Sir Bradley Wiggins, Marina Hyde, Lee Child and Chris Chibnall are among the big names heading to Sheffield as Off the Shelf Festival of Words returns for its 35th edition.
Running from 28 September to 25 October, the University of Sheffield festival will stage more than 50 live and online events across the city, bringing together writers, comedians, politicians and leading figures from the worlds of sport, science and culture.
Now one of the UK’s longest-running literary festivals, Off the Shelf has put together another bumper programme for 2026, mixing household names with homegrown talent and a few events firmly rooted in Sheffield.
Five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins will discuss The Chain, his deeply personal memoir exploring survival and self-discovery beyond his cycling career.
Guardian columnist Marina Hyde heads to the city with What a Time to Be Alive! Scenes from a Strange Age, her latest collection chronicling the absurdities of modern political life.
Crime fans are particularly well catered for. International bestselling author Lee Child will appear alongside his brother Andrew Child to discuss Chain Reaction, the latest instalment in the Jack Reacher series, while Doctor Who and Broadchurch writer Chris Chibnall will introduce his second crime thriller.
Comedian and writer Lucy Porter brings Middle-Aged Women Get Sht Done*, described as a rallying cry to middle-aged women, while Bradford West MP Naz Shah will discuss her journey from childhood trauma to national political life.
Booker Prize-winning author Ben Okri also joins the programme with Waking the Warriors, his latest work set against a dystopian backdrop of invading armies, refugees and tyrannical leaders.
Elsewhere, The Great Pottery Throw Down judge Keith Brymer Jones will explore his personal journey through the history of ceramics in Firing Earth, while leading forensic scientist Professor Lady Sue Black puts forensic science itself under the microscope through a series of landmark cases.
Neuroscientist Dr Hannah Critchlow will explore how humans can survive and thrive in the age of AI, while historian and former diplomat Arthur Snell turns his attention to the climate crisis and the ways it is reshaping our lives.
It wouldn’t be Off the Shelf without plenty of attention paid to the city itself – and Sheffield features prominently throughout this year’s programme.
Journalist Daniel Dylan-Wray will delve into Sheffield’s musical history with Groovy, Laidback and Nasty, drawing on 150 interviews with musicians and figures from the city’s scene, including members of Pulp and Cabaret Voltaire, as well as Self Esteem.
Sheffield Poet Laureate Beth Davies will also premiere a poem specially commissioned for Off the Shelf as she marks the end of her tenure. The event will see Davies reflect on her time in the role before the identity of Sheffield’s next Poet Laureate is revealed.
From 18–21 October, the Winter Garden will host Roots and Futures, a free interactive exhibition celebrating diversity through history, heritage and storytelling as part of the festival’s ongoing commitment to championing underrepresented voices.
The 35th edition will also be the final festival overseen by Festival Director Professor Vanessa Toulmin, who will step down from the role in December and return to the University of Sheffield’s School of English.
Toulmin said she was “immensely proud” of the University’s role in supporting and developing the festival since taking it on more than a decade ago.
“We take equal delight in the role Off the Shelf plays in the city’s cultural vibrancy, bringing tens of thousands of people to venues across Sheffield to celebrate their love of the written and spoken word,” she said.
“As we prepare to mark our 35th edition as one of the longest-running literary festivals in the UK, this year promises to be one of our boldest and most vibrant yet.”
She added: “The University’s strong global reputation enables us to attract acclaimed international voices, all while continuing to champion the unique talent, creativity and grit that set our city and region apart.
“Whether you’re a seasoned ‘Off the Shelfer’ eager to mark your picks in the festival brochure or a first-timer curious to see what all the fuss is about, we can’t wait to welcome you to what will be a festival to remember.”
Off the Shelf Festival of Words runs from 28 September to 25 October 2026, with more than 50 live and online events taking place throughout the festival.
The full programme, event details and tickets are available at offtheshelf.org.uk, with printed programmes also available at venues across Sheffield.
