Finally, one of Sheffield's leading music venues has revealed its reopening plans, almost three years after closing due to safety concerns.
Extensive work has been ongoing at the O2 Academy Sheffield, and after a brief teaser yesterday, they've now announced that their return is imminent.
Today, the Academy Music Group has announced the venue will reopen for live music and amazing nightlife events early next year.
There's been substantial investment into remedial works since the venue was temporarily closed in September 2023, including the installation of a new roof, air-conditioning and extensive works to service areas in both the main room and O2 Academy2.
When the doors reopen, our ears will be blessed with a new L-Acoustics K3 loudspeaker system, one of the world's most recognisable sound systems.
The O2 Academy Sheffield has an incredible history since its launch as Top Rank Suite in 1968, that includes hosting iconic gigs from The Police, The Clash, Joy Division and David Bowie, before rebranding to dance institution the Roxy Disco, which dominated the club scene and became the region’s biggest nightspot in the eighties and nineties.
The venue was acquired by AMG and reopened in 2008 following an extensive refurbishment and an opening week that highlighted the great and the good of South Yorkshire.
Reverend & The Makers and The Human League were among the first acts to take to the stage, with other notable shows including Elbow, The Prodigy, Kasabian, Self Esteem, The Streets, Bring Me The Horizon, The Killers, Wolf Alice, Stormzy, Milburn and The Black Keys.
Liam Boylan, CEO, Academy Music Group, said: "AMG is the backbone of the UK touring circuit, and O2 Academy Sheffield is an important venue in the region and one that promoters and artists will have missed being able to include on their routing whilst it has been closed.
"Our venue estate has not been complete without this landmark building and it’s wonderful to be able to announce its return to the group."
John Hughes, Managing Director of Adlib, said: "We're delighted to be working with the AMG team on this landmark venue in Sheffield. Having welcomed legendary artists to the stage, it has a brilliant musical heritage that we’re helping to carry forward.
"By integrating new audio and lighting systems in collaboration with our partners L-Acoustics and DiGiCo, we're ensuring the venue is ready for the demands of today's productions, while giving artists, engineers and audiences a great experience."
Justin Smith, Divisional Manager, Academy Music Group, said: “Having worked at the venue since opening night almost two decades ago, the wider team and I can’t wait to get artists back on our stage and welcome loyal customers through the doors again.
“We have invested in some fantastic improvements including updating the audio capabilities at the venue. We want artists who return to play here to have access to the best technical equipment and ensure our audience is given the very best live experience. Our programme, as ever, is varied and the new L-Acoustics system really delivers across different genres and event types”.
O2 Academy Sheffield will reopen in February 2027.
A beloved Sheffield independent is expanding, and this time in the leafy suburb of Broomhill.
Just when you thought Sheffield's matcha scene couldn't get any better...MADE announces that they're opening a third site.
And judging by what they've teased over on their social media, this looks like it's set to be their best one yet.
Since launching last year, MADE has built a loyal following thanks to its aesthetic drinks, inventive flavours and a menu that goes far beyond your standard coffee shop offering.
Images: The Sheff
This pastel-toned, checker-floored, light-filled space first popped up on Ecclesall Road and was nothing short of a roaring success.
So much so, that they expanded across Yorkshire to open in Leeds on bustling Lower Briggate.
At its core, MADE specialises in hand-whisked matcha, with a rotating lineup of seasonal specials that are as photogenic as they are drinkable. Think strawberry shortcake matcha, sticky date lattes, and the much-hyped banana bread matcha that’s gained a cult following across both cities.
Alongside that, you’ll find iced coffees, 'split cups' for indecisive sippers, and smoothies inspired by the cult-favourite Erewhon.
MADE is also serving up generous açaí bowls, fresh sandwiches (including their popular tuna-cado option), salads which you can shake like a Kardiashian, and other grab-and-go bites.
Britpop legends Pulp to be inducted into Sheffield’s Walk of Fame this Friday
Clementine Hall
Sheffield music royalty Pulp are getting their very own star on the Sheffield Walk of Fame.
I mean...it's about time, isn't it?
The Britpop favourites fronted by icon Jarvis Cocker will be officially inducted into the Sheffield Legends Walk of Fame outside Sheffield Town Hall this Friday 30 October, with the unveiling scheduled for 2pm.
And don't fret, because anyone can head down to watch the occasion and show their support for the beloved band.
Not just that, but the band will be taking charge of a beloved local boozer and grassroots gig venue The Hallamshire Hotel on the same evening.
The news was announced on 9 October by Rough Trade Records, along with Pulp themselves.
Their pop-up pub in Manchester in August featured a jukebox programmed by Jarvis Cocker himself, along with merch literally plastered on every wall and even the ceilings.
The previous Pulp pop-up pub had loads of merch for sale, from tees and totes to records and stickers.
The walls were turned into a shrine for the band, showcasing posters and photography from throughout their illustrious career.
And the crowds came through in a big way, queueing halfway down the street for a chance to be totally immersed in all things Pulp.
This pop-up will have a Pulp quiz, pop-up shop, fancy dress competition and even Pulp karaoke...sign us up.
So this Friday, 30 October, you can head down to support Pulp and the unveiling of their coveted star before heading to The Hallamshire Hotel all for their very own pop-up pub experience for a couple pints or two.
Daisy Jackson -
8th September 2026 
