Everything You Need to Know Now That the Crossed Wires Podcast Festival Returns This Summer

Remember that feeling of heading to a summer festival with your mates, ready for a weekend of brilliant music and good vibes? Well, imagine that, but for your ears. The world of podcasts is getting its own massive party, and it's happening right here in Yorkshire. The Crossed Wires podcast festival is rolling back into Sheffield this July, and it’s shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before. With an absolutely stacked line-up of live shows and special events already announced, a whole new wave of podcast royalty has just been added to the bill, including massive names like JaackMaate, Elis James and John Robins. If you’re a fan of listening to your favourite podcast, just think how good it will be to see a show live.

A weekend packed with your favourite voices

From Thursday 2nd July to Sunday 5th July 2026, Sheffield will transform into the capital of UK podcasting. Last year, the Crossed Wires festival brought a whopping 25,000 people to the city, and this year promises even more unforgettable performances, surprise guests, and unique fan events. It’s the perfect excuse to get your friends together for a weekend away. Think about it: seeing your favourite podcast hosts on stage, grabbing some great food, and just soaking up the festival atmosphere. It’s not just a series of shows; it’s a full-on cultural event.

Alice Levine, one of the co-founders of Crossed Wires, summed it up perfectly. She said, “The festival has just exploded this year — more chart topping acts, more free events, more venues across the city, it really is unmissable if you are a podcast fan. I love that it’s become a date in the diary for friends to meet from all over the country and see a bunch of shows together, eat great food and have a drink in the sunshine." This really captures the spirit of the festival – it’s about community, fun, and celebrating the podcasts that get people through their weekly commute.

Kicking things off with chaotic good fun

The festival now starts a day earlier, kicking off on Thursday 2nd July with a show that’s bound to be pure, unadulterated chaos. Radio 1’s Greg James and festival co-founder Alice Levine are teaming up for Greg James and Alice Levine (+ friends): A Night of Mistakes!. Hosted at City Hall, the vibe is basically two best friends putting on a show with less than 24 hours of planning. Expect celebrity surprise guests, lots of laughs, and the kind of brilliant, messy energy that only comes from genuine friendship. It's the perfect, unpredictable start to the podcast festival.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. On Friday 3rd July, the internet is taking over the stage. YouTubers JaackMaate and Stevie White are bringing their hugely popular podcast, JaackMaate's Happy Hour, to City Hall for a live show. If you love ridiculous stories, answering life’s biggest questions, and a healthy dose of nonsense, this is one show you won't want to miss. It promises to be a hysterical evening, bringing the best of online humour to a live audience.

Saturday is for laughs and late nights

Get ready for a massive Saturday on 4th July, because the line-up is seriously impressive. Comedians Elis James and John Robins are making their triumphant return to Crossed Wires with The Elis & John Show at City Hall. After their sell-out success in 2024, the best friends are back to deliver their signature blend of wit and infectious laughter. Their live show feels less like a performance and more like you’re just sat in the pub having a laugh with your pals, which is probably why it's so loved.

But what happens when the main events finish? The party keeps going. The official Crossed Wires after party, All My Friends, will take over the Ballroom on Saturday night. Hosted by Dave Masterman, the genius behind some epic discos (and, funnily enough, a key figure for Elis and John), this is where you can let your hair down and have a dance. It’s the ultimate way to cap off a brilliant day of live podcast events. There are other fantastic interviews and events on Saturday, making it a packed day of entertainment.

A super Sunday for crime and horror fans

If you're someone who spends their evenings listening to chilling tales, Sunday 5th July at the Crossed Wires festival is made for you. For the true crime obsessed, Audio Always is presenting a True Crime Takeover. One ticket gets you into three different shows: British Murders, Murder Mile, and The True Crime Enthusiast. It's a dream line-up for anyone fascinated by the darker side of life, but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart. This is a must-see series of live events for any true crime fan.

And for those who prefer their horror fictional, The Magnus Archives will be taking to the stage at City Hall. This multi-award-winning podcast is famous for its eerie, supernatural stories, and now creators Jonathan Sims and Alexander J Newall are bringing the mystery to a live audience for a special show. They’ll be giving the ghosts of City Hall a run for their money with their captivating performance. This show, alongside the true crime events, ensures Sunday has a darker, thrilling edge.

So, what’s the full line-up looking like?

With so many incredible shows, it can be hard to keep track. The festival is spread across some of Sheffield's best venues, including City Hall, the Crucible Theatre, and the Playhouse Theatre. Here’s a quick look at what’s on across the long weekend:

• Thursday 2nd July – Greg James and Alice Levine (+ friends): A Night of Mistakes! – City Hall

• Friday 3rd July – JaackMaate's Happy Hour – City Hall

• Friday 3rd July – Get A Grip: Bras Off with Angela Scanlon & Vicky Pattison – Memorial Hall

• Saturday 4th July – The Elis & John Show – City Hall

• Saturday 4th July – How to Fail with Elizabeth Day – City Hall

• Saturday 4th July – All My Friends After Party – Ballroom

• Sunday 5th July – The Magnus Archives: Statement Begins – City Hall

• Sunday 5th July – The Blindboy Podcast – City Hall

• Sunday 5th July – Audio Always True Crime Takeover – Memorial Hall

• Sunday 5th July – Dig It with Jo Whiley & Zoe Ball – Crucible Theatre

And that’s just a snapshot! There are so many other shows, including family-friendly events and thought-provoking political interviews. Whether you're looking for a laugh with friends or a cultural weekend away, Crossed Wires has something for everyone. And with the BBC Sounds Fringe returning with an even bigger stage, there will be even more to discover. Keep an eye out, as more acts for this amazing podcast festival are due to be announced soon.