Anniversaries are an important part of marking our lives as a couple. They act as a marker from which we can look to the important events of the past and the future in our personal lives. It is a reminder to take stock of where we are and what matters to us, to reflect on our relationship and celebrate how we’ve been shaped by it as we go forward.
All the world’s a stage
A night out at the theatre will create a happy memory of your anniversary. Arrange for childcare from friends or family and head to one of Sheffield’s best theatres for a great night out. There is the distinctive, modern Crucible for world-class productions of classic drama or the best shows from new writers, the beautiful Lyceum for musical, drama, comedy and dance shows touring the UK, and the smaller Studio for fringe productions if you want to be close to the action.
Always loved you, always will
Whilst experience gifts are increasingly popular for creating memories and for being kinder to the environment than gifts that end up in a landfill later, physical anniversary gifts that last a lifetime is special between the two of you and can become a family heirloom.
A stylish piece of jewellery in the anniversary gemstone or colour is a thoughtful gift. If you have a garden, plant a tree and watch it grow with you or consider a stunning rose preserved in gold or platinum that you can display at home as a daily reminder of the love you have for each other.
Take to the silver screen
Celebrations for a 25th wedding anniversary are usually focused around family and friends as a thank you for their help and support throughout your married life together. Yet, you may also want to celebrate your silver anniversary privately as a couple. What better way to do this than with a date at the silver screen. A meal and a movie at the stylish arthouse Showroom Cinema on Paternoster Row will be a reminder of so many other of your date nights and a fitting acknowledgement as to how far you have come.
Stretch yourselves
Anniversary celebrations are not all about a dinner date. Experiences are becoming much more popular as gifts and can be a great way to celebrate your anniversary in style. You can show your trust in your beloved, and get the adrenaline pumping, by having them as your climbing partner at the Foundry Climbing Wall on Mowbray Street.
If that’s too energetic, take yourselves off to an art workshop, where you may be fascinated at the different perspectives you bring to the same painted design or impressed at the skill in a piece of fired pottery that can be a memento of your anniversary.
Luxurious relaxation
Life is busy with work, study, home responsibilities, childcare and obligations to extended family. If you are a couple who fall asleep on the sofa as soon as you have finished all your chores and duties, celebrate your anniversary at a luxury spa where you can enjoy a relaxing couples’ massage or time in a Turkish bath. Follow up with a quaint afternoon tea with delicious cakes, fancy sandwiches and a pot of tea for two.
Sheffield’s secret garden
You may not know this, but within Hillsborough Park is a romantic walled garden with roses, fountains and ponds. This is a peaceful place for you to enjoy the sun’s warmth whilst taking time to reminisce about the good times and consider what your plans might be for your near and far future.
If music be the food of love
If you want an evening of classical entertainment, book tickets to see the Halle together with Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, the BBC Philharmonic or Orchestre National de Lille that all play at Sheffield City Hall. Of course, you may prefer to sing along with the crowds at Hillsborough, cheering the Owls with a rendition of “We are the Owls, We follow our team home and away, There’s only one team in Yorkshire, And were the famous Sheffield, WEDNESDAY!!!” or cheer on the Sheffield Steelers to the tune of Fat Les.
