Crossed Wires Podcast Festival 2026 Concludes with Memorable Performances in Sheffield

The Crossed Wires Podcast Festival 2026 wrapped up its final day on Sunday, 5th July, in Sheffield, leaving attendees buzzing with excitement and inspiration. This year’s festival brought together a star-studded lineup of podcasters, including the likes of Jo Whiley, Zoe Ball, Blindboy Boatclub, and Zack Polanski, who each delivered memorable performances that celebrated the vibrant world of podcasting.

Star-Studded Lineup

Woman in red dress sitting on stage with microphone

Musician with guitar wearing striped shirt and beanie

Two performers on stage with audience clapping in theater

On the last day of the festival, audiences were treated to a variety of engaging shows. Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball celebrated the one-year anniversary of their podcast, Dig It, with a lively live performance at The Crucible Theatre. They were joined by special guests, including comedian Sara Pascoe and gardener Ish Kamran, creating a unique atmosphere where fun and gardening collided. During the show, the audience participated in a game called ‘Dig It or Dump It’, where they debated quirky topics such as whether cottage cheese on pineapple should be kept or tossed aside.

Meanwhile, Blindboy Boatclub, known for The Blindboy Podcast, captivated listeners with a reading from his book, followed by an insightful discussion with Professor Carl Chinn MBE. Their conversation explored serious topics such as class disparity and the portrayal of working-class culture in media, highlighting the importance of understanding and sharing these narratives.

Engaging Conversations

Another highlight of the day was Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, who hosted a discussion with drag artist and activist Bimini Bon Boulash for his podcast Bold Politics. The duo focused on the need for community spaces for young LGBTQIA+ individuals, the impact of social media on human connections, and the importance of political engagement in today’s world. Their heartfelt conversation resonated deeply with the audience, filled with hope for a more inclusive future.

Chilling Tales and Comedy

Later in the day, Danny Robins took to the stage at the reportedly haunted Lyceum Theatre for a live recording of his podcast, Uncanny. Teaming up with guests Evelyn Hollow and Dr Ciarán O’Keeffe, Robins delved into chilling cold cases, blending storytelling with spine-tingling investigations. This live show promises to be available on BBC iPlayer, allowing more fans to experience the eerie excitement.

Comedians Matt Forde and Alice Levine entertained audiences with an interactive special of British Scandal, featuring the infamous Blenheim Palace Toilet Heist. Audience participation included a fun game of ‘British Scandal Bingo’, where attendees could win prizes by catching key phrases from the show’s script.

More Than Just Podcasts

The festival also featured a range of performances from other notable figures. Lucy Worsley, Kate Lister, and Clare Corbett presented their show Lady Killers, exploring notorious women in history through an engaging narrative that highlighted themes of gender and class. In another corner of the festival, journalist Sue Mitchell and former soldier Rob Lawrie shared thrilling behind-the-scenes stories from their investigative series, To Catch a Scorpion and To Catch a King.

Families were not left out, as Dan Simpson hosted the Fun Kids Science Quest, showcasing the wonders of science through interactive experiments. Meanwhile, Nick Cope entertained a packed audience with his fun family show, ensuring laughter and joy filled the air. The vibrant atmosphere of Barkers Pool kept spirits high with a variety of street performances, including a magician and an all-female Morris dancing team.

Looking Ahead to 2027

As the festival came to a close, it was evident that Crossed Wires 2026 had been a resounding success, leaving tens of thousands entertained and perhaps even inspired to start their own podcasts. The variety of topics discussed and the passion shared by the speakers highlighted the importance of storytelling in connecting people. With plans already underway for next year, excitement is building for Crossed Wires 2027, promising even more engaging content and conversations.

For those who missed the festival, recordings of many shows, including Dig It, Get a Grip, and Uncanny: Cold Cases, will be available on BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to catch up on the highlights and relive the experience.