A huge, completely free festival will be taking over one of Sheffield's proudest independent neighbourhoods this weekend.
A whopping 20 venues will come together for Abbeydale Live, turning Abbeydale Road into a bustling hive of live music, family-friendly activities, and more.
The free event will be back this weekend after a successful debut last year - and this time, it's even bigger than before.
Abbeydale Live will be taking place on both 18 and 19 April right across Abbeydale Road, with different venues hosting live performances all weekends.
Expect to hear everything from jazz to alternative, with the festival running into the early hours at local bars and nightlife hotspots.
Corner will be taking part in Abbeydale LiveTwo Thirds is another spot on the Abbeydale Live trailAbbeydale Picture House
There's a new stage being added to Abbeydale Live's line-up this year, with the Sarah Nulty Music Foundation Stage in the Abbeydale Ballroom car park, raising awareness for its work supporting grassroots music and community projects.
Some of Sheffield's top independent venues, which all happen to be based here in Abbeydale, will be taking part this year, including The Broadfield, The Gin Bar, Simz Golf, Two Thirds, Corner, Abbeydale Ballroom, Abbeydale Tap, Jameson’s, Over The Yardarm, Best Boy Bagels, Cole’s Corner, STYR, Smashed & Pulled, Dead Donkey, Rumkeg 876, Amici & Bici, Nether Edge Pizza, and The Bear.
The line-up will include two-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Steve Edwards, Louis Louis Louis, and Montuno, with more acts to be announced.
There'll be a trail all the way along Abbeydale Road, encouraging visitors to explore the full length of the road and all of its many local traders.
Nicole Jewitt, organiser of Abbeydale Live and Chair of the Abbeydale Independent Traders Association, said: "Abbeydale Live is about what happens when a street really comes together. It’s independent businesses, artists, students, families, everyone playing their part.
"You can start at one end of Abbeydale Road and walk all the way through, discovering music, food and new places as you go. It’s completely free, open to everyone, and it’s something we’re really proud to build together as a community."
If you’re looking for something a little more wholesome for your next day out, there’s a ceramics studio in Sharrow Vale that needs to be on your radar.
Tucked away in Cowlishaw Works, Bare Ceramics Studio is run by the wonderful Abi and is basically your excuse to get stuck into some clay and pretend you’ve suddenly become very artistic.
You might already recognise Abi’s work from her iconic boobies mugs and vases, which have become something of a Sheffield favourite. But this isn’t just a place to admire the boobies; you can actually have a go at making your own ceramics too.
Fancy painting a mug? Go for it. Want to make a wonky little bowl that your mum will politely pretend is lovely? Absolutely. Never touched clay in your life? Even better.
And if you’re firmly in your relaxed, calming era, this one is for you.
There’s something very satisfying about switching your phone off, getting your hands covered in clay and spending a couple of hours making something completely your own.
Some of the things you could paint at Bare Ceramics Studio in Sheffield. Credit: The Sheff
You can try your hand at hand-building and different pottery techniques before your masterpiece is glazed and fired, ready for you to pick up later. And who knows, you might love it so much that your kitchen suddenly becomes a full-blown handmade crockery showroom.
It’s also a pretty good shout for dates, mate dates, birthdays and hen dos, with private sessions available if you fancy getting the gang involved.
So, if you’re bored of doing the same old thing every weekend, ditch the pub, get stuck into some clay and enter your pottery era.
Five of the best new openings in Sheffield recently – from cookie kiosks to Italian trattorias
Clementine Hall
It's been an absolutely belting year for new openings in Sheffield, and we're only just getting started.
We don't know about you guys, but we think Sheffield is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment. And trust us, that's a lot.
We've had some cracking spots arrive in the city so far this year, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out pretty pronto.
But first, allow us to tell you all about them...
Maria
4 Wellington St, Sheffield, S1 4HD
Images: The Sheff
The talented team behind Bench and The Pearl opened up this beautiful restaurant in the city centre back in March, and it'll come as no surprise to you that it's absolutely class.
Maria, located on Wellington Street in the new heart of the city development, is a homage to owner Ronnie's grandmother and a nod to his southern Italian heritage. It's a space unlike anything in the city, a small but perfectly-formed space complete with counter dining where you can watch the magic happen.
They're cooking up Sicilian-inspired dishes made using Yorkshire produce, like the tortellini in brodo with Yorkshire ham from Swaledale Butchers in Skipton.
Manchester’s beloved bakery, Gooey, has opened a gorgeous kiosk inside Meadowhall and we’re utterly obsessed.
They’ve brought their thick cookies, pillowy doughnuts and fabulous drink creations (hello French toast matcha) to Sheffield and it’s the perfect mid-shopping fuel.
Memory Dance
21 Chapel Walk, S1 2PD
Images: The Sheff
There’s a brand-new space that’s just opened on Chapel Walk, celebrating Sheffield in a truly unique way. From vinyl records and exhibitions to immersive cinematic experiences, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves the city’s rich creative heritage.
JD Sports
Meadowhall, S9 1EP
Images: The Sheff
High street sportswear and footwear giant JD Sports has officially unveiled its brand-new superstore at Meadowhall, and it’s safe to say they’ve pulled out all the stops.
Packed with the latest trainers, streetwear, and all your favourite clothing brands under one roof, this new store is a must-visit if you’re planning your next shopping spree.
Daisy Jackson -
16th April 2026 
