Oof, what a belter! From foodie havens to festival highs, street art stunners to sporting heartbreaks, 2024 served up plenty of memorable moments. Grab a cuppa, settle in and have a nosey at some of our standout moments from the last 12 months
A FOODIE PARADISE
In May 2024, local foodies rejoiced as we celebrated the opening of Cambridge Street Collective, Europe’s largest purpose-built food hall. The expansive venue, part of the city’s £470 million Heart of the City regeneration scheme, spanning 29,000 square feet brought 20 hand-picked independent food partners to the city offering authentic cuisines from around the world, plus four bars and a rooftop terrace.
JOINING THE LEAGUE
Following the now-infamous Tramlines mudfest of 2023, the sun finally shone as 40,000 revellers descended on Hillsborough Park for a packed programme of live music, comedy and art. Headliners included Jamie T, Paolo Nutini and Snow Patrol, but it was Steel City synth-pop legends The Human League who stole the show. The sight of tens of thousands of Sheffielders belting out ‘Don’t You Want Me’ back at Oakey and co will live long in the memory.
THE PULSE OF PROGRESS
Sheffield’s game-changing heart of the city development continued apace throughout the year, with a number of significant addition to the city’s retail and hospitality scene. The Grade II* listed Leah’s Yard provided a new central hub for some of our favourite independent businesses, new shops on Pinstone Street upped town’s shopping offer, new additions to the bar scene include BOX and Radisson Blu opened a flagship hotel overlooking the Peace Gardens.
EUROS FEVER
So close … yet so far! Beer gardens across the city were packed with hopeful supporters who witnessed England reach their first-ever final on foreign soil, only to fall short of long-coveted silverware with a defeat to Spain. That said, there were memorable moments along the way – including an unprecedented penalty shootout victory – and Devonshire Green’s Fan City proved a hit, showing all the games throughout the tournament and hosting live music from local artists on its stage.
THE CIRCUS BACK IN TOWN
The Rock N Roll Circus made a welcome return to Don Valley in August, mixing some much-loved Sheffield talent such as Richard Hawley, Milburn and Bromhead’s Jacket with performances from The Divine Comedy, Becky Hill, The Coral, Pete Doherty, Jake Bugg and plenty more. Now fully established as a favourite on the local festival circuit, head to www.rocknrollcircus.co.uk to see who will be gracing the Big Top in 2025.
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PUTTING ON A SHOW
It was another impressive year for Sheffield Theatres, which bade farewell to Artistic Director Robert Hastie but delivered another critically acclaimed programme. Highlights included an excellent adaptation of Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ at its namesake venue, an exhilarating retelling of the 1981 Oscar-winning film ‘Chariots of Fire’ and an acclaimed Steel City playwright’s take on Henrik Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House.’ Not to be outdone, the smaller Playhouse stage hosted some excellent intimate performances, including the stomping true-crime saga ‘KENREX.’
THE MOBOS ARRIVE
Back in February, Sheffield took centre stage as the MOBO Awards arrived for the first time, celebrating music of black origin across the UK and also showcasing some of the artistic talent in the Steel City. The main ceremony took place at Sheffield Arena and featured performances from the likes of Ghetts, Sugababes and Soul II Soul, while in the city centre a number of live performances, industry talks and cultural events marked the event.
AWARDS SEASON
If you’d allow us the briefest moment of self-indulgence, we have to say that this year’s Exposed Awards was nothing short of a veritable bobby dazzler. Hundreds of lovely people came down to Peddler Warehouse for a night celebrating the best of Sheffield arts, culture and hospitality sectors. The drinks flowed, the scran was excellent and we even a Sheffield supergroup of sorts treating us to an excellent Moloko cover to see the night out. Happy days!
HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS
We love to ogle some local street art here at Exposed, and we were particularly impressed by this addition to the city centre – a sunning five-story mural by Sheffield-based artist Peachzz. We were so chuffed with it, we interviewed the artist for our July issue cover story.
THAT’S A WRAP
DocFest 2024 soared to new heights, drawing over 40,000 in-person attendees and showcasing 108 premieres from 57 countries. Highlights included Daniel Gordon’s Battle of Orgreave exposé, Strike: An Uncivil War, alongside a wide range engaging talks, interactive exhibitions and talent programmes that celebrated the unifying power of documentary storytelling.
PLACES WE REYT LIKE
We were spoiled for new openings in 2024, but here are a few that really hit the spot…
Bakers Yard
Providing the caffeine kicks for the Exposed office, this gem in Little Kelham houses a busy micro-bakery and serves delicious speciality coffee.
@bakersyardbakery
Red Brick Market
A wide range of independent vendors selling everything from vintage football shirts to rare vinyl has brought a huge buzz to this space on Clough Road.
@redbrickmarket_sheffield
Borgo
Taking its place on the bottom of Oakbrook Road, this traditional Italian restaurant inspired by the trattorias of southern Italy gave us a healthy dose of la dolce vita.
@borgosheffield
Poco
Located in the Stag Works courtyard, Poco is a new venture from the team behind piña. Opened in June, it offers a more intimate take on Mexican-inspired hospitality, featuring stunning cocktails in a refined setting.
@poco.sheffield
2323 Coffee
Intimate coffee haven offering a personalised experience with a rotating selection of beans from global roasters – a “multi-roaster”, if you will.
@2323coffee
Grappa
This Italian restaurant has quickly become a standout on West Street, offering an authentic Italian experience with its cicchetti menu, swish upstairs restaurant and the largest grappa selection in the North.
@grappasheffield
Best Boy Bagels #2
Every’s favourite bagel-slingers upgraded to a larger gaff on Abbeydale Road, and they’ve been keeping those hand-rolled, freshly baked beauties rolling in swankier surrounds.
@bestboybagels
Hallamshire Hotel
Blessed with a quirky vibe and superb sound system, this West Street bar has become a hotspot for live music, DJ sets and late-night boogies.
@hallamshire_hotel
Gut Level
Situated on Chapel Walk, this queer-led DIY space and collective has been bringing an eclectic mix of grassroots DJ nights and community events to the table.
@gutlevelsheffield
The Steamworks
This vibrant 11,000 sq ft venue located between London Road and Bramall Lane, opened earlier this year, adding a fresh dynamic to Sheffield’s events scene.
@the_steamworks
