Sheffield’s DIY spirit has long thrived in its own spaces – from warehouse parties and community venues to the collectives and crews building things from scratch. This summer, a new festival is bringing that ethos into focus, with Higher Fields Festival set to make its debut in S2 on Saturday 27 June.
The grassroots, not-for-profit event will bring together a mix of DIY musicians, artists, collectives and local crews for a multi-stage outdoor programme running from midday – 9pm, followed by an official afterparty at Steamworks.
Built around the collaborative values that have long defined the city’s underground culture, Higher Fields aims to offer a platform for both emerging and established independent artists while ensuring everyone involved is properly supported. All proceeds from the event will be split evenly between performers and crew, reinforcing its commitment to fairness and sustainability at grassroots level.
The festival is rooted in the communities that make Sheffield’s creative ecosystem tick – from promoters and independent labels to collectives and artists forging their own paths outside of traditional industry structures.
“Higher Fields is about celebrating the people who make music and art happen outside of the mainstream – the crews, the collectives, the artists doing it themselves and their communities,” say the organisers. “This festival is built by the community, for the community.”
Several key players from the city’s DIY network are already on board as stage partners, including Gut Level, Hatch, Groundwork and Grub Records. A dedicated Community Stage, supported by the Sarah Nulty Foundation, will spotlight the next wave of local talent, with further collaborators and lineup details expected in the coming weeks.
Higher Fields Festival will operate on a pay-what-you-feel basis, with tickets starting from £4, in an effort to keep the event accessible while supporting those behind it.
Higher Fields Festival takes place on Saturday 27 June 2026 in Sheffield, S2, from midday – 9pm, followed by an afterparty at Steamworks. Tickets are available now via Resident Advisor.
