20 June 2026
Upper Chapel | Channing Hall | Tudor Square
Welcome to Sheffield Youth Folk Festival - the first of its kind! A packed day of celebration of young folk musicians, singers and dancers from folk cultures across the city. All performances are from people aged 6-25 (though anyone can come and watch and join in the ceilidh!) and there are workshops aimed at 6-25 year olds... take a look and see what it's all about...
WHAT'S ON
Festival Folk Choir 10:00-11:00am, Upper Chapel
Join us for a one off singing workshop, led by Cathy Bennett from Folk Factory. We’ll be exploring some folk songs, dabbling with harmonies and the big folk singing sound that Sheffield is known for. No one will have to sing alone, and you can just enjoy getting enveloped in making a big sound together. No experience needed, everything will be provided, just bring your voice.
Garba Folk Dance Workshop 11:30am-12:30pm, Channing Hall
Experience the joy and energy of Garba, a vibrant folk dance tradition from Gujarat, India. Led by Charu Asthana from Sunrit Culture, this fun and inclusive workshop introduces people to simple Garba steps, rhythmic claps, finger snaps, and circular movements that bring communities together in celebration. No previous dance experience is needed – just come along and join the rhythm.
Join us for a one off singing workshop, led by Cathy Bennett from Folk Factory. We’ll be exploring some folk songs, dabbling with harmonies and the big folk singing sound that Sheffield is known for. No one will have to sing alone, and you can just enjoy getting enveloped in making a big sound together. No experience needed, everything will be provided, just bring your voice.
Garba Folk Dance Workshop 11:30am-12:30pm, Channing Hall
Experience the joy and energy of Garba, a vibrant folk dance tradition from Gujarat, India. Led by Charu Asthana from Sunrit Culture, this fun and inclusive workshop introduces people to simple Garba steps, rhythmic claps, finger snaps, and circular movements that bring communities together in celebration. No previous dance experience is needed – just come along and join the rhythm.
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Main Stage 1:30-5:30pm, Upper Chapel
Bridge and Boden Theo Hunter & Friends Romano Jilo Folk Factory Juniors Sheffield Music Hub Youth Strings Sunrit Culture Folk Factory Youth and Seniors |
Outdoor Stage 12:30-4:15pm, Tudor Square
Pecsaetan Morris Theo Hunter & Friends Sunrit Culture Folk Factory Juniors Folk Factory Youths Folk Factory Seniors Folk Factory Youth Dance |
Open mic 3:00-5:00pm, Hollis Room
An open mic stage is open to anyone who want to perform - it doesn’t have to be folk! A small PA set-up will be available. Sign up in the room on the day.
Sessions 12:30-1:30pm Upper Chapel; 6:00-9:00pm Hollis Room
Sessions happen when people play folk tunes together, usually without music. As well as the scheduled ones, sessions may pop up at various times and places throughout the day. If you come across one, you are welcome to join in.
Exhibition 12:30-9:00pm, Hollis Room
An exhibition about the different cultures appearing at the festival will be on display.
Ceilidh 7:00-10:00pm, Channing Hall
The evening ceilidh will be led by Underground Sun and Bridge and Boden. A ceilidh is a type of social dance, where a caller tells everyone what to do, so anyone can give it a go - no previous experience is needed. There is a no-alcohol bar and families are very welcome :)
An open mic stage is open to anyone who want to perform - it doesn’t have to be folk! A small PA set-up will be available. Sign up in the room on the day.
Sessions 12:30-1:30pm Upper Chapel; 6:00-9:00pm Hollis Room
Sessions happen when people play folk tunes together, usually without music. As well as the scheduled ones, sessions may pop up at various times and places throughout the day. If you come across one, you are welcome to join in.
Exhibition 12:30-9:00pm, Hollis Room
An exhibition about the different cultures appearing at the festival will be on display.
Ceilidh 7:00-10:00pm, Channing Hall
The evening ceilidh will be led by Underground Sun and Bridge and Boden. A ceilidh is a type of social dance, where a caller tells everyone what to do, so anyone can give it a go - no previous experience is needed. There is a no-alcohol bar and families are very welcome :)
FESTIVAL PASSES
Prices are ‘pay as you feel’ so finance shouldn’t be a barrier. Book below or on the door at Upper Chapel on the day.
- Under 25s are welcome to all festival events.
- Over 25s are welcome to the concerts, ceilidh, sessions and open mic and can accompany their children for the workshops.
INFORMATION
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Venues:
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Upper Chapel and Hollis Room: Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JD
Channing Hall: 45 Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 2LG Tudor Square: Sheffield S1 2LA |
Access: All the venues have step free access. There are disabled toilets for Channing Hall, Upper Chapel and the Hollis Room. If you want to book a space for a wheelchair for the concert please contact us in advance.
Parking: There is no specific parking available for the festival and you can not park on the forecourt. The nearest car parks are Arundel Gate or the Q Park on Charles Street. There are some on-street disabled parking spaces around the area. Please use public transport where possible.
Refreshments: There will be light refreshments for sale throughout the day in the Hollis Room and a no-alcohol bar in Channing Hall during the ceilidh.
Photography: The festival will be photographed throughout the day. If you don’t want to appear in photos or videos, please let a member of staff know on the day.
Supervision: Under 6 year olds should be accompanied by an adult at all times. 6-18 year olds can be signed in to the festival and left under our supervision.
Parking: There is no specific parking available for the festival and you can not park on the forecourt. The nearest car parks are Arundel Gate or the Q Park on Charles Street. There are some on-street disabled parking spaces around the area. Please use public transport where possible.
Refreshments: There will be light refreshments for sale throughout the day in the Hollis Room and a no-alcohol bar in Channing Hall during the ceilidh.
Photography: The festival will be photographed throughout the day. If you don’t want to appear in photos or videos, please let a member of staff know on the day.
Supervision: Under 6 year olds should be accompanied by an adult at all times. 6-18 year olds can be signed in to the festival and left under our supervision.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I bring my child who is under 6 to the event?
Young children are very welcome to attend the festival with a parent/carer and will need a ‘pay as you feel’ festival pass. Please note: The workshops are pitched for 6-25 year olds so you’ll need to judge whether you think it’s suitable for your child.
If I am just coming to watch the concert do I need to buy a Festival Pass?
You need a Festival Pass to enter the concert, but as it is ‘pay as you feel’ you can select a low priced, or free, option.
Can I stay with my child?
Yes, you can accompany children in the workshops, and all other festival activities.
Do I have to stay with my child?
No! Young people over 6 years old can be signed in and supervised by Festival staff. Please make sure they have enough food for however long you're leaving them. If you want to take your child out during the day please sign them in and out.
Young children are very welcome to attend the festival with a parent/carer and will need a ‘pay as you feel’ festival pass. Please note: The workshops are pitched for 6-25 year olds so you’ll need to judge whether you think it’s suitable for your child.
If I am just coming to watch the concert do I need to buy a Festival Pass?
You need a Festival Pass to enter the concert, but as it is ‘pay as you feel’ you can select a low priced, or free, option.
Can I stay with my child?
Yes, you can accompany children in the workshops, and all other festival activities.
Do I have to stay with my child?
No! Young people over 6 years old can be signed in and supervised by Festival staff. Please make sure they have enough food for however long you're leaving them. If you want to take your child out during the day please sign them in and out.
Any other questions? Please contact us...
Thanks to our sponsors...
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