The annual ‘Off the Shelf’ festival programme brought to you by the University of Sheffield and celebrating books, words and ideas is taking place this year from 9-31 October. The organisers are keenly aware that books, reading and conversations are more important now than ever saying:
“We have worked throughout lockdown to produce uplifting and thought-provoking events that reflect the world around us and we can’t wait to share the whole programme with you. Much of the festival activity will be online but there will also be live events in real venues where we can safely invite audiences to hear some wonderful speakers in person.”
The opening weekend is book-ended by a live conversation with Lee Child and a poetry drive-in with the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage who has been commissioned by the festival to write new poetry inspired by Ted Hughes’ time living in Mexborough.
New this year is a strand of events celebrating black women’s voices, Black Women Write Now, curated by Sheffield writer Désirée Reynolds. There will also be family friendly fun events every afternoon during October half-term.
