What's On At No Bounds Festival In Sheffield And Rotherham This Weekend?

Heads up, South Yorkshire! Something big is happening this weekend, from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October. The No Bounds festival is back, and it’s taking over both Sheffield and Rotherham with an absolutely massive programme of events. Think of it as a huge celebration of electronic music, amazing art, and local talent. With over 100 different performances, exhibitions, and talks, there’s a whole lot of creativity packed into one weekend. It’s a festival that’s deeply connected to the local community, showcasing the unique culture of this part of the world.

What's the deal with Sheffield?

The heart of the festival is still beating strong in Sheffield. On Friday and Saturday, some of the city’s most interesting venues will be buzzing with activity. Imagine listening to incredible electronic music inside the stunning Sheffield Cathedral, or checking out acts at Peddler Warehouse, SADACCA, and Dryad Works. It’s not every day you get to experience music in such different spaces.

The line-up is seriously impressive. Big names in the UK dance scene like Interplanetary Criminal and Joy Orbison are headlining. Plus, there are some heavyweight live performances from bands like These New Puritans and Factory Floor. It’s a real showcase of the best in electronic music. But No Bounds is also all about supporting the local scene. Sheffield crews like Off Me Nut Records and Gut Level are a big part of the programme, proving just how much talent this city has. The whole weekend is a testament to the city's rich culture and its history with groundbreaking music.

A special event in Rotherham

This is a big year for No Bounds because the festival is expanding into Rotherham for the first time. And they’re doing it in style. On Sunday, the festival will be centred around a very special venue: the historic Empire Theatre. This place has been closed for decades, a silent part of the town's history. But for one day only, its doors will swing open for a specially curated programme of events. Reopening the Empire is a huge moment, connecting the festival directly with the town's heritage and community.

The Sunday programme in Rotherham is led by artists Mark Fell and Rian Treanor. The sounds filling the old Empire will be from electronic music pioneers like RP Boo and Beatrice Dillon, with a headline live set from Rainy Miller. But it's not just about the music. The day also includes talks and performances involving local schools and community groups from across South Yorkshire, making it a proper celebration of local creativity. It’s a fantastic way to bring people together and celebrate Rotherham's vibrant culture.

More than just music

While the music is a huge part of No Bounds, the arts programme is just as exciting. Across Sheffield, there are loads of installations, performances, and premieres to check out. This is where the festival really shows its creative side, using the city as a canvas.

• At Sheffield Hallam University: A project called “Switch Room” explores themes of community and activism in the cool new Igloo immersive space.
• Tales from a Hard City: This is a must-see. It’s a new exhibition at the Old Head Post Office marking 30 years since the cult 1995 documentary about Sheffield. Running from 9 to 25 October, it features unseen footage and photos. Best of all, it's free!
• Installations everywhere: There are art installations and performances happening at Gloam Gallery, Hedge Sheffield, and the G-Mill space at SADACCA. The IKLECTIK collective will be at SADACCA with their powerful sound system for workshops and live sets, exploring collective sound.

The festival is also introducing a new cinema strand and a series of interesting talks exploring creativity. You can expect to hear from people from legendary Sheffield record label Warp Records, the National Literacy Trust, and various local artists. These discussions are a great chance to think about the powerful connection between arts and community.

Grit, graft, and community spirit

The theme for this year's No Bounds festival is "Grit and Graft." It’s all about resilience, hard work, and the power of people coming together. This idea runs through the entire programme, from the choice of venues to the artists involved. It's a celebration of the spirit of South Yorkshire.

Liam O’Shea, the Festival Director, explained the vision behind it all. “This year’s theme of Grit and Graft is about resilience, creativity and the communities that hold us together,” he said. “We are incredibly proud to take the festival further into Rotherham, making good on our mission to explore the culture and creativity across all of South Yorkshire from our base in Sheffield. We are working with artists and local partners to reopen the Empire Theatre and celebrate the town’s culture. No Bounds is a festival made in South Yorkshire but open to the world, and this year feels like a real step forward.”

This statement really sums up what No Bounds is all about. It’s a festival born in Sheffield, with deep local roots, but it has no bounds when it comes to ambition and connecting with the world. It’s an event created with genuine passion, showcasing the best of this incredible region's culture and electronic music scene. The positive press it has received over the years is a reflection of this unique vision. The whole weekend promises to be a memorable experience, full of amazing performances and artistic creativity.