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What went down at Tramlines 2026 – fancy dress, surprise guests and non-stop sunshine

What a weekend.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 29th July 2026

Tramlines 2026 has officially wrapped up, and dare we say it might have been the best one yet?

Well, that’s it folks. One of the biggest weekends of Sheffield's musical calendar has been ticked off, and what a time we had.

First of all, the weather was a far cry from three years ago where Hillsborough Park turned into an actual swamp, and instead we were slapping on the sun cream before heading into the crowds.

The lineup, in true Tramlines fashion, was full of indie royalty from The Courteeners and Blossoms to Wet Leg and The Royston Club.

One of the highlights, though, was Fatboy Slim who was booked as the festival's first ever DJ headliner on the Friday night.

Images: The Sheff

Performing to a sea of sh*t-shirt wearing ravers, his set was filled with iconic tracks and unforgettable beats which reminded us why he really is one of the rave scene's biggest legends.

It wouldn't be a festival without at least one surprise guest, and our favourite had to be Rick Astley rocking up to join Manchester's own Blossoms on the main stage on Saturday night.

This special moment secured it as one of our favourite sets of the weekend, you just can't not love Rick Astley (especially when he's sporting an all-white suit) and it's safe to say Blossoms are truly at their very best right now.

Wolf Alice reminded everyone exactly why they're one of the UK's very best live bands, delivering a set packed with atmosphere, plenty of leather and enough energy to keep the crowd hooked from start to finish.

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Then there were The Courteeners, who once again proved why they're one of the country's most reliable festival headliners. As soon as Not Nineteen Forever rang out across Hillsborough Park, thousands of voices took over, creating a proper goosebump moment.

Elsewhere, Wet Leg brought their trademark quirks and infectious anthems, while The Royston Club continued their rapid rise with a set that left plenty of people convinced they're destined for even bigger stages in the years to come.

Of course it wouldn't be Tramlines without celebrating the city's own music scene. Sheffield's musical heritage was on full display throughout the weekend, with local talent dominating the bill including indie band Cruz who performed to a packed out crowd on The Leadmill Stage.

Away from the stages, the atmosphere was exactly what Tramlines has become famous for.

Thousands of friendly people soaking up the sunshine, grabbing a pint and enjoying some properly good live music. The fancy dress competition on the Saturday just showed how great the city's community spirit is, it's not often you bump into a group of six women dressed as tomatoes.

We left with the inevitable husky voice and achey legs, but also with a real buzz and love for the city. Another year, another absolute belter. Roll on Tramlines 2027.

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Two brilliant Sheffield pubs have been named among the best in the UK

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Two brilliant Sheffield pubs have been named among the best in the UK

Two fantastic pubs in Sheffield have just been named in the top 20 in the entire UK.

A comprehensive new list of the top 22 pubs in the country has been published by Time Out, which spans the length and breadth of the country looking for the watering holes that nail a ‘convivial atmosphere, charming staff, charismatic decor and, above all, a varied selection of well-kept, well-served drinks’.

And it was not one, but two of our city's boozers that caught the eye of experts, one praised for its 'rugged charm' and the other for its impressive real ale selection.

While the top spot went to The Peveril of the Peak in Manchester, Sheffield's own The Rutland Arms came in at a very respectable seventh place.

Time Out celebrated the pub's 'glorious' tiled exterior, the unpretentious interiors, the jukebox, and its small plates and chip butties.

They wrote: "There is a rugged charm to this low-key but excellent Sheffield pub that has been my go-to for many years.

"After entering its gloriously yellow tiled art deco exterior, you are welcomed into a place, filled with various nick nacks, that has no time for pretentiousness or fancy adornments.

"Instead the Rutland Arms focuses on the bare necessities: superbly curated beer, delicious food (it’s as famous for its knockout small plates as it is its chip butties) and a stacked jukebox. It’s always lively, with a nicely tucked-away beer garden, and it’s a rare kind of pub that is bursting with personality."

Across town, Time Out also singled out Kelham Island Tavern as being one of the best in the UK.

The list said: "Tell a Sheffield native that the Tav is your favourite pub and watch an expression of quiet admiration wash over their face.

"Perched on a street corner on the city’s man-made islet, this gem was rescued from dereliction in 2002, and boy are we glad to see it still standing.

"With no less than 13 ale hand pumps and an ever-rotating list of beers from the country’s best brewers (including co-owner Josh Jepson’s signature blonde), Kelham Island Tavern is to Sheffield’s pub scene what barley is to, well, beer.

"Not a fan of real ale? Take a trip to the Kelham Island Tavern and come back to me."

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Successful Sheffield charity walk returns to Meadowhall to support people living with dementia

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Sheffield Hospitals Charity and Meadowhall have announced the return of the Red Shoe Walk for 2026.

After a hugely successful debut event last year that brought hundreds of people together and raised over £12,000 - The Red Shoe Walk is back.

The community event returns on Sunday 2nd August and will once again see families and friends walk the accessible route around Meadowhall to raise vital funds for people living with dementia across Sheffield.

The Red Shoe Walk was inspired by one woman's lifelong love of red shoes - a simple memory trigger that helps her connect with her past.

As you lace up, you're invited to take a moment to reflect on your own memories. Photos, music, familiar objects and special places can help bring back older memories and create a sense of connection.

Image: Supplied

Everyone taking part will walk a 2km route round Meadowhall. The walk starts at 10am with registrations open from 9am at the Summer Beach Club. The route is flat, accessible and suitable for all ages - so nobody has to miss out.

After the walk has finished you will get free access and unlimited rides until midday at Meadowhall's Summer Beach Club.

.Not only that, but singer songwriter Joe Carnall Jnr will perform live at the start of this year’s Red Shoe Walk.

Best known as a member of Sheffield-band Milburn and previously Reverend & The Makers, Joe will be joined by cast members from his brand-new musical ‘How Could I Forget?’ as part of the warm-up for the walk.

Image: Supplied

The musical is a heartfelt love letter to grandparents, inspired by Joe’s own family experience with dementia and loss. The show has sold out an impressive three nights at Sheffield Theatres and tickets have recently been released for the Carriageworks in Leeds.

Joe said: “My grandad passed away with dementia over 10 years ago and I got the inspiration for the musical from him. I want to do the walk with my three young children, reminisce and tell stories about him and connect with other people who have their own experiences of dementia.”

Beth Crackles, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity said: “We’re thrilled with how the first ever Red Shoe Walk brought our community together in solidarity and are beyond excited to bring it back for 2026. It will be such a poignant moment to have Joe and the cast from ‘How Could I Forget’ perform live ahead of the walk, and we’re so grateful for their support.

"We hope to see lots of people there, walking together as a community to make a real difference for people living with dementia and their loved ones.”

Image: Supplied

Darren Pearce, Centre Director at Meadowhall said: “Dementia touches the lives of so many families across our local community, and we’re incredibly proud to be working with Sheffield Hospitals Charity to host the Red Shoe Walk for a second time.

“Building on the success of last year’s event – which raised over £10,000 for the charity – it’s brilliant to be welcoming Joe Carnall Jnr to perform this year. The performance will start the event perfectly, as people once again come together to raise vital funds for those affected by dementia throughout the city.”

Not only that, but football legends Tony Currie, John Pearson and John Breckin from Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United have also joined forces to back the walk, raising awareness and funds  for dementia care across Sheffield.

To join this year’s Red Shoe Walk, visit the Sheffield Hospitals Charity website for tickets and event information.

Prices are £7 per adult, £4 per child, £18 for a family of four and under 3’s go free. Each ticket includes an exclusive Red Shoe Walk t-shirt to wear on the day, access to a range of exclusive discounts at participating Meadowhall retailers plus free entry and free rides at the Summer Beach Club until midday.

Sign up by midnight on Thursday 30 July.

Featured image - Supplied

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