The O2 Academy Sheffield could finally be ready to turn the music back on, almost three years since its closure.
Sheffield’s live music fans may finally have something to sing about, after the O2 Academy appeared to tease its long-awaited return to the city.
The venue has posted a suitably cryptic video featuring a microphone asking the question: "Is this thing on?"
And, after nearly three years of silence, we certainly hope so.
The O2 Academy on Arundel Gate has been closed since September 2023, when concerns over reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), or 'crumbly concrete' in the building’s roof forced the venue to shut as a safety precaution.
Since then, Sheffield gig-goers have been left without one of the city’s biggest dedicated live music venues, with the 2,000-plus capacity space having hosted everyone from rising local acts to major touring artists.
There was a major step forward in February 2025, when Sheffield City Council approved plans to replace the venue’s roof, paving the way for the building to eventually reopen.
And now, things appear to be moving again.
Roof repair work has been progressing at the venue, with construction activity becoming increasingly visible around the building. In April, Time Out reported that much of the work inside was complete and that attention had turned to the exterior roof.
There is still no official reopening date announced, but the latest teaser from the venue is perhaps the clearest hint yet that its return could be getting closer.
The building itself has plenty of Sheffield musical history to live up to. It originally opened in 1968 as the Top Rank Suite, later becoming the legendary Roxy nightclub before being transformed into the O2 Academy following a £3 million refurbishment in 2008.
Over the decades, the venue has welcomed some seriously big names, including David Bowie, The Jam and The Police - so it’s fair to say the microphone has some pretty big shoes to fill.
Sheffield has been shortlisted to be the UK City of Culture 2029.
It's great news for Sheffield, as the city has made it into the final four to be considered as the UK City of Culture for 2029.
Sheffield is included alongside Blackpool, Milton Keynes and Wrexham.
All four cities will now receive £125,000 to move forward with their bids, with £10 million going to the overall winner.
The title is currently held by Bradford, and is awarded every four years.
The brilliant news follows months of work by partners, cultural organisations, artists, communities, businesses and residents from across the city, who have come together behind a shared vision for Sheffield's cultural future.
Image: The Sheff
Sheffield's bid celebrates the city's rich industrial heritage and reputation as a place where creativity thrives.
The next step? Each shortlisted city will welcome the expert panel of judges and present their proposals, before the eventual winner of UK City of Culture 2029 is announced in early 2027
Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "Being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is fantastic news for Sheffield and a proud moment for everyone who has helped shape our bid.
"Sheffield is a city built on creativity, innovation and community spirit. From our world-renowned music heritage and vibrant independent arts scene to our festivals, libraries, theatres, museums, galleries and grassroots creativity, culture is part of who we are.
"This recognition reflects the incredible talent, energy and ambition that exists across our city. We look forward to taking our bid to the next stage and continuing to showcase everything that makes Sheffield such a special place."
Surriya Falconer, Chair of Sheffield Culture Collective, said: "Sheffield has the expertise, capability and ambition to deliver a programme that engages and benefits all communities.
"Our city has immense cultural capital and a rich heritage spanning the full spectrum of creative endeavour, making a significant contribution to our economy, our wellbeing and the quality of our lives."
An all-you-can-eat pizza restaurant with no menu is opening in Sheffield this month
Clementine Hall
A restaurant where you can dive into unlimited pizza is opening in Sheffield very soon.
Like pizza? Then you're going to love this.
Introducing Slice Club, a brand-new restaurant concept that's opening in Sharrow Vale this month.
The idea has been 14 years in the making, and it's unlike anything you'll find in the city.
For £17.50 per person, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, with fresh pizzas circulating around the room and served straight to the table.
There’s no menu or individual ordering, you simply take what you fancy, and a light on the table lets the team know when you’d like to pause or have more.
Image: Slice Club
And it doesn't stop there as there’s no fixed sitting time, either. You simply eat until you're full and then the team will let the next group of hungry punters in, so you don't have to feel rushed.
Dips, drinks and desserts are extra and can be ordered separately.
As for the pizzas, there's plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available so nobody has to miss out on the slice action.
Teasing the opening on Instagram, The Slice Club said: "No choosing a pizza and regretting it when someone else’s turns up. We make them. We bring them round. You take what you fancy. Drinks and desserts work normally."
"You’ve watched the window go up. You’ve watched us get the place ready. Now, you can finally book a table. We’re bringing bottomless pizza to Sharrow Vale, with slices coming to you until you decide to hit pause."
Sounds like a pretty good concept if you ask us, and we don't have long to wait as The Slice Club will be opening on Sharrow Vale Road on Friday 30 October.
Bookings are now open, and you can book your table via their website here.
Daisy Jackson -
7th September 2026 
