The Steel City has always been known for its amazing music. From Pulp to the Arctic Monkeys, Sheffield has embroidered itself into Britain’s incredible musical fabric and it shows no signs of stopping soon. With possibly the biggest Tramlines lineup yet and gig-galore throughout the city, here’s some of the must-see live events to come.
Tramlines festival is obviously the go-to gig event in Sheffield, but this year could be one you really wouldn’t want to skip. With Friday’s lineup being a day curated by Pulp and headlined by the britpop legends themself, it’s one that any proud Sheffield resident would find hard to miss. Alongside that, Saturday and Sunday are littered with iconic artists like Kasabian, CMAT, Rizzle Kicks and hometown heroes Reytons; the line up has something for everyone. There’s even an appearance from renowned Manchester poet John Cooper Clarke who has an immense soft spot for Sheffield and will be performing as Pulp’s special guest on Friday. Most tickets are already sold out so go grab the last few to make your summer even more special.
Four day rock and roll spectacle Rock’n’ Roll Circus is heading back to Sheffield for four unforgettable days in August. If you’ve ever been at a concert and thought ‘this could really use a trapeze artist’, this is the festival for you. With insane headliners like Reverend and the Makers, ‘Sit Down’ singer James, indie kings The Wombats and American alt legends Queens of the Stone Age (featuring a set from Swedish punk rockers Viagra Boys), August 27th to the 31st promises to be nothing but loud and crazy.
If big names are your thing, but you prefer cheaper beer and a smaller venue you might fancy Sheffield’s Fake Festival. Whilst a festival dedicated to tribute acts might sound a bit silly, it could be the most fun you’ll have all season. With Pulp’d, Fore Fighters, The Really Hot Chilli Peppers “headlining” Endcliffe Park on May 10 amongst other acts, you’d be silly to miss out.
Aside from festivals, gigs are popping up all over the city. At Leadmill, post-punk Sheffield based band Bromhead Jackets will be jumping the stage on May 9, with The Vamps lead singer Bradley Simpson taking the spotlight solo on May 13.
If you’ve missed out on Fake Festival tickets, why not try Rumors of Fleetwood Mac on June 4 who will be delighting City Hall with their performance as one of the best tribute bands in the country. And we can’t forget the Bootleg Beatles on September 6 , playing Leadmill again after their show last summer – seriously, you’ll have to do a double take.
It also wouldn’t be Yorkshire without some wayward Hollywood names making their way to our part of the country this summer – does it not feel strange to know that these icons will only be a few doors down from Aslans? OG pop girl Kylie Minogue will be performing at the Utilita in May, followed by R&B superstar Lionel Richie in June. We can’t forget dancing queen Sophie Ellis Bextor and Take That alumni/ star of one Miranda episode Gary Barlow both playing City Hall – my idea of two very nice days out.
Sheffield has never let us down for music, and this summer is shaping up to be one of the best yet for gig-goers like myself, but maybe the worst for our bank accounts. So get your tickets now, pick up an extra shift (or maybe a few) and get ready for a summer you won’t forget.
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