ co-operative, meaning it’s owned equally and operated by its full-time staff. “All fulltime co-op members are also company directors,” Ella says.

“So we make the decisions together. It’s more resilient as a business model and it keeps wealth in the local economy.”

It’s a culture that shapes how Beanies operates behind the scenes too, with staff trained to recognise and care for produce rather than rely on plastic packaging or automation. Free from the need to cater to shareholders or executive salaries, it’s about investing instead in people and sustainable systems that work.

Those systems proved their worth during the pandemic, when Beanies adapted almost overnight. Its popular organic veg box scheme became something of a lifeline for many households. “A third of our business is the veg boxes now,” Ella adds. “We deliver all across Sheffield, out into the Hope Valley and even the Peaks.”

And while many businesses

are still recovering, Beanies is back to pre-Covid footfall –perhaps even busier. A section of the team gets up at 3 or 4am most days to source nonorganic produce fresh from the wholesale market, and their organic section is the largest in Yorkshire. “At this time of year, loads of the produce is from the UK,” Ella says. “If it says local, then we know the farmers. Some of it’s grown just a few miles away in the Moss Valley.” Their relationship with local growers isn’t just about provenance. It’s also about systems. Beanies runs a closedloop waste cycle, meaning leftover compost from fruit and veg gets taken back to the farms it came from. “It’s really so simple,” Ella says. “But supermarkets just aren’t equipped to work that way. We can, because we’ve built these partnerships.”

That attention to sustainability touches every part of the shop – from plasticfree alternatives to refillable cleaning supplies and beauty products. “We always prioritise organic, fair trade and buying from other co-ops,” says Ella. One key supplier is Suma Wholefoods, the largest equalpay workers’ co-operative in Europe. Others, like Lembas or Brindisa, reflect Beanies’ commitment to quality as well as fairness.

Inside the shop, the range is genuinely impressive. Fresh organic produce, international ingredients, bulk dried goods, vegan dairy alternatives, glutenfree staples, natural health and beauty items, local sweet treats and candles – you could easily do a full weekly shop without needing to go anywhere near a supermarket.

And that’s kind of the point.

“When people come here, we want them to feel relaxed,” Ella says. “It’s food, right? It’s something you do every day, so it should be pleasurable. And you shouldn’t feel stressed or undervalued while shopping for it.”

Customers clearly agree. Beanies enjoy high levels of staff retention, loyal shoppers who’ve stayed with them for decades and a growing number of new customers drawn in by the store’s refreshingly human approach. “People come in as students, maybe just buying eggs and spring onions,” says Ella. “Then they discover the organic section, stick around in Sheffield – and suddenly they’re lifelong customers.”

That community role extends beyond the shopfront. Beanies donates regularly to food

charities across Sheffield, sells “just meals” from Food Works without taking profit and offers a 10% discount on anything bought in-store to be donated to food banks.

Their veg box system allows customers and business workers to eat seasonally, reduce packaging and support sustainable farms – all from the comfort of their front door or office space. “Even though I work here, I still get a box delivered,” Ella says. “It helps me stick to a budget, eat organic, and plan my meals without the stress.”

As Beanies prepares to mark four decades of bringing the good stuff to hungry Sheffielders, the team is more focused than ever on doing things properly. “We don’t need to expand,” Ella says. “We just want to keep getting better at what we do.”

So, whether you’re a longtime customer or have only just clocked the cheerful green signage on Crookes Valley Road, there’s never been a better time to explore Beanies. Pop in for a browse, chat to the team and maybe treat yourself to a few of their frozen banana bites as a summer treat (if they haven’t sold out again).

On a warm summer’s day, as the water trickled gently down the Fat Cat pub’s water feature, Exposed’s Ash Birch took a pew in the sun-soaked Kelham beer garden alongside all four members of Sheffield band Faint Paint for a fittingly relaxed chin wag...

WORDS: ASHLEY BIRCH // PHOTO: NICK BUXTON

Faint Paint didn’t form so much as they slowly crystallised over time. Mark Riddington (guitar) and Cal Innes (lead singer) forged their friendship as kids in the industrial landscape of Doncaster and, having moved to the equally industrial but brighter lights of Sheffield as adults, have remained close musical collaborators ever since.

When their previous band Naguals split, they found momentum again by revisiting old songs written in their teens. “Some of these songs are 15, 16 years old,” says Cal. “It’s like reading diary entries that you’re not sure you want anyone to see.”

That reflective, slightly vulnerable quality has become central to Faint Paint’s sound – melodic, open and, above all,

spacious. “It’s really exposed music,” explains Mark.

Anthony Barlow, who joined on drums after stints in High Hazels and various Sheffield outfits adds: “There’s so much space that every note rings out. There’s nowhere to hide.”

The idea of “carving space” became a creative mantra. Rather than build walls of sound, they focus on clarity and mood, often pulling from unlikely influences.

“We’re all big David Lynch fans,” says Zac Barlow, who you may recognise from numerous Sheffield bands and who joined as Faint Paint’s bassist. “We try and make music that might work in one of his films.”

That cinematic atmosphere feeds into everything – from the stripped-back live arrangements to Cal’s unpredictable lyrics. “Heartfelt but not cheesy – that’s the line we’re always trying to walk,” he

Despite the minimalism, their sound feels rich with detail –part of which comes from the collaborative writing process.

“There’s no single ownership of anything,” says Cal.

“Even the songs that were written years ago have been reworked so much that they wouldn’t be what they are without everyone’s input.” That carving process happens in the studio too.

“It’s very tempting to put all the bells and whistles on,” Mark adds. “But it always ends up stronger when we strip it back. It’s about carving away, not adding in.” The result is music that thrives on

subtlety – something that makes their live shows stand out in a city that often leans into sledgehammer impact. “There’s something powerful about people going quiet to really listen,” says Anthony. “It means you’re doing something right. We’re not loud – but we’ve got presence.”

That approach even led to the streamlining of Mark’s pedalboard – once a hefty rig, now whittled down to a single pedal. “It’s a less-is-more thing,” he nods. “Just reverb. Always reverb.”

Their live set-up has also grown to include a fifth (unofficial) member – Joe Lawson, who plays keys and even filled in on drums when Anthony was away at Glasto. “He just knew all the parts, but that’s not going to be a regular thing,” laughs Anthony. “He’s our Billy Preston,

and Mark’s his boss, so if he fucks up he can fire him!” adds Cal (in what we can only assume is a joke!)

Joe’s brother, James, unintentionally added to the band’s growing folklore earlier this year by turning up to a show in a self-made FAINT PAINT: BIGGER THAN JESUS T-shirt – then selling bootleg merch outside their headline gig at Shakespeare’s. “We had no idea,” grins Cal. “It was like one of those guys you see outside arena gigs. Except it was our mate.”

With a growing local following and a distinctive sound that doesn’t really slot into any of the obvious Sheffield scenes, the band have been selective about gigs. “We’re trying not to play too often – just make each show feel special,” says Mark.

“The Shakespeare’s show was a real moment. Everyone was respectful, really listening. That kind of vibe’s hard to come by.”

“There’s not really anyone else in Sheffield doing what we’re doing,” adds Cal. “We’re not trying to fit a scene – just trying to carve our own world out.”

Next up is a live video session recorded at the newly rebranded Tecna Studios (formerly Tesla Studios), filmed with a small, handpicked audience. “We wanted something that had life to it,” says Anthony. “So many sessions are just people playing to an empty room over and over. This one felt like a real show.”

The footage – three or four songs’ worth – will be released later this summer as an introduction to their next headline show

at the Lantern Theatre on 10 October. And beyond that? “We were going to do an EP, but we’ve decided to go all in on an album,” says Cal. “We don’t want to mess around. We’d rather make something cohesive and go for it properly.”

Looking further ahead, the band are also eyeing up dates abroad. “We’ve talked about playing in Europe more,” says Mark. “We’ve got friends in France who’ve invited us over. We’d love to do a proper tour once the album’s out.”

From dusty old demos to deliberate, mature songwriting and quietly arresting performances, Faint Paint are a band who take their time. And in a city not short on noise, it’s the silences that help them stand out.

FLOAT ALONG FESTIVAL

Sheffield’s ever-growing inner-city, multi-venue festival, Float Along, returns on Saturday 27 September with its biggest and boldest line-up yet – a full-day celebration of the best in alternative music.

Following last year’s success, the festival expands across a wider range of venues and unveils a thrilling first wave of artists. Over 40 acts will perform across eight stages, including Corporation, Sidney & Matilda and Triple Point Brewery, among others. Headliners for the event include poppoet Antony Smierek, Birmingham punk duo Big Special and electronic indie-folk star Jane Weaver. Glastonbury Emerging Talent winners Westside Cowboy are also on the wide-ranging bill.

Former Blinders frontman Thomas Haywood returns with his raw, riff-heavy new outfit Whitehorse – a must-see for indie rock’n’roll lovers. They’ll be joined by the genre-blurring singersongwriter Blossom Caldarone and the multi-dimensional collective Mandrake Handshake.

Teaming up once again with the BBC Introducing Leeds & Sheffield team, Float Along will showcase the best new

talent from Yorkshire. The first acts announced for this curated stage are Sheffield’s-own Femur and Treeboy & Arc.

Event organisers Strange Days said: “This year, we’ve pushed things further, expanding the line-up and taking over more venues to create an experience that’s both intimate and electric… we’re proud to be building something that champions discovery and keeps independent music at its heart.”

The festival offers a seamless experience, with live performances running from 12pm to 11pm (14+), followed by DJ sets until 2am (18+).

In addition to general admission and team tickets (buy six for the price of five), Float Along have introduced new options this year, including under-18 tickets and instalment plans.

Visit floatalong.co.uk for tickets, lineup announcements and further info.

RADIO FREE ALICE

YELLOW ARCH STUDIOS // 10 AUGUST // £10

Fresh from selling out their entire UK tour, Radio Free Alice head to Yellow Arch with support from Humane the Moon. The Melbourne-based postpunk band are known for their angular sound, which blends clean-toned guitars, melodic bass lines, urgent drumbeats and occasional saxophone.  yellowarch.com

FESTIVAL OF REGGAE

NETWORK // 16 AUGUST // £27.50

After the huge success of The Sheffield Festival of Reggae 2024, organisers are bringing the second edition to NETWORK this month. With three stages playing the absolute best of reggae, dub, dancehall and roots, performances come from some of the best acts in reggae, such as Maxi Priest, Big Youth and Musical Youth. networksheffield.co.uk

YARD

SIDNEY & MATILDA // 21 AUGUST // £10

A three-piece electropunk band from Dublin, Yard are known for their intense and immersive live shows, bridging the gap between electronica and post-punk. Their electrifying live performances have been likened to Death Grips, Nine Inch Nails and The Prodigy (high praise indeed), creating an auditory onslaught that leaves audiences sweaty, energised and strangely unnerved. sidneyandmatilda.com

LEMONHEADS

FOUNDRY // 26 AUGUST // £25

A celebration of their UK Top 5 album Come On Feel…, raucous indie outfit The Lemonheads return to Sheffield for their first headline show in the city in almost 15 years. The Evan Dandofronted band will perform the record in its entirety, alongside hits, fan favourites and tracks from their latest album, Love Chant – their first release in 19 years. foundrysu.com

MARTHA WAINWRIGHT

FOUNDRY // 28 AUGUST // £33 20 years ago, Wainwright stepped out of her family’s illustrious shadow with her stunning, self-titled debut album. Two decades on, the singersongwriter extraordinaire is celebrating the landmark release with a series of anniversary shows and the release of the album on vinyl for the very first time. foundrysu.com

SHEFFIELD’S EXCITING LIVE MUSIC COLLAB POWERED BY EXPOSED AND JOE GREEN

EACH MONTH, WE INVITE A LOCAL ARTIST TO LAY DOWN A STRIPPED-BACK LIVE SESSION IN GREENY’S REHEARSAL SPACE. ONE TAKE. NO DO-OVERS. YOU CAN WATCH JON’S SESSION OVER ON THE EXPOSED INSTAGRAM CHANNEL (@EXPOSEDMAGAZINE) AND READ ON FOR OUR INTERVIEW WITH SHEFF’S RESIDENT REV...

THE REV

“It were just like putting on an old pair of slippers,” Jon says, reflecting on a Red Light Session spent jamming with close mates and long-time collaborators. “In some ways, it was just a bunch of people I’ve not been with for a long time. Just felt easy and fun.”

This month’s session saw the return of a few familiar faces from Sheffield’s indie heyday – members of Milburn, The Makers and Greeny himself behind the kit. “You’ve got lads who played in Bromheads Jacket, Millburn, Reverend and the Makers, Arctic Monkeys. Then there’s James O’Hara, who started Tramlines and owns Leah’s Yard. That’s my childhood best mate and business partner in Day Fever,” he explains. “A lot of us have been through this madness 20 years ago – and they’re all still here, and a lot of them are thriving.”

The set featured a punk-edged take on fan favourites ‘Heavyweight Champion of the World’ and ‘Bandits’, the latter holding a special significance for the frontman. “I wrote ‘Bandits’ in my mum’s kitchen with Tom Rowley. Laura sings on it – back then we were just in a band together. Now she’s actually my wife. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy, that one.”

What made the experience extra special, Jon says, was the sense of trust and community that underpins both the session and Sheffield’s music scene more broadly. “I trust Greeny not to mug me off. You just trust people, don’t you? So you know they’re not going to stitch you up. And I love Greeny, I love the mag – I’ve probably been on the cover more than anyone!”

Despite decades in the game, it’s

clear he hasn’t lost that creative spark. “Sometimes you forget to play for fun. You end up doing it all for the PR or the money or whatever it is – and sometimes you just forget to meck a racket.”

That joyful chaos was captured perfectly in this month’s performance –and as Jon points out, the stripped-back set-up offered something fans don’t usually get to see. “They only ever see you on video or on stage, never when it’s a bit rough and ready. But that’s how it is. Takes a lot of setting up, a lot of practice – and this gives a glimpse behind the curtain.”

With a new album in the works, a headline slot at Rock N Roll Circus and another Glastonbury appearance on the cards, there’s no doubt The Rev is firmly in his renaissance era. “I’ve had a U-shaped career,” he laughs. “Seven singles in a row now on Radio 2, back on Glastonbury this year, and collabs with Vicky McClure and another big name I can’t quite reveal yet.”

But it all comes back to Sheffield. “I’ve often thought about emigrating. But then I think, them relationships are important – we’ve known each other so long. It’s like family. That’s what Sheffield does better than anywhere else in the world. I’ve been all over, and I mean it –we do community properly here.”

Watch Reverend and the Makers’ Red Light Session on Insta (@exposedmagazine) – and keep your eyes peeled for more one-take magic coming soon. You can catch Jon at his headline Rock N Roll Circus 20th anniversary show on Saturday 30 August.

saturday 16 aug 2025

melvins & redd kross

£30.00, Doors 7:00pm

sunday 17 aug 2025

souls of mischief

£28.00, Doors 7:30pm

tUESDAY 26 aug 2025

THE LEMONHEADS

£25.00, Doors 7:30pm

thursday 28 aug 2025 martha wainwright

£33.00, Doors 7:30pm

saturday 6 sept 2025 the bootleg beatles

£30.00, Doors 7:00pm

SATURDAY 13 sept 2025 antarctic monkeys

£20.00, Doors 7:00pm

saturday 20 sept 2025

corella

£18.00, Doors 7:30pm

FRIDAY 26 SEPT 2025

CODY PENNINGTON COUNTRY SHOW

£24.00, Doors 7:30pm

SATURDAY 27 sept 2025 float along festival

£38.00, Doors 12:00pm

MONDAY 29 SEPT 2025

RED RUM CLUB

£20.00, Doors 7:30pm

friday 3 OCT 2025 mat hook

£12.50, Doors 6:30pm

WEDNESDAY 8 OCT 2025

VISTAS

£16.00, Doors 7:30pm

FRIDAY 10 OCT 2025

NEW MODEL ARMY

£27.50, Doors 7:30pm

wednesday 15 oct 2025 panic shack

£18.00, Doors 7:00pm

FRIDAY 17 OCT 2025

THE WEDDING PRESENT

£30.00, Doors 7:30pm

SUNDAY 19 OCT 2025

NEWDAD

£18.50, Doors 7:00pm

monday 20 oct 2025

new dawn fades

a play about joy divison & manchester

£22.50, Doors 7:00pm

friday 24 oct 2025

remember monday

£22.50, Doors 7:00pm

saturday 25 OCT 2025

spacey jane

£28.50, Doors 7:30pm

tuesday 28 oct 2025

rianne downey

£15.00, Doors 7:00pm

wednesday 29 oct 2025

footprints jazz club: moses yoofee trio

£18.50, Doors 7:30pm

thursday 30 oct 2025

the enemy

£28.00, Doors 7:30pm

friday 31 oct 2025

sananda maitreya

£40.00, Doors 7:30pm

monday 3 nov 2025

rory

£25.00, Doors 7:00pm

saturday 8 nov 2025

ibibio sound machine

£25.00, Doors 7:00pm

thursday 13 nov 2025

halina rice

£17.50, Doors 7:30pm

friday 14 nov 2025

Craig charles

funk & soul house party

£19.00, Doors 7:00pm

saturday 22 nov 2025

amble

£22.50, Doors 7:30pm

sunday 23 nov 2025

ash

£27.00, Doors 7:00pm

thursday 27 nov 2025

cast

£35.00, Doors 7:30pm

friday 28 nov 2025

beth mccarthy

£19.00, Doors 7:00pm

friday 29 nov 2025

COLDPLACE

£24.00, Doors 7:30pm

all shows open to the public (14+ unless stated otherwise) tickets available from foundrysu.com box office: 0114 222 8777

monday 1 dec 2025

wheatus

£27.50, Doors 7:30pm

thursday 4 dec 2025

inspiral carpets

£28.50, Doors 7:30pm

friday 5 dec 2025

bad manners

£27.50, Doors 7:30pm

SATURDAY 6 dec 2025

808 state ex:el live

£30.00, Doors 7:00pm

wednesday 10 dec 2025

the slow readers club

£27.50, Doors 7:30pm friday 12 dec 2025

the clause

£15.00, Doors 7:30pm friday 12 dec 2025

indiepalooza

£26.00, Doors 7:00pm saturday 7 feb 202

the lilacs

£14.00, Doors 7:00pm friday 27 feb 2026

elvana

£29.50, Doors 7:00pm saturday 21 mar 2026

uk foo fighters

£20.00, Doors 7:00pm saturday 7 mar 2026

the feeling

£35.00, Doors 7:30pm saturday 25 april 2026

the britpop hour with marc burrows

£18.00, Doors 6:30pm saturday 25 april 2026

one night in nashville

£24.00, Doors 7:30pm friday 1 may 2026

just radiohead

£17.50, Doors 7:00pm saturday 2 may 2026

the smiths ltd

£20.00, Doors 7:00pm

foundry, sheffield students’ union western bank, s10 2tg foundrysu.com - foundry@sheffield.ac.uk @foundrysheffield scan for tickets

KELHAM ISLAND ARTS COLLECTIVE

COLLECTIVE SPIRIT

Rosie Brennan visits one of Sheffield’s most vibrant creative spaces to discover how a quiet industrial corner became home to a thriving artistic collective.

If you’ve ever crossed the delightful Ball Street Bridge, in the beating heart of a neighbourhood often dubbed one of coolest in the country, you may have unknowingly passed a hub bursting with artistic energy. Home to 30 artists’ studios, KIAC is a vast space teeming with sculptors, painters, photographers – even set designers for festivals.

When I met artist Kieran Flynn for a tour of the space, I quickly realised how fascinatingly unique the building is – and couldn’t believe it had been under my nose all this time. “The idea is that we exist to give artists a space to work – it’s a not-for-profit collective,” he explained.

The colour and creative chaos you might expect from 30 artists working under one roof was certainly present. As Kieran guided me through the individual studios, I was amazed by the variety of work on display. You could see the artists’ personalities come alive through their art – stories and inspirations physically embedded in each sculpture and painting.

“We’ve got people from all over in here... the space is massive,” Kieran said. “It’s a fun place to be – there’s a nice community of people.”

Each studio felt like stepping into a different character’s mind. At one stop, a huge canvas splattered with colour stood out – the work of Julian Wright. “Julian,” Kieran told me, “he’s a lawyer who spends a lot of time in London. I always think it’s quite interesting that someone who spends a lot of time in a suit comes in and paints in this style.”

A few steps on, the next studio featured picturesque scenes of nature by Anthony Downing. “Anthony – he works for the Environment Agency, so a lot of his work is landscape-y, based around being in the Peaks,” Kieran pointed out. Then we passed the striking,

sometimes chaotic work of Peter Smith. “Peter. Bonkers. Talks to himself like you would not believe,” Kieran said, with a small grin.

Sculptor Simon Wigglesworth-Baker, who is also based at KIAC, joined us mid-tour between leading adult learning art classes. He spoke about future plans to expand the collective’s community work.

“I think, with artists doing so much stuff in the community now – like murals – people want to know where those people are coming from. Most are coming from here. This seems like a good opportunity to expand – not just the studios, but what we do as an organisation in the community. That’s starting with two brand-new murals. One’s on Hicks Street, near the ‘Welcome to Neepsend’ sign. The other’s at Grafters, the machine tool place – they’ll be at the start of August.”

A revamp of the website is also in the works, with hopes to shout even louder about the incredible artists working there – and to share more about the opportunities available to the wider public.

Alongside its studios, the building also houses spaces for community art activities, from pottery workshops and life drawing to film nights. For around £20 for two hours – or £25 for a session with a live model – the collective, according to Simon, are “the only people in Yorkshire doing sculpting from life”.

Last month, they hosted an exhibition – We Love What You’ve Done With The Place – at Soho Yard, featuring work from 11 artists including two pieces by Kieran.

That’s just the start of things, and it’s well worth keeping an eye on what they’ve got coming up. I left feeling that KIAC is something an underrated creative powerhouse in the city – and whether you want to get stuck into a class or just soak up some local talent, there’s loads to get involved with.

kiac-sheffield.org

WE LOVE WHAT YOU’VE DONE WITH THE PLACE @SOHO YARD

PHOTOGRAPHY: MARC BARKER

Since its first show back in May 2024, alternative art night We Love What You’ve Done with the Place has gone from strength to strength.

The latest – and fourth –instalment was housed in a disused retail unit at the bottom of the newly built Soho Yard, just outside Kelham Island. It was the most ambitious to date, with eleven different artists exhibiting. The space itself was perfect for this type of show. Bare concrete walls, visible air ducts and cordoned-off fuse boxes added to the underground atmosphere. Paintings were displayed on paint-spattered easels and, because the space didn’t yet have plug sockets, lit with batterypowered workers’ lights. These same lights gave the show a moody feel on opening night. As the sun set outside and the free beer was running low, long shadows moved as the last of the punters came in for a look.

The show itself was beautifully curated.

The bold colour and composition of Marcus Method sat alongside the sharp slogans of

Kid Acne – two artists you might expect to see side by side on a Sheffield building, now paired on canvas.

Grace Visions, fresh from painting her stunning mural What a Bee Sees at the Millennium Gallery, is now showing off her pottery skills with a beautiful vase on a handpainted plinth. Visitors were invited to take a flower from the vase as a keepsake.

Kieran Flynn’s imagined landscapes, with isolated buildings and falling bombs, are a strong visual critique of the world we’re currently living in.

Sara Prinsloo’s portraits of strong women with a contemporary edge are skilfully realised. At first glance, they put you in mind of an Art Nouveau

advert from the turn of the last century – then you look closer and see a plastic cider bottle or a carrier bag full of cans.

Graffiti stalwart Rust of the Diabolical Dubstars offers a trip down memory lane, with a whole wall covered in black and white photographs of past throw-ups, alongside one done on canvas exclusively for this exhibition.

Ethan Lemon’s murals have been popping up all over the city since his arrival from Stoke last year. His latest, on Hick Street in Neepsend, is hugely impressive and well worth a look. Here, he shows he’s just as adept working on canvas as he is on a massive wall.

Kate Burden’s sculptures offer a great change of pace. Made from rearranged children’s toys, they are both fun and disconcerting. Small sculptures displayed in clear Perspex display cases, they seem like artefacts from a dystopian parallel universe.

Graham Hutchinson’s collages are also done on a much smaller scale, giving them an intimate and personal feel. You need to

lean in close to each picture to appreciate how precise and wellcomposed they are.

Street and tattoo artist Enso takes up the central pillars with his own brand of calligraffiti. The skill and detail are fantastic – the paintings look like ancient Sanskrit. A black, orange and white colour palette makes some pieces appear to glow, adding to their mystical and spiritual vibe.

The final word must go to Juey. She’s in her seventies and this is her first ever exhibition. She’d previously been told she only had six months to live, and just a few months ago she was in the Northern General recovering from open-heart surgery. She’s living proof that it ain’t over till it’s over. Her artwork is bold and immediate, with a true punk rock, DIY aesthetic. One of her pieces exclaims: ‘Tell them your story, we run this this shit.’ Which nicely sums up the whole exhibition.

If this type of art show sounds like your cup of tea, give @we_love_ whatyouvedone a follow on Insta.

about building an immersive space, but still keeping it warm and inviting. I love that balance.

Thinking of giving your business a bit of a glowup? Say hello to Jim Butterell – the man behind Studio Jim, a one-man interior design studio based here in Sheffield. With over a decade of experience under his belt, Jim’s known for transforming all sorts of spaces – from clothes shops to indie opticians – into places that look great and actually work for the people using them. Exposed caught up with him to chat about how it all started, what the design process looks like and why good interior design doesn’t have to break the bank.

So Jim, what is Studio Jim all about?

It’s just me – hence the name! I’ve been in the interior design industry for nearly 14 years. I spent ten of those years working as Head of Interiors at another company, but when that business was being sold, I decided it was time to go solo. That was about two and a half years ago now, and Studio Jim was born.

And how’s the solo life treating you?

Very stressful at times – but amazing! It’s that classic business owner scale of ‘Where’s the next job coming from?’ vs. ‘I never say no to anything.’ But I don’t think that churn ever really stops, and I’ve learned to enjoy the ride.

What kind of work do you focus on?

Mainly commercial interiors – so cafes, restaurants, pubs, workspaces, and quite a few opticians, oddly enough! There was a big government push in the 80s for people to open opticians, and loads of those businesses haven’t changed

much since. A lot of my work is helping independents refresh those spaces and appeal to new generations. It’s not just about selling products anymore – it’s about experience. People want to walk in and feel something.

Are there any local projects people might know you from?

I worked on the interior design for The Sapiens Project in Orchard Square – that was a really interesting one. It was super-fast turnaround but loads of creativity. We built this almost sci-fi imaging chamber – like something out of Sci-Fi! It’s all

What’s the typical process when a client comes to you? It usually starts with a chat –often through socials or word of mouth. We talk about what they’re after, what they want to achieve and, of course, the budget (always an awkward one!). A lot of clients are putting their life savings into these businesses, so it’s about building trust. From there, we go through stages: concept, development, technical drawings, costings – all the way to the final fit-out.

Do you prefer working with clients who come in with strong ideas or blank slates? Honestly, both. Even when someone thinks they know exactly what they want, my job is to find the thread through their thinking. It’s rarely about the image they show me – it’s about what that image represents in terms of how the space should work. And if someone’s got no clue, that’s just as fun.

Any other standout projects? I did the flagship store for Batch London last year – they sell sustainable suits, made to order. Very cool guys, really creative. I’ve also worked with YesColours, a sustainable paint company – lots of pop-up stands and showroom work. And back in the day, I did Marmaduke’s on Ecclesall Road. That one felt like my baby; I loved working on that project.

What do you enjoy most about the job?

The moment when it clicks.

There’s a whole emotional rollercoaster – “This is great”, “Is this right?”, “I’m terrible”, and then the client loves it, and you remember why you love it. But honestly, after all these years, nothing beats walking into a space that was just a drawing on my screen 12 months ago and seeing people using it. That amazement never fades.

What would you say to businesses who think hiring an interior designer might be out of reach?

It’s a common worry. People often don’t factor in a designer when budgeting, or they worry it’ll cost a fortune. But in most cases, I end up saving clients money – whether that’s through smart sourcing, knowing how to design around standard material sizes or avoiding costly mistakes. Plus, working with someone small like me means it’s personal. There’s no account manager between you and your designer – it’s just me, and I’m with you every step of the way.

Last one: what makes someone a good fit for this kind of work? Flexibility. You’ve got to be able to scale up, scale down, pivot quickly – especially with independents. But more than anything, you’ve got to love it. I’m not in this for the money – I genuinely love going on that design journey with people. That’s what Studio Jim is all about.

To see more of Jim’s work or get in touch, head to www. studiojim.co or follow @jimbutterell on Instagram.

HEARD

Founded in 2010, Stand and Be Counted Theatre, the UK’s first theatre company of sanctuary, has transformed countless lives across Sheffield and beyond. At the core of their work is one simple message: art has the power to change the world. 15 years on, and SBC continues to provide a staggering array of creative opportunities, workshops and empowering projects, reflecting the strength of community to overcome barriers to access. To celebrate their anniversary, Exposed’s Ruby Deakin took a front row seat to hear their story.

Stand and Be Counted Theatre works with refugees and asylum seekers across the north of England to empower self-expression, bringing together arts, culture and social justice to ensure equality of opportunity for all. Their co-creation work includes live music, workshops, exhibitions, physical performances and digital arts, ensuring that those

with lived experiences are at the heart of all their projects.

To celebrate their 15th anniversary, SBC’s Soap Box Collective teamed up with streetwear brand Among Good People and London Fashion Week designer Kanza Asker to create two limited edition football shirts. The campaign represents their commitment to championing diversity and

solidarity, echoing football’s enduring power to foster identity and a deep sense of belonging among its fans.  Stand and Be Counted’s work has been unashamedly political since its inception. Through its initiatives and productions, the organisation not only provides quality arts training for its members, but aims to champion art as a crucial form of activism

that empowers social justice and change-making.

Rosie MacPherson, Artistic Director and Founder of SBC, told Exposed: “[Art] is such a useful tool because it’s about feeling, and it’s about the things that we share and the things that connect us. It feels like an increasingly important tool in the face of harmful rhetoric around immigration, particularly.”

The Soap Box Collective, an SBC co-created programme, holds weekly sessions aiming to boost confidence through creativity, discussing how theatre and arts can make the world better for everyone. The workshops are often led by creative professionals with lived experiences of seeking sanctuary, providing a relaxed space to facilitate creative work and conversation.

Levi Udeh has been a member of the Soap Box Collective since it launched three years ago. “Every Thursday, no matter what, you always have somewhere to go,” he said. “It has not just added creativity, but it has also added

confidence to our lives. We go out there and whenever we see challenges, we know that we can utilise what we’ve learnt.”

The idea to create football shirts to commemorate the anniversary was a no-brainer. Throughout the year, members of the Soap Box Collective and SBC leaders workshopped various ideas for badges and crests to appear on the shirts. The Collective collaborated with Sheffield local Kazna Asker, known for her political activism through fashion design and

her involvement in multiple community projects. Together with Among Good People, a brand committed to working with campaigners and charitable causes, two symbolic shirts were launched.

The collection premiered at Fabric of the World, an alternative fashion show held in Leah’s Yard as part of Sheffield’s Migration Matters Festival, which took place in June.

SBC’s Digital Director, Smart Banda, was instrumental in bringing these designs to life.

“We have a lot of people in our group who love football, so the idea of creating a football t-shirt felt very natural,” he said. “We embarked on that journey of what it would look like if we brought a piece of everyone’s world into this fashion show, a piece of their hearts. That’s where these wonderful ideas of ‘fabrics of the world’ came from.”

Levi added: “‘Fabrics of the world’ are things that collect us together – people who come from different backgrounds, religions and cultures. For something to come to life, there has to be several people who can have their input.”

The final shirt designs represent the shared experiences of those seeking sanctuary, both locally and globally. The blue and yellow ‘sanctuary’ shirt signifies the colours of Ukraine, and the black and white home shirt includes green and red details, a nod to the flags of Palestine and Sudan. The home shirt design also features the word ‘peace’ in both English and Arabic.

“It feels really good for a piece of culture, a piece of solidarity,

to be embedded within these t-shirts,” Smart said. “As soon as somebody wears this, it feels like they’re carrying a bit of those values.”

Since the launch of the campaign, stars, writers and actors including Ian Kershaw, Julie Hesmondhalgh and multi award-winning comedian Aisling Bea have expressed their support, sharing their shirts on social media.

“It’s very exciting when somebody that you’re a fan of starts cheering about the work,” said Rosie. “This is another great example of how we’re all in it together. It’s been lovely, through this shirt, to be able to have conversations with different people who have different audiences, and reach a far larger set of people than we typically would be able to reach.”

She added: “I’m really proud of our charity and all of the people for making the decisions that they make every day.”

Find out more about the company by following @ sbc_theatre and shirts are available at sbctheatre.co.uk.

The North’s largest outdoor art market is back at the Botanical Gardens on 6–7 September, hosting a huge range of artists and makers from across Sheffield and beyond. Featuring fine art, jewellery, sculpture, glasswork and more, the picturesque backdrop of the gardens provides the perfect setting for this much-loved celebration of artistic talent.

As well as welcoming back regular vendors, this year’s market features a wide variety of brand-new exhibitors, from photographers and painters to sculptors and ceramicists. Their work can be found throughout the gardens, including the lawns, pavilions and marquees.

One such new vendor is wildlife sculptor John NobleMilner – better known as Geckoman – whose work will be perfectly at home among the flora of the West Pavilion. His realistic bronze and ceramic creatures are crafted from recycled materials, making his Hebden Bridge-based business entirely carbon neutral.

Also new this year is botanical illustrator Maz Leyden, who draws inspiration from Eastern European folk art, wildlife studies, Scandinavian patterns and the bold designs of the 60s and 70s.

“I love seeing my designs come to life on the products I sell, and sustainability is at the heart of everything I create,” said Maz. “Each piece is designed to be beautiful, thoughtful and kind to the planet.”

Suzanne Howard, also known as Peaklass, makes her Art in the Gardens debut in 2025, showcasing her stunning photography of much-loved views across the Peak District.

“It’s impossible to tire of the

Art in the Gardens returns to Sheffield’s greenest gallery space

landscape here; every single view looks different according to the season, weather, light and time of day, and you can always chance upon a scene that makes your heart sing a little bit,” Suzanne said on her website. “I firmly believe that the Peak District is a place that should be welcoming to all who respect and appreciate it.”

Other new stallholders include wildlife artist Stella Mays, illustrator and visual “storyteller” Edwina Kung, and urban painter Dan Robinson Ford.

The annual Open Art Exhibition competition will also return, celebrating artistic achievements across a range of categories and mediums – giving all creative forms a chance to shine.

Art in the Gardens will again feature budding talent from Sheffield Young Artists, displaying a small selection of paintings from their recent main exhibition. This stall offers a fantastic opportunity for local school students to showcase their talents.

The event is family-friendly, offering a selection of locally sourced food and drink throughout the day.

Art in the Gardens opens Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 September, 10.30am–5.30pm. Tickets can be bought in advance via Eventbrite (£7.50). Under 16s go free but must be accompanied by an adult.

@artinthegardens_

YELLOW BONES ILLUSTRATION

Sheffield-based illustrator Jack Donaldson, better known as Yellow Bones Illustration, creates eye-catching artwork steeped in sci-fi, comic book visuals and the curious charm of the miniature. We caught up with him to chat early influences, battling AI in the creative space, and why drawing tiny birds is harder than it looks.

Tell us a bit about your background – how did you get started with illustration?

I’ve always just loved making stuff, ever since I was a kid. As a teenager, I’d spend hours copying portraits or reading comic books and sketching out characters. That sci-fi influence has stuck with me. There was even a period where I was absolutely obsessed with skulls and skeletons – I remember in school there was a room full of stuff for observational drawing, and I’d go straight for the skulls every time.

And what kind of work are you making now?

It’s quite a mix, really. I do a lot of digital work – drawings, a bit of animation – and I’ve always got little projects on the go that are inspired by things I’ve seen or stuff that makes me laugh. But I also love working with my hands, so there’s a physical side to my practice too. I do miniature drawings, mostly animals or birds, and terrariums as well –creating these tiny little scenes inside jars or tanks. It’s fiddly work, especially the drawing, but really rewarding.

You mentioned terrariums –what got you into that?

Completely by accident! I used to work at a cafe called Crumb, and one day a colleague mentioned they had a pet turtle they didn’t want. So I ended up with this tank, and as I was setting it up I realised how much I enjoyed building the environment –adding plants, creating those little naturalistic scenes. I got really into it and started making more, eventually setting up Mossman Studios as a separate outlet for that type of work. I’m even planning a few terrariums inspired by real-life Sheffield

locations, which is a fun creative challenge.

Do you feel your work has a particular style whenit comes to illustration?

Honestly, not really – and that’s something I used to worry about. I read all this advice saying you need a “consistent style” to get representation, but I just like making stuff. Sometimes it’s weird characters, sometimes it’s delicate drawings, sometimes it’s tongue-in-cheek nostalgia. I’ve leaned into that variety a bit more in recent years.

There’s been a lot of debate around AI in the creative industries – what’s your take as an illustrator?

I think it’s a really complex issue. I understand the appeal – it saves time and money – but it’s definitely starting to narrow opportunities for illustrators. It raises tough questions about value: what does it mean for our work if businesses can just generate something instead of hiring someone to create it?

That said, I do feel like there’s a bit of a resurgence in appreciation for handmade, physical things. There’s something special about a tangible piece of art that exists beyond a screen, and I think people are craving that more and more.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now I’m focusing more on the terrarium side of things – I’ve got some photo shoots lined up and I’m trying to build up a bit of momentum there. I’ve also been painting more, trying to translate some of the ideas I’ve done digitally into physical

work. There’s one piece I’ve started based on those old Camel cigarette ads – but with a skeleton twist. I think part of the appeal is that painted work just feels like it holds more weight, literally and metaphorically.

What would you say you’re most proud of so far in your career?

I’ve really enjoyed getting into animation. It’s still early days – just short clips that take me weeks to put together – but it’s a totally different way of thinking about drawing and movement. I also did a project with Andrew from The Forest Club where I designed t-shirts and posters –seeing those printed up and worn felt amazing.

Where can people find your work?

I’m most active on Instagram – you can find me at @ yellowbonesillustration. For the terrariums, check out @ mossmanstudios. It’s all a bit of a journey really – I just like making things and seeing where it takes me.

A BRUSH WITH TIME

Featuring original oil and watercolour paintings spanning over 60 years of experience, the new exhibition ‘Then and Now’ celebrates a lifetime of work by beloved Sheffield artist Joe Scarborough.

From 28 July to 19 September, the Showroom Workstation will be home to Joe’s final collection of new and old pieces, showcasing his bright and vibrant life embodied in paint.

Joe’s iconic characters and colourful Sheffield scenes make his work instantly recognisable, depicting the busy and bustling atmosphere of his home city. Many of his characters have appeared in multiple pieces over the years, accompanying him on his adventures through the streets of Sheffield and beyond.

“From the 1960s to this year, in oil and watercolour, I’ve always tried to show the world as it appears to me,” said

Joe.

Since moving away from oil painting last year, Joe’s recent ventures into watercolour illustrate some of his fondest memories. These more intimate scenes, painted on board rather than canvas, are each accompanied by a witty, handwritten description from Joe. Many of these works are on display here for the first time and feature familiar local spots such as Shalesmoor’s Ship Inn and the old Adelphi cinema in Attercliffe.

Now enjoying “semi-retirement,” Joe reflects on his painting journey as “at times challenging, at times exhilarating, but never, ever dull.”

As an ambassador for Sheffield Hospitals Charity, Joe has committed to donating 10% of the exhibition’s profits to raise money and awareness of dementia, and improve the lives of patients and families across Sheffield.

Beth Crackles, Chief Executive at Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: “Joe is such a wonderful supporter and Ambassador… He’s also demonstrated how, as life changes and we each face health challenges, that art can continue to bring joy.”

“I hope you take as much joy from the journey as I have,” Joe added.

You can catch Then and Now at Showroom Workstation on Paternoster Row, running from now until 19 September 2025, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm.

CULTURE TOP PICK

GET TOGETHER FESTIVAL

Community theatre extravaganza Together Festival is back at the Crucible, showcasing the work of talented Sheffield groups in a two-day celebration of new productions.

The free festival will feature live theatre, dance and music inspired by the theme of ‘wonder.’ The lineup of family-friendly events also includes parades, poetry, workshops and performances, with an outdoor stage turning Tudor Square into an all-day party.

Day 1 presents three vibrant shows across the Crucible and Playhouse stages. From director Imogen Ashby in collaboration with Sheffield Theatres, Everyday Miracles, is the culmination of a nine-week confidencebuilding project, sharing the “wonders of the everyday” for residents of Manor and Castle on the main stage.

In the Playhouse, Element Society and Forced Entertainment present Facetimes, an improvised performance developed with their young people’s group combining the serious and the silly.

The Friday will also feature Heads Up: Frank’s Story from touring theatre company Dream Arts, performed by a cast of young artists from refugee backgrounds. Combining theatre, film, beatbox and rap, this bold performance tells the tale of a life-changing adventure for 17-year-old protagonist Frank. Closing the day is a music and poetry set from Sheffield’s SlamBarz community.

Day 2 welcomes Last Unicorn Airways in the Adelphi room by Blanket Fort Club, a sensory-immersive production based on Hans Christian Anderson’s The Flying Trunk. Pinder Dance group will showcase their dance spectacular Wonderland Within on the Crucible stage, exploring identity and self-expression.

Saturday’s performances will also include two ‘Plays in a Week’ from Manor After School Kids Klub and Sheffield Theatres Youth Theatre, working with artists Verity Richards and Brownen Ebdon.

Sam Buttery, who recently appeared in Sheffield Theatres’ production of Little Shop of Horrors, will host more acts on the festival’s outdoor stage.

More info at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk