The Sheff

O2 Academy Sheffield teases return after nearly three years of closure

'Is this thing on?'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 7th September 2026

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.

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

Featured image: The Sheff

The Sheff

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

The Sheff

Sheffield put on official flood alert by Environment Agency as torrential rain hits city

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

After months of dry weather, heavy rain has fallen on Sheffield raising concerns.

If you're out and about today, we hope you've got a rain coat and umbrella with you.

Because after what seems like months of nonstop hot and dry weather, the flood gates have well and truly opened on Sheffield.

So much so that experts at the Environment Agency have issued flood alerts for nine areas in and around Sheffield.

The flood alert includes Blackburn Brook, the Lower River Rother, the Porter Brook Catchment the River Doe Lea catchment, the River Holme Catchment, the River Sheaf Catchment, the Upper River Don catchment, the Upper River Rother catchment and the Whiston Brook catchment.

Image: Environment Agency

The alert states: "Rising river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on August 27 2026 due to the heavy and thundery downpours expected today.

“Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers. We are closely monitoring the situation as river levels may rise suddenly and cause surface water flooding.

“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.”

Maps gave been issued by the agency that show the areas covered by the alert, including land near the Don and parts of Kelham Island, Hillsborough College, Hillsborough Stadium close to Penistone Road and land near Holme Lane and Rivelin Valley Road.

The alert comes as The Met Office states: “A broad band of thunderstorms and heavy rain will move north across England and Wales on Thursday, perhaps becoming slow moving in the afternoon and evening. Accumulations of 20-30 mm in an hour is possible locally, while 30 to 40 mm can be expected fairly widely and up to 50 mm in a 12 hour period in places."

Read more: Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant Six and A Half to launch new concept in Sheffield food hall

Featured image - The Sheff

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