Sheffield's Fringe at Tramlines Returns with Free Performances from July 24 to 26

This weekend, from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July, Sheffield will come alive with the return of The Fringe at Tramlines, offering hundreds of free performances across various venues in the city. This vibrant event is supported by Sheffield BID and Sheffield City Council, transforming Sheffield into a bustling stage alongside the sold-out Tramlines Festival in Hillsborough Park.

Exciting Venues and Performers

This year’s Fringe features more than 50 venues, including pubs, clubs, courtyards, gardens, and independent spaces. Popular locations such as Devonshire Green will host the main stage, which promises three full days of free music and entertainment.

Highlights include:

• The Devonshire Green Main Stage, featuring a range of music styles.

• The reopening of the WaterBear Green Room after a significant refurbishment.

• The inaugural Music + Wellbeing Conversation hosted by Tickets for Good.

Devonshire Green Main Stage

The Devonshire Green Main Stage will be the focal point of the weekend, showcasing a diverse lineup of performances. For the first time in many years, the stage will open on Friday evening, curated by Open Decks FC and hosted by award-winning broadcaster Dixie. The programme will feature an exciting mix of genres including:

• Brass

• Soul

• Reggae

• Folk

• Dance

• World music

• DJs and community performances

Some notable acts include Kiziah and the Kings performing on Saturday and Jungle Lion closing the stage on Sunday. Other performers include Malachite, Solar Love Society, and various dance groups, promising a weekend filled with entertainment.

WaterBear Green Room Reopening

A key highlight this year is the reopening of the WaterBear Green Room, which has undergone extensive refurbishment. This venue will host performances on both Friday and Saturday, featuring acts like Disarray, Harvey Higgins, and Lilly Hill. The reopening adds another layer of excitement to the weekend's events.

Music + Wellbeing Conversation

The weekend will kick off with the first Music + Wellbeing Conversation, taking place at The Workstation on Friday 24 July from 12pm to 4pm. This event aims to explore how live music can enhance wellbeing and strengthen community ties. The discussion will include speakers from various fields, including music, research, and public life. Notable speakers include:

• Stephanie Pitts

• Neil McSweeney

• Safiya Saeed

• Liam O’Shea

• Gérôme Vanherf

• Rick Blaskey

Attendees will also experience a live performance by internationally acclaimed violinist Iskandar Widjaja. Registration for the Music + Wellbeing Conversation is available online.

Supporting Local Culture and Economy

The Fringe at Tramlines has become one of Sheffield's most treasured cultural events since its launch in 2018. It not only brings thousands of visitors—around 40,000 each year—but also generates significant economic benefits for the city centre, with an estimated £1.86 million contributed to the local economy during its most recent edition. The event is crucial for local businesses, as it attracts foot traffic to pubs, bars, and venues throughout the city.

Sheffield City Council’s Councillor Ben Miskell expressed enthusiasm for the festival's return, highlighting its role in creating a vibrant atmosphere in the city centre. Diane Jarvis, Chief Executive Officer at Sheffield BID, echoed this sentiment, noting that the Fringe is a signature event that drives visitors to local establishments.

Participating Venues

Many venues across Sheffield will participate in this year’s Fringe, including:

• ALDER

• CADS

• Corporation

• Delicious Clam

• Frog & Parrot

• Hagglers Corner

• Hallamshire Hotel

• Hop Hideout

• Kapital

• Maida Vale

• Network

• Plot 22

• Sidney & Matilda

• The Washington

• The Forum

• The Four Leaf

• The Leadmill

• Yellow Arch Studios

• Woodseats Community Garden

• Triple Point Brewery

With so much on offer, The Fringe at Tramlines promises to be a weekend filled with music, community spirit, and celebration, making it a must-visit event for both locals and visitors to Sheffield. Full details, including the official guide and listings, can be found on the Welcome to Sheffield page.