Sheffield

John Burkhill ‘The Man with the Pram’ to be honoured ‘Sheffield Legends’ star outside Town Hall

"You have been part of this journey every step of the way."

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 24th September 2026

If you know Sheffield, then you’ll know John Burkhill, better known to many as the ‘The Man with a Pram’.

You can’t really miss him either.

Usually dressed in his iconic bright green clothing, sporting the curly green wig, and pushing his trusty pram, John has become one of the city’s most recognisable faces all while raising an incredible £1.2 million and counting for Macmillan Cancer Support.

John began fundraising after losing both his wife June and his 29-year-old daughter Karen within the same year, going on to take on countless marathons and challenges in their memory.

Now, after years of raising an incredible amount for charity and becoming such a much-loved part of Sheffield, he’s set to be honoured with a new ‘Sheffield Legends’ star.

It’s about time there was a permanent reminder of everything John has done for the city, don't you think?

In a statement on his social media, John wrote: "Ey up Sheffield, I've been keeping a bit of a secret, but next Tuesday there's something very special happening at Sheffield Town Hall.

"I'm incredibly honoured to be receiving a Sheffield Legends plaque. This recognition is about the people of Sheffield. The people who've stopped for a chat, cheered me on from across the road, given me a high five, or dropped a few bob into the pram. You have been part of this journey every step of the way, and I'm incredibly grateful for your support.

"Together we've raised over £1.2 million and made a difference to people living with cancer. That's something this city should be proud of.

"Thank you, Sheffield, for getting behind me for all these years. I'll be thinking of June and Karen, and I'll be wearing my green wig with pride. Hope to see some familiar faces there."

Read more: Crossed Wires festival brings huge £6.6m boost to Sheffield as its impact is revealed

Featured image - The Sheff

Sheffield

Crossed Wires festival brings huge £6.6m boost to Sheffield as its impact is revealed

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The world's biggest podcast festival, Crossed Wires, continues its magnificent rise in just its third year.

It's safe to say that the festival has had its landmark year, with this year's independent economic assessment confirming the 2026 festival generated £6.65 million in total economic impact.

After doubling footfall to a whopping 50,000 attendees in 2026, the festival has further cemented its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing cultural festivals. 

Alongside its strong local community roots, it may come as a surprise that just over half (52%) of festivalgoers travelled from outside of South Yorkshire, with 40% outside the UK North and Midlands.

Image: Supplied

It's amazing news for the festival which launched just three years ago and has rapidly evolved from an ambitious start-up festival into a nationally significant event.

South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard said: "When we backed Crossed Wires in its early days, we knew South Yorkshire had the talent, creativity and ambition to make something truly special. What's happened since has been incredible.

"Tens of thousands of people have come to our region, filling venues, supporting local businesses and bringing millions of pounds into our economy. That's good news for Sheffield and for our communities right across South Yorkshire."

Images: Supplied

Co-Founder Dino Sofos, said: “We’re delighted to see Crossed Wires become one of South Yorkshire’s biggest cultural events in just three years. There’s a real buzz around the festival, and reaching 50,000 attendees while generating over £6million for the local economy this year shows the scale of what we’ve created - and its potential to grow even further."

We can't wait to see the future of Crossed Wires festival, and we're already looking forward to the next instalment taking place from 1 - 4 July 2027. We'll see you there.

Read more: Sheffield artists wanted to help put their stamp on huge new neighbourhood

Featured images - Press images (Supplied)

Sheffield

The Sheffield gem that’s a bakery, cafe, and greengrocer all in one

Declan Kelly Declan Kelly

Tonco has been part of Sheffield’s food scene for years now, and its Sharrow Vale home is still going strong.

There’s something very satisfying about finding a place that basically does everything you need. Need a coffee? Fancy some lunch? Have to pick up some bits for dinner? Well... welcome to Tonco Bakery in Sharrow Vale.

On Sharrow Vale Road, Tonco is a bakery, cafe, and greengrocer all under one roof, making it one of those neighbourhood spots you could very easily find yourself popping into every week.

But the Tonco story actually started somewhere else. Before there was a bakery, there was the restaurant.

Tonco first arrived in Sheffield in 2019, opening its first permanent home in Dyson Place, just off Sharrow Vale Road. It quickly built up a loyal following thanks to its seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients, and ever-changing dishes.

Credit: The Manc Group
Credit: The Manc Group

The restaurant became a bit of a favourite among Sheffield foodies, while also helping bring more attention to the independent businesses around Dyson Place. Then, in 2022, Tonco expanded into the bakery world, taking over the former Seven Hills Bakery site on Sharrow Vale Road.

The bakery had already been a familiar face in the area, but the Tonco team gave the space a new lease of life, eventually turning it into the bakery, café and greengrocer it is today.

The original Tonco restaurant sadly closed its doors in 2024, with rising costs and rent making things increasingly difficult for the independent business.

But that wasn’t the end, as instead, the bakery has carried the name forward. Today, you’ll find fresh bread and bakes being made in-house, alongside a seasonal cafe menu and shelves packed with fresh fruit, vegetables, and other ingredients. And obviously, we had to try a few things ourselves.

We tucked into the flatbread lamb kofta, the all-day smorgasbord, and a couple of pastries for good measure, including the tahini pain au chocolate.

Credit: The Manc Group
Credit: The Manc Group

What makes Tonco stand out, though, is that it doesn’t really feel like you need a reason to visit. You can grab a coffee, sit down for breakfast, meet a mate for lunch, pick up some bread for home, or do your weekly shop while you’re there. It’s very much a 'pop in for one thing and somehow leave with five' kind of place.

After years of being part of Sheffield’s independent food scene, it’s good to see Tonco still going strong, just in a slightly different form.

So, if you’re heading through Sharrow Vale and haven’t been yet, consider this your sign. Just remember to leave some room in the shopping bag.

Featured Image - The Manc Group

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