The Fringe at Tramlines 2025 Official Programme by Exposed Magazine

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M C S i l e S i b a n d a

8 . 0 0 J u n g l e L i o n

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5 . 4 5 S h a n g h a i T r e a s o n 5 . 1 5 D J K o m

4 . 4 5 G o o d D a m a g e 4 . 1 5 D J K o m

3 . 4 5 T h e T i v o l i s

3 . 1 5 D J I z z a D a n c e r

2 . 4 5 B l u e S t r e e t B r a s s 2 . 1 5 D J I z z a D a n c e r 1 . 4 5 T a v i r a

1 . 1 5 D J P a p a A l 1 2 . 4 5 S h e f f i e l d C a n c e r C h o i r 1 2 . 0 0 D J P a p a A l

w e l c o m e t o s h e f ﬁ e l d . c o . u k / t h e f r i n g e

WELCOME TO THE FRINGE AT TRAMLINES

SALES BY NICK HALLAM NICK@EXPOSED MAGAZINE.CO.UK

Lovingly compiled by the team behind Exposed Magazine in collaboration with Sheffield City Council, Sheffield BID and Tramlines Festival, this is your comprehensive guide to the best bits of this year’s Fringe at Tramlines celebrations.

THE VIEWS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF BLIND MICE MEDIA LTD AND WHILE EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE INFORMATION THROUGHOUT EXPOSED IS CORRECT, CHANGES PRIOR TO DISTRIBUTION MAY TAKE PLACE WHICH CAN AFFECT THE ACCURACY OF COPY, THEREFORE BLIND MICE MEDIA LTD CANNOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONTRIBUTORS’ VIEWS OR SPECIFIC ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL LISTINGS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION BUT ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE VISIT EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK FOR UPDATES

role in the annual events calendar. It drives footfall into the city centre, bringing welcome dwell time and most importantly additional spend into our city centre business community.

The Fringe at Tramlines has been one of the BID’s signature festivals since our inception in 2015 and we look forward to continuing to play our part in delivering a welcoming and vibrant experience for all.

Diane Jarvis, Head of Business Operations, Sheffield BID.

08: BEST OF THE FEST

Salsa in squares, brand-new stages in the heart of the city and some good old-fashioned pub-based headbanging – here’s our pick of the weekend’s finest offerings.

Beats, bars and big energy – we caught up with the Sheffield MC making serious moves.

Need some live music recommendations to fill out the schedule? Here are a few gigs that had us saying “oof, yes please.”

20: MALAH PALINKA

Serving up funky, soulful beats, brassy chaos and plenty of festival energy, find out why Malah Palinka are making a name as one of the best live bands on the local scene.

24: VENUE SPOTLIGHT: SIDNEY & MATILDA

Fair to say that Sidney is not-so-quietly becoming one of Sheffield’s finest live spots. We chat with owner Paul Tuffs about DIY graft, great gigs and what keeps the place buzzing.

23-45: THE LISTINGS

Everything you need to know about what’s happening, where it’s happening and when to drag yourself there.

40:

MUCCARELLI

Before their Harlequin gig, we chat with beatmaker Muccarelli and Drastic//Automatic’s Sean Hession about their gritty, genre-blending debut EP Sanitise Your Soul.

46: MACKA B

Viral icon. Reggae legend. Cucumber connoisseur. We caught up with Macka B ahead of his headline set at Devonshire Green.

The Fringe at Tramlines | Best of the Fest

WHAT'S LOOKING PRETTY DARN GOOD THIS YEAR...

RIGHT IN THE THICK OF IT

The Fringe at Tramlines’ spiritual home of Devonshire Green once again be at the heart of the action. Programmed by Tramlines co-founder Alan Deadman (aka Papa Al), the Fringe Stage will host a weekend of live music and entertainment, including ska favourites Jungle Lion on Saturday and viral reggae legend Macka B on Sunday. Kicking off at 12 each day and running right through to the evening, there’ll be a bar and street vendors onsite, family-friendly vibes and plenty of local talent to celebrate.

A WORD OF CAUTION

We’ve done our best to make sure all the listings in here are bang on – times, venues, acts, the lot. But, as with any big weekend like this, things can sometimes shift around a bit. ‘Tis just the nature of the beast, unfortunately. So, if there’s a band, artist or DJ you’re desperate to catch – we’re talking full sulk mode if you missed them – then it’s always worth doublechecking. Simply head over to our online clashfinder for the most up-to-date info (you'll find the QR code below). We’ll be keeping it fresh with any last-minute changes, swaps or cancellations.

Oh, and do give us a follow on @exposedmagsheff for more festival coverage – highlights, live gig footage, crowdsurfing pensioners – that kind of thing. Cheers all!

Swing, Soul & Summer Vibes

Leopold Square is set to be one of the feel-good spots in the city over Tramlines weekend – the perfect place to grab a drink, soak up the sun and have a bit of a boogie. Known for its electric yet easygoing atmosphere, the venue is serving up a wide-ranging lineup of live music and DJs from Friday through to Sunday.

Expect everything from jazz, swing and funk to soul, pop and party classics. Friday kicks off with The Power Trio followed by a DJ set to ease into the weekend. Saturday brings a full day of music, including genre-hopping outfit

The Lemur Conspiracy, rising star Katie Bosworth and funk-fuelled favourites Matrix Club, before DJ Ryan Taylor keeps the courtyard grooving long into the night.

Sunday is just as strong, with vintage flair from The Retrobates starring Kitty Noir, soul from Papa Soul, and a closing set from local legends Acoustic Angels. DJs will be spinning each evening to keep the vibes flowing 'til late.

GET WARMED UP!

Since opening in 2023, Sheffield’s WaterBear Music College has been working with local artists to develop the next wave of South Yorkshire talent. If you fancy getting into the festival spirit early, they’re hosting a free warm-up gig at Yellow Arch on Thursday 24 July.

From 7pm you can catch Rotherham indie outfit The Tivolis, melancholic piano rock from Good Damage, bluesy riffs from Poison Dart, new-age country pop courtesy of Milly Pye and hard-hitting, soulful bangers from Harvey Higgins. Free entry – get down early!

Yard Party

Leah’s Yard, the cobbled street independent haven tucked into the Heart of the City, is joining the party this year, hosting sets outdoors and across some of its independent shops. Expect everything from Pulp-themed pints at Hop Hideout to soulful folk-pop from Teah Lewis, plus country and bluegrass bands and a memorabilia market at Gravel Pit. Sounds like a winner to us.

SIDNEY’S GOT SOUL

Recently voted Sheff’s best live venue at the Exposed Awards, Sidney & Matilda are living up to the hype with a jam-packed lineup. Tucked away in the heart of the Cultural Industries Quarter, the multi-room venue will host live music all day across its gallery space, basement and outdoor yard, before handing over to DJs for the late-night session. Highlights include the likes of Sister Wives (pictured), Nervous Pills and a DJ set from Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor.

POWER MOVES

Sheffield hip-hop and afro-fusion artist Franz Von recently released his debut EP Take What

You Want – a bold, bouncing record about self-belief, resilience and finding your own path. Ahead of what is sure to be a lively Fringe at Tramlines show, we caught up with the artist and his album's producer Chris Mayall to dig a little deeper…

Words: Joe Food

Photo: Emma Ledwith

Tell me about the record – when we spoke about your last EP, People Di Powa, you said your mission was to help people feel empowered. This feels like a continuation of that theme?

FV: It’s definitely a continuation from People Di Powa. That one was about empowerment – people fighting for themselves – and this one is more about asking, now that you feel empowered, how far are you willing to go with it?

I don’t like the word “advice” – I don’t think I’m in a position to be giving people advice. It’s more like, if I was in this situation, how would I look at it? It’s just speaking it out loud and hoping that somebody can take something from it, without me telling anyone what to do.

A big part of your music is making sure it’s danceable and has good energy – is it difficult to balance that with heavier lyrical themes?

FV: That is a good question. I spend

so much time on that. We’ll start producing and working on the lyrics, but there’s always something else happening. We have a live drummer who comes in, someone sets up the bass…

Sometimes I’ll tell Chris to put the drums up, but then we realise the drum sounds fine – we’re trying to get more of a produced feel sometimes, but we always want a live feel too, because they’re all going to be played live eventually. So the mindset switches and we start to produce for a live sound.

So, yeah, it’s about having a bit of a good, danceable live feel but make sure it’s not as long as one of our live songs. We want it played on the radio too!

You’re known for bringing the vibes on stage and putting on great parties – but is there a concern about being labelled as a ‘festival artist’?

FV: I want to cover a range of perspectives in anything I’m doing. I love high-energy stuff and I’ll never get away from that. But I also love chill hip-hop and music that you can sit back and listen to – stuff with lyrics that stay with you after the song ends.

I want to get that in without totally moving away from the dancey stuff.

I’m usually like, Chris – let’s go harder, darker – but Chris is like, let’s ease back a bit and push more of the dance thing.

The album is a lot more electronic than your usual stuff – how did you approach it production-wise?

CM: It started as a beat on my hard drive. I was mucking about with a drum machine and bass synth one day and it all came together. I was

Interview | Franz Von

listening to a lot of Boards of Canada, so the chords were inspired by that –I was playing around with that kind of harmonic world.

FV: A lot of time when I get beats, if I’ve got nothing I want to add, I’ll just listen to the beat and see where it takes me. But if the beat has a name that stands out, then that’s what I’ll go for.

So when it comes called something like ‘Flock-a-Bock’, it really helps.

CM: The beats start as a skeleton.

Usually when we get together to work on something, there’s two loops – an A and a B section – and we flesh it out together. That collaboration is so important.

Why choose ‘Go My Way’ as the first single from the album?

CM: Most of the ideas started with just me and Franz in a room. It felt right to start with something that was just us two mucking about. We brought in Phil [bass] and Paolo [drums] for the later tracks – they’re all over the album – but this one was just stripped back. Just us.

FV: The overall vibe just felt mentally in the right space as well.

On that note, what message do you want people to take from this record?

FV: More empowerment. More direction. Just solidarity and community – whatever you’ve decided to do, you’re not alone in it. You may not see it, but hopefully people are at least thinking it.

The album name isn’t aggressive – it’s assertive. Take what you want in life. Commit to things. You just need to take it. If you’re approaching it like a mission, it won’t work – take things like you deserve them.

I never want to sound preachy. That’s not what I’m trying to do. But if I’ve got a platform, then I’ve got to say something and people can listen, have a dance, or do both!

Franz Von plays Hagglers Corner as part of the Footprints Jazz Takeover lineup on Saturday 26 July. Live music starts from 5pm.

FRIDAY 25TH JULY: 17:00 - THE POWER TRIO | 20:00 - RESIDENT DJ

SATURDAY 26TH JULY: 13:00 - THE LEMUR CONSPIRACY | 15:00 - KATIE BOSWORTH 17:00 - BILLIE JANE | 19:00 - MATRIX CLUB MATRIX 20:30 - DJ RYAN TAYLOR

SUNDAY 27TH JULY: 13:00 - THE RETROBATES STARRING KITTY NOIR 15:00 - PAPA SOUL | 17:00 - ROGUE 19:00 - ACOUSTIC ANGELS | 20:30 - DJ ALGIE

NERVOUS PILLS

Nervous Pills are a flying fist-punch of punk delivered by the meaty arm of chaotic riffs and synth powered beats.

 SIDNEY AND MATILDA (GALLERY) // FRIDAY // 22:00

BANDEOKE

Karaoke with a difference – a live band backing you up so you can feel like a true rockstar.

 BOX // THURSDAY // 21:00

MY LO-FI HEART

Bedroom-pop artist crafting daydreamy, grungy electronic indie.

 GREEN ROOM // SUNDAY // 21:00

SOME TOP SHOUTS

A selection of some topnotch acts and events at this year's Fringe at Tramlines festival...

RISKY HEROES

Local crowd pleasers, playing indie & Britpop covers.

 MAIDA VALE // FRIDAY // 21:00

FLOODHOUNDS

Acclaimed Sheffield 3-piece. Stomping fuzzed up indie guitar, savage riffs and hook heavy choruses.

 HALLAMSHIRE HOTEL // FRIDAY // 20:30

THE MONEY

With past performances alongside Blondie, Scissor Sisters and Feeder, these likeable lads bring energy, polish and a touch of class to every event.

 BOX // SATURDAY // 21:00

SAM SCHERDEL

Warmly dubbed “The South Yorkshire Springsteen”, Sam has been wowing audiences with his gravelly vocals and beautiful writing for years.

 THE WASHINGTON // SATURDAY // 22:00

JEMINI

A high-energy acoustic duo performing all your favourite hits from the 60s through to the present day. With powerful harmonies and infectious charisma, they bring a unique blend of genres to life.

 BOX // FRIDAY // 21:00

SISTER WIVES

Bilingual dreamweavers blending post punk, psychedelia and Welsh/ English harmonies.

 SIDNEY AND MATILDA (BASEMENT) // FRIDAY // 21:30

THE DEP COLLECTIVE

Sheffield female-fronted funk and soul party.

 MAIDA VALE // SUNDAY // 19:15

TOP SHOUTS | THE FRINGE AT TRAMLINES

SAM DAVID

A multi-instrumentalist delivering a funky pop covers set, blending keys, sax and vocals with a loop pedal –joined by Young Drummer of the Year finalist Christian Woolley.

 BOX // SATURDAY // 15:00

FRANZ VON

Sheffield-based, hip-hop afrobeat fusion artist and all-round legend. We love Franz!

 HAGGLERS CORNER // SATURDAY // 21:00

CAPTAIN

AVERY & THE COSMIC TRICERATOPS OF INTERGALACTIC PEACE

Cosmic Afrobeat, Intergalactic Hilife, Celestial Balkan, Space Shanties, Tropical Punk, Wild Dancing, Psychedelic Funk, Mutant Discoteque...

 JABBARWOCKY // FRIDAY // 22:00

BLUE JOHN

Reflective and melancholic indie that demands immediate attention. A real gem in Sheffield’s musical crown.

 HALLAMSHIRE HOTEL // SUNDAY // 15:30

BAIT BRITAIN

Drawing on influences from modern post-punk to hip-hop, bassline & garage, Bait Britain meld genres like very few others around.

 SHAKESPEARES // SATURDAY // 21:00

THE CECILS

A high-energy cocktail of eclectic indie, rock and pop bangers. Strictly crowd-pleasers – all killer, no filler.

 BOX // SUNDAY // 18:45

THE FRINGE AT TRAMLINES | TOP SHOUTS

MUCCARELLI

Sheffield rapper and producer combining brazen bars with ethereal rhymes, interwoven within abstract instrumentals and a punk ethos.

 THE HARLEQUIN // FRIDAY // 20:15

THE ALL NEW BLUES AND SOUL REVUE

Ultimate Blues Brothers tribute. Full live show including live band.

 MAIDA VALE // SUNDAY // 20:30

WHITEHORSE

A masterclass in lyrical songcraft.

The latest project from ex-Blinders frontman Thomas Haywood.

 THE WASHINGTON // SATURDAY // 20:45

ANY OLD IRON

Jarred Up favourites bringing punk, folk and chaos in equal measure.

 SHAKESPEARES // SATURDAY // 23:00

BONK!

Prog-pop genius. Simply the most fun you could have watching a live band.

 HALLAMSHIRE HOTEL // SATURDAY // 19:00

THE

WILL YATES EXPERIENCE

The most fun you’re likely to have all weekend. Sack off work on Monday for mojito vibes on Sunday!

 THE WASHINGTON // SUNDAY // 19:15

JACARANDAS

Floor-filling party covers including pop, rock, indie, soul, R&B, and disco vibes.

 MAIDA VALE // SATURDAY // 19:15

CATTLE GRID

Cleverly crafted punk vignettes mixed with high-energy offbeat covers.

 SHAKESPEARES // SATURDAY // 19:00

HARD AS NAILS

Synth punk to throw some shapes to. A fun bunch of multiinstrumentalists.

 HATCH // SATURDAY // 15:10

THURSDAY 20:00

OPEN MIC FRINGE OPENER

BOOK OPENS AT 19:00.

BAR CLOSES AT 01:00.

FRIDAY

5PM GIFTHORSE

6PM HELL YEAH BROTHERS

7PM DEFOVELLA

8PM VOODOO FUZZ

9PM CONCRETE FUZZ

10PM KALIKO

11PM MALACHITE

SATURDAY

14:00-02:00

ALL-DAY GOOD VIBES

BANGING PLAYLISTS, AN UNBEATABLE ATMOSPHERE AND A REPRIEVE FROM LIVE MUSIC IF YOU NEED A BREATHER.

SUNDAY

2PM ELLIE FOSTER MUSIC

3PM COLIN MILES

4PM BROOKE HODGES

5PM ROBYN GAIR

6PM JIMMY MADDON

7PM KASE ALLEN

8PM COLD BONES LULLABIES

9PM MY LOFO HEART

10PM JOE DEWICK

11PM THREE OF SWORDS

MONDAY

OPEN MIC NIGHT TO FINISH YOUR WEEKEND

150 DEVONSHIRE ST, SHEFFIELD S3 7SG

THE FRINGE AT TRAMLINES | TOP SHOUTS

HALLAN

A perfect blend of post-punk and new wave to make your body dance and your brain think.

 THE WASHINGTON // FRIDAY // 22:00

PAPA SOUL

Sheffield funk and soul favourites, reworking classics from Stax, Motown and more with infectious grooves.

 LEOPOLD SQUARE // SUNDAY // 15:00

BONES ATE ARFA

Psychedelic street punk/desert rock three-piece all the way from Brighton.

 HALLAMSHIRE HOTEL // FRIDAY // 21:30

KATIE BOSWORTH

RnB, soul, pop and classic hits with a powerful live band – expect Amy Winehouse, Jorja Smith, Stevie Wonder and more.

 LEOPOLD SQUARE // SATURDAY // 15:00

ALEX AUBYN

A high-energy combination of bass-driven tracks, ranging from techno to footwork for those keeping the party going into the early hours.

 PANKE SOCIAL // SUNDAY // 04:00

MALAH PALINKA

8-piece Sheffield party band inspired by funk, jazz, soul, hip-hop and pop. One of the best voices the city has produced – a vibe!

 HAGGLERS CORNER // SATURDAY // 19:30

MILLY PYE

Nottingham-based singer songwriter forming part of Water Bear Music College’s Yellow Arch takeover.

 YELLOW ARCH // FRIDAY // 19:35

FLAT PARTY

One of the most thrilling live bands in the UK right now. Urgent, shape-shifting indie-rock.

 HALLAMSHIRE HOTEL // SATURDAY // 21:30

PUBLIC COMMODITY

Sheffield-based queer gritty punk band. Will leave you gasping for air.

 THE WASHINGTON // FRIDAY // 20:00

TRAMLINES HAGGLERS

Interview | Malah Palinka

WORDS:

JOSEPH FOOD

PHOTO:

@EMLEDPORTRAITS

The seeds for Malah Palinka were sown when vocalist Evie had a vision for a neo-soul, jazzinfluenced project and started recruiting, first bringing in drummer Tom and bassist Freddie, before posting on the Sheffield Musicians Facebook page and finding George. “It was a proper roll of the dice,” George says, “but we shared an interest in the likes of Hiatus Kaiyote and Snarky Puppy so were on a similar page. Thankfully, I turned up at Tom’s house, and it just worked.”

Keyboardist Ashly joined after finishing a music degree in Sheffield, and then came one of the more unusual recruitment stories: Tom went on a Tinder date with Livs. There was no romantic spark, but by the end of the evening, he’d convinced her to join the band as a trumpet player instead. “And she brought Jay along too,” George laughs. “So technically, Tinder helped form the band. Things have moved around a bit since then –that’s part and parcel of a big band, but we’re currently settled as an 8-piece.”

From the start, the band wanted to blend jazz and funk with a more structured, song-based approach. “I think what makes us work is that we’re doing a lot of functional jazz stuff, but we’re cramming it into a pop format,” says George. “Perhaps there are other jazz bands who can play solos in circles around us, but we write really fun songs.”

On that front, Evie brings a more instinctive, narrative-driven approach to the process. “I don’t have the same kind of music jazz theory background as some of the others do, so I write based on intuition and emotion. I’ll often come in with an idea, a story I want to tell, and we’ll build the music around that.”

The band’s DIY ethos also shapes their music, and they are currently self-funding their next album. “If we can do it ourselves at home, we will,” Freddie explains. “It saves money and gives us more control over the process – but the other side is we’ll probably need another three or four

Interview | Malah Palinka

IT’S FUN TO SEE PEOPLE GET A BIT UNHINGED.”

grand to get it over the line.”

But it’s in a live setting that Malah Palinka truly come to life. Their shows are high-energy, interactive and often a little chaotic in the best way. “Our Sidney & Matilda gig turned into a full-on dance-off,” says Evie. “There was this one guy just going for it at the front, and suddenly the whole section became a dance-off area. It was amazing. It’s fun to see people get a bit unhinged.”

“We’re getting better and better at making sure people have a good time,” George adds. “That’s the goal. We don’t want to come across as pretentious. It’s a party, and we’re just here to get people moving.”

Their first headline show at Yellow Arch Studios was a major moment and sold out without much effort. “There’s eight of us,” George points out. “If we all bring 20 people along, that’s a full house!”

Once the album is finished, the band are planning a tour, hoping to take their energetic live show across the north. Their latest Sheffield gig at Factory Floor was a packed, sweaty affair and full of the aforementioned impromptu dance-offs that have come to define their live performances.

If that sounds like fun to you, we’ll see you down the front at the Washy...

@malahpalinka

Malah Palinka headline the Washington on Sunday 27 July. 10pm start.

THURSDAY LISTINGS

THE BOX

21:00-23:00

BANDEOKE

Karaoke with a difference – a live band backing you up so you can feel like a true rockstar.

DELICIOUS CLAM

(CLAMLINES)

20:00-21:00

CATTLE GRID

Cleverly crafted punk vignettes mixed with high-energy offbeat covers.

21:00-22:00

KNORKE

High-energy quirky songs from this four-piece.

22:00-23:00

MOCK TUDORS

Frenetic glam infused garage rock.

FOUR LEAF IRISH BAR & KITCHEN

17:00–19:30

JAMES SCANLAN

Singer, guitarist performing acoustic rock, pop, roots, indie, covers and originals.

20:00–22:00

KEL JAMES

Originals and covers; country, folk, pop, crowd pleasers and more.

FROG AND PARROT

19:00–20:00

SAM B-K

Rock N Roll Jedi – bringing balance to the musical force.

20:00–21:00

SPOOK MUZIEK

The hardest-working muso in Shefftown.

21:00–22:00

LPMC

‘Good Times Are Coming’ and more from this Rotherham outfit.

22:00–23:00

MAT HOOK

Ex-Kartica singer fronting debut solo single ‘Runaway Road’.

GREEN ROOM

20:00

OPEN MIC FRINGE OPENER

Opens at 19:00. Bar closes at 01:00.

MOLLY MALONE’S

22:00–02:00

JOSH & SHANE

Lively duo with drums, guitar and great vocals.

SHAKESPEARES

19:00–00:00

AFRODESIA, WE HATE THE SHARKMAN, MALAH PALINKA

SIDNEY & MATILDA

GALLERY ROOM

20:00–20:30

NANDO DALE (OYSTER)

Brazilian-born guitar player and songwriter.

20:45–21:15

SPANISH HORSES

Four-piece indie rock band from Paris, now based in London. Sharp rhythms, lush melodies and layered textures.

21:30–22:30

WHITEHORSE

Fronted by the former lead singer of The Blinders, expect dark and stormy indie rock with plenty of catchy melodies.

YELLOW ARCH

WATERBEAR TRAMLINES FRINGE TAKEOVER

19:00–19:20

HARVEY HIGGINS

Harvey does music. And it’s dope. 19:35–20:05

MILLY PYE

Nottingham/Sheffield singersongwriter.

20:20–20:50

POISON DART

Sheffield blues/alt-rock. 21:05–21:35

GOOD DAMAGE

5-piece alt rock from Sheff. 21:50–22:30

THE TIVOLIS

Rotherham indie rock starlets.

Interview | Venue Spotlight

SIDNEY & MATILDA

While many headlines in recent years have focused on the struggles of UK venues – with closures, rising costs and landlord disputes dominating the conversation, both national and local – one Sheffield space has seemingly bucked the trend. Tucked away in a reworked industrial building just off Matilda Street, Sidney & Matilda has steadily grown into a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene.

WORDS: JOSEPH FOOD PHOTO: MARC BARKER

“The cultural story of Sheffield is a city built on live music. These are sacred spaces – they add chapters to the story,” says Paul ‘Tufty’ Tuffs, renowned Steel City sound engineer and owner of Sidney. “I’ve been doing sound for gigs and venues of all sizes for over 20 years now, so I reckon I know what a good venue looks like. This place is a success story. It’s growing. It’s getting better. It’s a positive thing for the city.”

Tufty’s career has seen him become a well-known, always smiling face on the local music scene. From his early days at the Grapes, through running Cafe Totem, to manning sound desks at pubs and clubs across the country and major festivals across Europe, the bloke has certainly earned his stripes. Sidney & Matilda, he says, is the culmination of all that experience. “We’ve done it all gradually. Some places open with a big glitzy launch night and that’s as good as it gets, but we’ve been focused on continually improving. There wasn’t loads of money involved. We just grafted. The big refurb –

moving the bar, fitting out new spaces – most of it was done by us. My dad welded some of the steelwork.”

Launched originally as an art gallery and creative space by his friend and collaborator Al Daw, the venue’s name was borrowed from the two streets it straddles. Tufty came on board to help with some gigs in the basement – a vibe not dissimilar to the one he’d cultivated at Cafe Totem – but just as the pair were set to relaunch the building as a full-time live venue, Covid hit.

Rather than pack it in, Tufty and the team used the lockdown period to refit the building from the inside out. “We didn’t have any income. No furlough. We were skint,” he recalls. “But we did have a bit of time on our hands. So we just got stuck in.” That work ethic led to Sidney & Matilda being one of the first venues in the country to host a live show post-lockdown, a seated outdoor yard gig featuring local acts and attendees seated in groups of four.

Since then, the venue has grown

room by room, month by month. It now boasts several performance spaces – from the 70-capacity Factory at the front, to the booming, sub-heavy basement and the 250-capacity main room that regularly hosts major touring acts. A large courtyard ties the building together, frequently used during summer events ranging from televised tournaments to lynchpins like their annual ‘Other Festival’, a Tramlines-weekend celebration of local talent.

“There’s been a lot of talk about the city losing venues, and rightly so – the guys at the Leadmill are our pals and were putting on some of their smaller shows here,” Tufty says. “But what we’re focusing on is growing and talking up what we’ve got to offer. This is working because the content is right, the team’s amazing and the standard is there.”

That standard comes in no small part from his sound engineering background. “A lot of grassroots venues scrimp on production,” he says. “But I wanted Sidney to sound as good as an O2 Academy, for example, or a much larger venue than ours. The monitors, the desk, the spec – it’s got to meet what touring engineers expect. If they’re used to playing thousand-cap venues and come here, they should still be impressed.”

One such moment came early on when they hosted a Newcastle band called Lanterns on the Lake. “There’s this guy bringing gear in, setting up. I thought I recognised him. Turns out it’s Phil Selway from Radiohead. He’d driven the van down on his own and was in the live room, setting up drums. We had a good chat and at the end he’s saying how good the monitoring and gig experience was. That was a bit of a ‘this is definitely working’ moment.”

Despite its growing national profile, Sidney remains deeply rooted in Sheffield’s local scenes. Alongside international bookings and underplays from touring bands, it continues to champion emerging acts and genre-spanning club nights. One weekend might feature a psychedelic

art rock gig, the next a free party in collaboration with Planet Zogg or underground techno from Berlin down in the basement. “We’re not trying to be a rock bar or a house club,” Tufty says. “We’re a reflection of what’s going on in the city – a melting pot of music and cultures.”

That commitment extends to the team too. The venue’s day-to-day is steered by manager Mark, whose background in bands and Sheffield’s art world gives him an instinctive feel for balancing chaos with curation. “He’s the one with a level head,” Tufty laughs. “I’ll have a mad idea and he’ll pull me back just enough to make it work.”

The model is simple, really: a flexible, multi-use venue that adapts to what people want. “You can come in one night and there’s a gig in the basement, a club night upstairs and maybe a little photo exhibition in the factory,” Tufty says. “It’s like the big ruin bars in Budapest – where you’ll get completely random things in each room. Discovery’s part of the experience.”

Looking ahead, there are murmurs about expanding into a larger space, particularly as Sheffield loses some of its mid-sized venues. “We’re not here to take the place of somewhere like the Leadmill,” he says. “But we do need bigger spaces here. Otherwise Sheffield will start losing more touring acts to Leeds, Nottingham, Manchester. We’ve got the team, the production values – we just need the right building to come up.”

For now, though, Sidney & Matilda’s focus remains on maintaining its steady, organic growth. “A lot of places open promising the world, then slowly fall apart,” Tufty says. “We did it the other way round. Every time you come in, it’s a bit better. Bit cleaner, bit tighter, bit more on offer. The best it’s ever looked is today – and it’ll look and sound better in the future. You can hold me to that.”

@sidneyandmatilda

Sidney & Matilda have live music covering a range of genres and DJ sets at night all weekend (check the listings). Free entry.

FRIDAY LISTINGS |

ALDER

20:00–20:30

PLUM JR.

Known for their lively and immersive shows, as well delivering passionate and energetic lyrics.

20:45–21:30

SOAPER

Husband-and-wife grunge duo blending fuzzed-out riffs, math-rock energy, and raw emotion.

21:45–22:00

SLAP RASH

Ferocious sister duo from Manchester.

THE BOX

19:00-20:30

MARTIN JACKSON

Martin blends soaring vocals, creative acoustic arrangements, loop pedal madness and tasteful solos.

21:00-23:00

JEMINI

A high-energy male and female acoustic duo performing all your favourite hits from the 1960s to today. With powerful harmonies, they bring a blend of genres to life.

THE CHURCH HOUSE

17:00-17:45

WE ARE LITTLE ROCK

Kids rock duo bringing familyfriendly energy and catchy songs.

18:00-18:45

EMBERS MUSIC

Sheffield acoustic duo with smooth vocals and warm melodies.

19:00-19:45

DAZ CADWALLANDER

Solo acoustic set blending heartfelt originals and stripped-back covers.

20:00-20:45

SHEEP PURPLE

Deep Purple tribute band.

21:00-21:45

HUNGARIAN LANTERNS

Original rock band with catchy riffs, energy and crowd-pleasing tunes.

22:00-23:45

JAMIE MALLENDER’S SWEAR BOX

Rock cover band delivering big classics and singalong favourites.

CORPORATION

19:10-19:40

PANTHEON

Four-piece melodic progressive death metal band from Sheffield.

20:00-20:30

EPITAPH

Five-piece Chesterfield extreme metal - heavy riffs and intensity.

20:50-21:30

MORTIVIUS

Yorkshire metal infused with doom and progressive elements.

21:50-22:30

FRACTURE

Local deathcore legends delivering hard-hitting, aggressive sounds.

DELICIOUS CLAM

(CLAMLINES)

20:00-21:00

ETERNAL VAPE

Four-piece punk/hardcore band

21:00-22:00

IRKED

Punk band from Tyne and Wear. 22:00-23:00

LAWI ANYWAR

Bristol based Shoegaze Funk.

23:00-00:00

SPECIAL GUESTS

00:00-LATE

DJs/OTHER/KARAOKE

DOG & PARTRIDGE

21:00–23:30

SARAH DREADZ

Playing a mix of folk, country, Americana and Irish.

FORUM BAR + KITCHEN

17:00–18:15

DJs

Outside if good weather. 18:30–19:30

RISKY HEROES

Indie covers and originals. 19:30–20:45

THE SMOOTH GROOVE BAND

Smooth grooves, obvs.

20:45–22:00

TURNIP

Post-punk band.

FOUR LEAF IRISH BAR & KITCHEN

12:00–17:30

JOSH OZTURK

Upbeat, crowd-pleasing covers from Kylie to Fleetwood Mac. Guaranteed to keep the crowd moving.

18:00–01:00

DAMIAN JOHN FARRELL

Songs from indie, rock, pop, folk and Irish. Unique songs performed acoustically.

FROG AND PARROT

19:00 – 20:00

JONNY BLADE

Talented singer-songwriter – loud, sharp and swaggering. Keep an ear out for 'Lad Leathered'.

20:00 – 21:00

MERCY KELLY

Time to close the door and feel the rush… ‘Speak too Soon’ drops 18 July and will be performed live.

21:00 – 22:00 SHADE

Manchester’s finest present new single ‘Neverdie’.

22:00 – 23:00

LISSY TAYLOR

“This is what new indie music is all about” – Nels Hilton, BBC Radio 1. New single ‘Jealous’ is out now.

23:00 – 00:00

SPANGLED

Fresh from the Isle of Wight Festival – smashing out tunes like ‘Good Life Better’.

THE FRINGE @ TRAMLINES | FRIDAY LISTINGS

THE GARDENERS REST

20:00–21:00

SAM WILSON & THE SWAMP BROS

An eight-legged expedition into the shady world of blues, Americana, and Southern Funk.

GREEN ROOM

17:00–18:00

GIFT HORSE

Indie alt-rock outfit from Nottingham/Sheffield.

18:00–19:00

HELL YEAH BROTHERS

Sheffield four-piece rock ’n’ roll.

19:00–20:00

DEFOVELLA

Garage-influenced indie rock. 20:00–21:00

VOODOO FUZZ

DIY suburban blues-punk from Sheffield.

21:00–22:00

CONCRETE FUZZ

Raw fuzz-rock trio.

22:00–23:00

KALIKO

Eclectic indie-rock band.

23:00–00:00

MALACHITE

Sheffield art-rock/post-punk fusion.

HAGGLERS CORNER

LATENT DESIRES

HOUSE AND BIG BEATS

£6 from 21:00

COURTYARD@HAGGLERS CORNER

17:00–18:00

KORRA

18:00–19:00

OMARI

19:00–20:00

FILTON

20:00–22:00

AARONDYNAMIC B2B NONNA FAB

BAR TAKK@HAGGLERS CORNER

22:00–00:00

NATURAL SELECTION

00:00–02:30

SASH

GRUB RECORDS@HAGGLERS CORNER

22:00–01:00

KORRA B2B OMARI B2B FILTON

THE HALLAMSHIRE HOTEL

17:30–18:00

ATAKARMA

Indie-rock infused with grunge and pop, one of Steel City's finest.

18:30–19:00

BROKEN; NARRATIVE

Dark Academia-rock taking inspiration from Don Broco.

19:30–20:00

TEN EIGHTY TREES

The fattest riffs this side of the Don. Has to be seen to be believed.

20:30–21:00

FLOODHOUNDS

Sheffield 3-piece. Stomping fuzzed up indie guitar & hook heavy choruses.

21:30–22:00

BONES ATE ARFA

Psychedelic street punk/desert rock three-piece from Brighton.

THE HARLEQUIN

EARWIG PRESENTS…

19:30–20:15

KATZ WITH A K

Sheffield rapper blending IDM beats with sharp lyrical flair.

20:15–21:00

MUCCARELLI

Rap artist known for introspective lyrics and engaging beats.

21:00–21:45

MOTHERS DAY

Noise punk duo.

21:45–22:30

DRASTIC AUTOMATIC

Dystopian Sheffield punk with frantic, adrenaline-fuelled anthems.

HOP HIDEOUT

12:00–20:00

PULP-O-RAMA

An all-day celebration of Pulp inclduing a Pulp-inspired playlist, Pulp fancy dress and a beer list inspired by Pulp songs – naturally.

HATCH @ CADS ARLEY STREET SPACE

18:30–19:00

DUCK

Quack quack. Hatchlings who are very good eggs.

19:20–19:50

ALICEBESTOS

Yeah, everyone's into this. It's got everything – guitars, gizmos, singing. Innovative futures, genuinely experimental, very 2025. 20:10–20:40

MOUTHPARTS

Milkshake, milkshake, have another milkshake… C'mon, you wanna see these guys. There's loads of tidy little clever bits and shouting, and I don't even like milkshakes.

21:00–21:35

DEARTHWORMS

Hatch's premier clowncore five-piece want to sing you songs about being an ant and getting cucked by an aphid.

22:05–22:45

COWTOWN

Is there a more long-lived DIY band in the world? Probably. But this gang have been playing Hatch since before it was Hatch.

23:15–00:00 COMFORT

If you like your rhymes with a healthy dose of identity politics and radical self-love, this is the band for you. Been in love with Comfort since we watched them go hard at Clam. 00:30–02:00

BUSINESS-OKE HOSTED BY KIM CHESTNUT

All work and no play makes karaoke a more profitable venture. Get your submissions in before the witching hour to be considered for promotion.

JABBARWOCKY

18:00–19:00

NIKISHA IN THE WOODS Sheffield-based singer songwriter. 19:00–20:00

SPIRAL NAVIGATORS

Spacey, grungey, psyche band, with an array of influences.

20:00–21:00

WE HATE THE SHARKMAN

Infectious, high energy jazz-fusion. These Steel City stalwarts never miss a beat.

21:00–22:00 FREEZER

Glam-psych-brit-prog-indiekitchensink-rock made in Sheffield.

22:00–23:00

FRIDAY LISTINGS | THE FRINGE @

CAPTAIN AVERY & THE COSMIC TRICERATOPS OF INTERGALACTIC

PEACE

Cosmic Afrobeat, Intergalactic Hilife, Celestial Balkan, Space Shanties, Tropical Punk, Wild Dancing, Psychedelic Funk, Mutant Discotheque... Yeah, they’re a lot! Go dance with the aliens.

KATIE O'BRIEN'S IRISH TAVERN

18:00–20:00

DAZ CADWALLANDER

Singer-songwriter playing indie rock, pop, country and crowdpleasing covers.

20:00–22:00

LEXI WHITESIDE

Upbeat acoustic covers to get the crowd singing and dancing.

22:00–00:00

ISAAC NEILSON

Singer-songwriter performing indie, britpop, noughties and classic covers.

LEOPOLD SQUARE

17:00–20:00

THE POWER TRIO

Dynamic neo-soul/jazz ensemble led by multi-talented Ryan Taylor. 20:00–23:00

CIRQUE DUE FUNK SHEFFIELD

DJ set from Paul Metcalfe, the main man behind the iconic Bed nightclub.

MAIDA VALE

20:00–20:45

ALI SARBUTT

Melodic acoustic originals. 21:00–22:45

RISKY HEROES

Local crowd pleasers, playing indie & Britpop covers.

NEEPSEND

SOCIAL CLUB AND CANTEEN

18:00–19:00

FIASCO

Visceral and powerful, Fiasco's unique brand of blues-rock has

been known to energise and mesmerize audiences across their native South Wales & beyond.

19:00–20:00

INDI SHAW

Sheffield based solo artist comes complete with three-piece band for the fringe.

20:00–21:30

SWALLOWTAIL

Fresh from releasing their latest EP 'The Seesaw' and playing Dot2Dot, this four piece from East Mids blend shoegaze with post-punk melodies.

21:30–23:00

MARVIN’S REVENGE

Alternative/grunge rock band based in Nottingham. They "want people to start jumping erratically on the spot in public"!

NETWORK

23:00–05:00

TEKKERS

SKILLZ & CARDIAC

MISTABEATZ

RAZ & DIDI

JD SMITH

SHAUN BURGIN

MIGHTY BLAZE

ROSS BOSS

WEBBI

GRUMPY

Sheffield's true Bassline rave culture (specific set times TBC).

PANKE SOCIAL

23:59–01:00

DAFTWERK

Multi-genre DJ known for high-energy sets – expect 140 rattlers.

01:00–02:00

SEKT-87

Prolific bassline and speed garage producer, owner of Fun Sponge Records.

02:00–03:00

DR CRYPTIC

Bassline and speed garage specialist, founder of Chip Butty Records.

03:00–04:00

DOZEH

Local party crew closing with high-energy, bass-driven sounds.

PLOT 22

23:59–01:00

DUNUM

Plot 22 resident, multi-genre producer & DJ explores his jungle collection.

01:00–02:00

SUKI SOS

Juicy Fruits resident DJ, purveyor of booty-shakin' riddims.

02:00–03:00

KEPPIE

Sheffield-based DJ & producer making waves locally brings the DnB energy.

03:00–04:00

ADAM C-4

Plot 22 & Zone 88 resident known for acid, bass & breaks.

04:00–05:00

YANNY

Juicy Fruits resident DJ closes the party with a bubblin selection of multi-genre bangers.

POPWORLD

22:00–04:00

BEN THE DJ

Popworld resident blending nostalgic throwbacks with irresistible modern anthems for the ultimate party atmosphere.

SHAKESPEARES

19:00–19:45

CHARLIE KING

Modern rock ’n’ blues singer songwriter.

20:00–20:45

POLYGON

Four piece electronic indie rock blending eastern and western influences for a unique, original sound.

21:00–22:00

CORTADO

Chill indie pop covers band delivering good vibe sets.

SIDNEY & MATILDA

BASEMENT ROOM

17:30–18:00

ELECTRIC TAPE RECORDER

Psych rock trio known for hypnotic beats and razor sharp riffs.

THE FRINGE @ TRAMLINES | FRI/SAT LISTINGS

18:30–19:00

PRECIOUS METALS

Four piece surf influenced post punk with psychedelic keys and catchy harmonies.

19:30–20:00

STRIXEN

Dark synth pop/industrial duo mixing electronica, heavy guitars and moorland inspired soundscapes.

20:30–21:00

POST ARCHIVES

Power pop quartet crafting sharp, brief songs about everyday moments.

21:30–22:00

SISTER WIVES

Bilingual dreamweavers blending post punk, psychedelia and Welsh/ English harmonies.

GALLERY ROOM

18:00–18:30

TAUT ANGLES

Experimental Sheffield post punk crew delivering loud grooves.

19:00–19:30

DEARTHWORMS

Clown core ensemble blending chaotic humour with energetic performance.

20:00–20:30

GOOD NEWS

Wonky pop trio, known for feisty clarinet and bass propelled hooks.

21:00–21:30

MICKEY NOMIMONO

Hard hitting electronic punk.

22:00–23:00

NERVOUS PILLS

Lo fi Sheffield punk with gritty vocals and quirky basslines.

00:00–02:00

ALEXIS TAYLOR (HOT CHIP) DJ SET

Hot Chip frontman spinning electronic and disco inspired DJ sets.

02:00–04:00

THE MOTH PEOPLE

Doom sludge pop trio blending bass heavy ambience with haunting soundscapes.

TIGER WORKS

20:00–04:30

DJ LEON

The best mix of chart music and dance floor favourites

THE WASHINGTON

17:00–17:30

JUGGL_R

Captivating indie-pop fresh from Sheffield.

18:00–18:30

MOUSE TEETH

Existential. Dark. A little bit magical. Expect to be enthralled with Mouse Teeth's naked honesty.

19:00–19:30

POLAT

Powerful Sheffield four-piece fusing elements of grunge, indie and pop-punk.

20:00–20:30

PUBLIC COMMODITY

Sheffield-based queer gritty punk band. Will leave you gasping for air.

21:00–21:30

JUMPER BOY

Comfy jams that fill you with cosy thoughts and woolly feelings. Blending math-rock with emo sensibilities.

22:00–22:50

HALLAN

A perfect blend of post-punk and new wave to make your body dance and your brain think.

YELLOW ARCH

18:45–19:05

EMPTY STATE

Pop punk from Sheffield, UK. 19:20–19:40

WITHOUT LOVE

UK melodic hardcore from up north. 19:55–20:20

PROZPEKT

Northeast hardcore. 20:35–21:05

NYLON

Sheff HC heroes. 21:20–21:50

XHOUR OF REPRISALX

Norwich straight edge.

SATURDAY LISTINGS

ALDER

16:00 – 17:00

MONTUNO

A collective of 8 of Sheffield's most well-known and talented Jazz players.

18:30 – 19:30

COSMIC PUPPET

Leeds based septet performing high energy contemporary Jazz. 20:30 – 21:30

FLORAL PATTERN (FULLY IMPROVISED SET)

Boundary-pushing alt-jazz collective blending soulful grooves, psychedelic textures, and experimental improvisation. 22:00 – 23:00

NONNA FAB

Genre-blurring solo artist crafting raw, emotionally charged soundscapes that fuse alterna-tive pop, electronica, and experimental soul.

THE BOX

15:00-16:30

SAM DAVID

A multi-instrumentalist delivering a funky pop covers set, blending keys, sax and vocals with a loop pedal –joined by Young Drummer of the Year finalist Christian Woolley. 17:00-18:30

LEILA

A high-energy duo, Leila and her guitarist serve up powerhouse vocals, intricate guitar work and infectious fun across everyone’s favourite songs.

19:00-20:30

SATURDAY LISTINGS | THE FRINGE @

THE LAST ALLEY CATS

Your new favourite indie pop cover band – fresh, fun and fiercely melodic. They bring high-energy twists to modern favourites and cult classics alike.

21:00-23:00

THE MONEY

Inspired by some of the biggestselling artists on the planet, The Money are a group of industry pros delivering a rock ’n’ roll-infused spectacle. With past performances alongside Blondie, Scissor Sisters and Feeder, these likeable lads bring energy, polish and a touch of class to every event.

THE CHURCH HOUSE

14:00-14:45

CARYS AND EVAN

Acoustic duo delivering heartfelt originals and stripped-back covers.

15:00-15:30

ZEBEDEE

Sheffield-based acoustic duo bringing smooth harmonies and laid-back vibes.

15:45-16:15

THE CABRONITAS

High-energy female-fronted band with punchy rock and roll attitude.

16:30-17:15

DAN MILSON

Singer-songwriter with powerful vocals and emotive acoustic songs. 17:30-18:45

WOLFMAN AND THE LATERALS

Rock band blending catchy hooks and driving rhythms for a feel-good set.

18:30-19:15

DANNY SIXSTRINGS

Solo guitarist delivering classic rock favourites and original tunes.

20:00-21:00

FIRE GARDEN

Sheffield progressive rock band with soaring melodies and intricate musicianship.

21:30-23:45

MEANSTREAK

Classic rock covers band delivering big hits and singalong anthems.

CORPORATION

15:40-16:10

ACTION AXOLOTL

Four-piece pop-punk from Sheffield. 16:30-17:00

ASBOFACE

Chesterfield pop punk.

17:20-17:50

EVIL FEET

Multimedia post-punk.

18:10-18:40

TOWHEAD

Alternative rock with a Yorkshire bite.

19:00-19:30

SANTIAGO KINGS

Deceptively heavy.

19:50-20:30

HEXE

Sheffield post-punk.

20:50–21:30

DEADBLONDESTARS

Grunge/alternative rock from the Steel City.

21:50–22:30

FEAR LIES

Thunderous anthemic rock.

DELICIOUS CLAM (CLAMLINES)

18:00-19:00

THE GARDEN FOLK

International alt folk collective with rootsy melodies and warm harmonies.

19:00-20:00

THE XOXOS

Punk rock gossip heathens.

20:00-21:00

0800 RODEO

Brighton-based band.

21:00-22:00

DEARTHWORMS

Clown core ensemble blending chaotic humour with energetic performance.

22:00-23:00

JADE HAIRPINS

Anything-goes genre splatter that serves as a side-project for Canadian post-hardcore icons Mike Haliechuk and Jonah Falco.

23:00-00:00

BEST FRIENDS

Sheffield garage punks.

00:00-LATE

DJs/OTHER/KARAOKE

DELVE DEEPER @ WALKABOUT

TERRACE – DEEP HOUSE

14:00–15:00

DAVE GURNHILL

15:00–16:00

JENNY FU

16:00–17:00

DAVE LAZENBY

17:00–19:00

KARGO

19:00–21:00

GROOVE ASSASSIN

21:00–22:00

LIAM CONNOLLY

22:00–23:00

JONNY STEVENSON

MAIN ROOM – CLUB CLASSICS

16:00–17:00

STEVE BEECH

17:00–19:00

JOEY FABINI

19:00–20:30

KYLE ROBERTSON & KIRSTY TONNER

20:30–22:00

SANDY TURNBULL

DOG & PARTRIDGE

13:00–17:00

JIMMY MADDON

A mixture of originals and classic rock’n’roll covers from the 50s, 60s and 70s – think Elvis, Chuck Berry, Bowie and more.

20:00–22:30

DAN MILLSON

Upbeat singalong covers and some originals, ranging from Goo Goo Dolls and Johnny Cash to The Dubliners and The Pogues.

FORUM BAR + KITCHEN

13:00–14:00

JAMES SCANIAN

Acoustic rock/pop covers. 14:00–15:00

EMBERS

Acoustic duo.

15:00–16:00

GLEN Rock. 16:00–17:00

THE HEAVY SOULS

Heavy blues-rock powerhouse.

THE FRINGE @ TRAMLINES | SATURDAY LISTINGS

17:30–18:45

KILLJOY

Pop-punk/indie energy.

20:00–21:15

WOLFMAN LATERAL

Indie-rock with a touch of country.

21:45–23:00

BAZOOKA JOE

Pub-rock/funk collective.

FOUR LEAF IRISH

BAR & KITCHEN

12:00–15:30

ACT TBC

16:00–19:30

JAMES SCANLAN

Singer, guitarist performing acoustic rock, pop, roots, indie, covers and originals.

20:00–01:00

GEMMA TAYLOR

Sheffield-based acoustic guitarist and vocalist (plus ukulele).

THE FRINGE STAGE (DEVONSHIRE GREEN)

HOSTED BY SILE SIBANDA

12:00–12:45

DJ PAPA AL

Papa Al behind the decks with his signature global sound.

12:45–13:15

SHEFFIELD CANCER CHOIR

Made up of members of the local community who've been affected by cancer.

13:15–13:45

DJ PAPA AL

13:45–14:15

TAVIRA

Sheffield 8-piece funk n soul band with a sprinkling of reggae.

14:15 14:45

DJ IZZA DANCER

Moving between electronic textures and experimental R&B.

14:45–15:15

BLUE STREET BRASS

Blazing brass and driving drums, playing a range of crowd favourites.

15:15–15:45

DJ IZZA DANCER

15:45–16:15

THE TIVOLIS

5-piece indie rock band from Rotherham.

16:15–16:45

DJ KOM

Resident DJ for Rebel Soul at Shambala Festival, and likes percussive bassy music from all over.

16:45–17:15

GOOD DAMAGE

Vocal harmonies and piano based rock music for sad twenty-to-thirty somethings

17:15–17:45

DJ KOM

17:45–18:15

SHANGHAI TREASON

Yorkshire folk tales, heavy Celtic punk-inspired riffs and a whole load of high-tempo banjo action

18:15–18:45

DJ MYNA

Mixing sounds from all corners of Afrobeat and Afro-house to baile funk, Gqom and beyond –showcasing the best that the African diaspora has to offer.

18:45–19:30

HIGHWAY CHILD

Soul and Blues review band from Sheffield.

19:30–20:00

DJ MYNA

20:00–21:00

JUNGLE LION

Sheffield’s premiere 10-piece SKA and Reggae covers band.

THE GARDENERS REST

20:00–21:00

TOM KILLNER

Soul drenched Americana.

GREEN ROOM

14:00-02:00

ALL-DAY GOOD VIBES

Banging playlists, an unbeatable atmosphere and a reprieve from live music if you need a breather.

HAGGLERS CORNER

ACOUSTIC FOLK & BLUES

Free entry until 17:00.

ATTIKK SESSIONS – YARD STAGE

13:00–13:45

BEN BUCKLEY

14:00–14:45

CHRIS SIMPSON

16:45–17:30

LOU GOLD

FOOTPRINTS JAZZ TAKEOVER –YARD STAGE

£5 after 17:00.

18:00–18:50

GOLDIVOX

19:30–20:30

MALAH PALINKA

21:00–22:00

FRANZ VON

BAR TAKK

22:00–03:00

SIRREY (DJ IN BAR)

THE HALLAMSHIRE HOTEL

14:30–15:00

RIVER DRIVE

A masterclass in alt-rock and indie songwriting. Previously sold out The Hallamshire Hotel in November last year.

15:30–16:00

JEN WYNN

Wistful and folky. Ethereal and transcendental. Now backed by a full band.

16:30–17:00

I'M BEING SERIOUS

Psychedelic with elements of shoegaze. Oh, and a bass-clarinet.

17:30–18:30

ABI HALL

Sheffield/London based. A captivating fusion of neo-soul, R&B and electro-pop music.

19:00–19:30

BONK!

Prog-pop genius. Simply the most fun you could have watching a live band.

20:15–20:45

WE HATE THE SHARKMAN

Infectious, high energy jazz-fusion. These Steel City stalwarts never miss a beat.

21:30–22:30

FLAT PARTY

One of the most thrilling live bands in the UK right now. Urgent, shape-shifting indie-rock.

SATURDAY

HATCH @ CADS ARLEY

STREET SPACE

14:00–14:30

ZARON MIZMERAS

If you've spent any time in Sheffield, you will likely have witnessed Zaron's visual delights on the walls of a dank cavern. For this show, they have assembled the spiciest dreams and the lucidest memes for a set packed with audiovisual layers.

14:40–15:00

CHARLIE POTTER

You might have seen a smartly dressed but somehow scraggly beard screaming in the front row of the noise show. Now you can get the noise artist experience and watch him scream at you too.

15:10–15:40

HARD AS NAILS

Not like fingernails. Nails that you can build like a really solid cabinet with. That being said, it's not like they're some burly blackened metalcore band. They're fun, and they can play so many instruments – keyboards, drums, sax – and they've got ideas, and it's nice.

16:10–16:40

FEUDALISM NOW!

Honk. Honk. Honk. Honk. That's the sound of the peasantry coming for you with whatever instruments happen to be lying around. Come and join us! Bring an instrument and we'll show you how.

16:50–17:20

DISTRAXI

The noisy entrails of Alina Church. Known as the nemesis of the Hatch PA, nearly inducing a fire through a ritual involving her voice, a contact mic, several helpings of distortion and a baking tray.

17:40–18:10

KNORKE

Knorke knorke. Who's there? No idea how to say this band's name, let alone think of a punchline. High-energy quirk songs from this four-piece, exclusively for Punchlines 2025.

18:35–19:10

SLUG MILK

What is that over there, emerging from the fog? A solitary bone rises

from the slush and gestures towards you with sloppy intent. Dare you resist the call of the slug?

19:25–20:00

LO EGIN

The finest fart rock band from Leeds and Sheffield. Hot off the heels of a split release with the recently broken Beige Palace and currently at peak identity crisis, Lo Egin brandish horn and string at high volumes and low eggs.

20:25–20:55

HUMAN LEATHER

Fast-paced sharts of gorgeous bass and drums. Brighton duo winning hearts and minds since 2015.

21:20–21:55

SOPHROSYNE

Extremely blackened cybergrind from Bristol that will absolutely test the limits of how much snarl a single person can both emit and receive. Corpse paint slathered and heavy as shit.

22:20–22:55

PRE-DECEASED

Manchester punks hailing from the mind of ex-MVP Charlie Wyatt. The good shit done terrifyingly well.

23:20–00:00

THANK

A fake band from Leeds who just won't quit.

00:30–02:00

DJ KAREOKE

Hatch resident DJs bringing the tweak to your twilight.

THE HARLEQUIN

15:00–16:00

THE LOCAL

Acoustic songs about the good old pub.

18:00–19:00

JACKIE MOONBATHER

Astral sounds to float you through the early evening.

21:00–22:00

ASBO FACE

High-energy punk.

HILLSBOROUGH SOCIAL CLUB

16:00–17:00

EMBERS

Acoustic duo playing pop, folk and country

17:00–18:00

REANNE VIADA

Pop!

18:00–19:00

JAMIE FOX

Solo artist.

19:00–20:00

NATE PICKFORD

Country, Rock n Roll and pop. 22:00–23:00

THE TOGZ

Acoustic duo playing pop, folk and country

HOP HIDEOUT

14:00–14:30

TEAH LEWIS

Early doors live session from Sheffield singer-songwriter Teah Lewis, whose sound channels the soulful folk of Vashti Bunyan and Joni Mitchell.

15:00–15:30

I SET THE SEA ON FIRE

Early doors live session from Sheffield band I Set The Sea On Fire. Imagine a band of pirates sailing the seas, one power riff at a time.

JABBARWOCKY

18:00–19:00

GONGSLAP JONES

19:00–20:00

HORSEBACK JESUS

20:00–21:00

HARLOT

Sheffield Scream Queens. 21:00–22:00

YO DYNAMO

E-number fizz-bass from Sheff. 22:00–23:00

ISIS MORAY

Hypnotising blend of electronic melodies, ranging from deep, dark ambience to more hard and rugged techno.

THE FRINGE @ TRAMLINES | SATURDAY LISTINGS

KATIE O'BRIEN'S IRISH TAVERN

16:00–18:00

ISAAC NEILSON

Singer-songwriter performing indie, britpop, noughties and classic covers.

18:00–20:00

LEXI WHITESIDE

Upbeat acoustic covers to get the crowd singing and dancing.

20:00–22:00

BANTRY BOYS CLUB

Irish rock ’n’ roll with high energy and big hits from the Emerald Isle.

22:00–00:00

GARETH HUMPHRIES & THE DIRTY MARTINIS

South Derbyshire trio blending soul, rock and reggae with an honest, powerful sound.

LEAH’S YARD –COURTYARD

17:00–18:00

STEEL RIVER STRING BAND

Country and bluegrass string trio for all your line-dancing and hoedown needs.

18:00–22:00

CHARITY SHOP DISCO OPEN

DECKS – SHEFFIELD SPECIAL

Book a slot to spin your own discs in the Yard – beginners welcome!

LEOPOLD SQUARE

13:00–15:00

THE LEMUR CONSPIRACY

Eight-piece Sheffield jazz-funk band blending horns, rhythm, afrobeat and dance music with high-energy original grooves.

15:00–17:00

KATIE BOSWORTH

RnB, soul, pop and classic hits with a powerful live band – expect Amy Winehouse, Jorja Smith, Stevie Wonder and more.

17:00–19:00

BILLIE JANE

Sheffield rising star blending soul, funk and party grooves from Silk Sonic to MJ, with a standout live band.

19:00–20:30

MATRIX CLUB MATRIX

90s dance anthems and club classics performed live by one of the UK’s most sought-after party bands.

20:30–23:00

DJ RYAN TAYLOR

Global dancefloor vibes from reggaeton to nu-disco and afro house.

MAIDA VALE

17:00–17:45

GALLOPING DICK

Authentic rock'n'roll / rockabilly trio.

19:15–21:00

JACARANDAS

Floor-filling party covers.

MARY ST LIVE

12:00–17:00

YOUTH MUSIC FROM ACROSS SHEFFIELD

Come and support the real grassroots of Sheffield’s music scene. You’ll be able to say you saw them first.

12:30

AUDITORY VORTEX

High Storrs and King Edward’s Schools.

12:50

THE HUNTED Silverdale and King Edward’s Schools.

13:30

REVERIE

All-girl indie rock from Hinde House School.

13:50 ANDROMEDA

Four-piece indie rock with stunning vocals from Yewlands School. 14:20

THE KLEMENTINES

Kinetic indie pop rock with punchy originals and catchy covers.

15:00

BAND #4

Keys, bass, drums and guitars from High Storrs.

15:35

VERTIGO

Sheffield’s sonic storm – bass, drums and electric guitar twisting raw energy into pure sound.

16:10

TELEATERS

Four-piece blending shoegaze, hardcore and punk into a unique sound.

18:30–00:00

EVENING: SHEFFIELD

UNDERGROUND LEGENDS