Sheffield’s music scene is buzzing with some top acts and local talent gracing stages at Tramlines Festival this year, you can check out our rundown of those here. That being said, we can’t forget the wealth of local talent that multiple independent promoters and venues are also hosting during this special weekend of music across Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd July.
Whether you already have a day ticket for the main event or fancy a pre-show pint and a boogie before you hop on the tram to Hillsborough, here is (in no particular order) our quick and by no means complete, run-down of just some of our favourite independent venues that you should pay a visit, and some artists that you should lend an ear to over the Tramlines fringe.
Yellow Arch Studios - @yellowarchstudios
Venture to Neepsend where the iconic venue and recording studio will open its doors for the entire weekend hosting three nights of music courtesy of promoters Buzzbomb Presents, Ill Communications, and Skint Bizkit Presents respectively. Expect three epic sets of beaut music and chaos within a venue full of Sheffield’s industrial charm and rich in musical heritage – whichever day you pick, you won’t be disappointed on this one!
When: FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
The Mudd Club (@the_mudd_club,FRI) – Gimme a Thrill
Torn Between (@tornbetweenuk, SAT) – Unapproachable
Drastic // Automatic (@drasticautomatic, SUN) – Ravenscourt Park, 2004
‘Shakelines’ at Shakespeare’s - @shakespearesshf
You’ll find the cute and quirky craft ale and live music pub, Shakespeare’s, on Gibraltar Street near the edge of Kelham Island. Friday will welcome a genre-bending mix of artists and DJs promoted by Supertram Sheffield, whilst Saturday sees Jarred Up present, for the third year in a row, a line-up exclusively comprised of local artists alongside a BBQ courtesy of Piper’s Sausages. Sunday will be home to a garden party hosted by Ciaron Elm full of soothing sounds to nurse your hangover following this music-packed weekend full of talent that isn’t to be missed!
When: FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
You Heard Right – (@youheard.right, FRI) – Pack
Nervous Pills (@nervouspills_band, SAT) – Get Out, Get Away
KIER (@kierofficialmusic, SUN) – Gypsies Castle
‘Our Sweet Space’ behind Fagan’s - @faganssheffield
Sheffield’s own Before Breakfast have teamed up with the recently refurbished Fagan’s Pub to host a wholesome weekend of music on Boden Lane, just behind the pub itself. Expect gorgeous, creative vibes from their lovely, handpicked line-up in a family-friendly outdoor space. There will be Mexican food by Pina and an outdoor bar alongside some ‘silly activities’. The whole thing just sounds super cute and dreamy, you’d be silly not to pay them a visit for some tasty tacos and equally tasty tunes.
When: SATURDAY and SUNDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
Prima Hera (@primaheramusic, SAT) – Michigan
Teah Lewis (@teah_lewis, SUN) – Hold
Sunflower Thieves (@sunflowerthieves, SUN) – I Don’t Know Why
Crystal Stage at Crystal Bar - @crystal_bar_sheffield
Crystal on Carver Street has become a solid, go-to landmark of the Fringe, with Two Birds Promotions utilising the light and airy venue to put on a wealth of acts over the years. This year is no different, with over 30 acts on the bill across the weekend, its guaranteed to be good vibes and good music all around, as the sun (hopefully) streams through those grand windows and onto the stage.
When: FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
Juno (@juno_official_,FRI) – I WANT OUT
FloodHounds (@floodhounds, SAT) – Psychosemantics
Harriet Rose (@harrietrosemusic, SUN) – Small Town Chains
The Frog & Parrot - @thefrogandparrot
Pop into this traditional pub on Division Street that has been hosting live music for years. Priding itself on being warm and friendly, and a go-to place to catch an array of artists. It’s become a cornerstone in the Fringe over the years, so join them for some lovely beer, lovely pub grub and a whole host of music put on by promoters Fans For Bands, Play It Loud, and End Of The Trail. With first entry being mid-day you’ve got plenty of time to pop in and soak up some fresh talent.
When: SATURDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
Droogs (@droogsbristol) - Happy
House of Wolves (@houseofwolvesuk) – Give Me A Moment
Any Old Iron (@anyoldironband) – Cellar Door
The Washington - @washingtonsheff
Washy knows how to put on a show in their cool yet cosy venue. With a line-up packed chocca with talent including a Friday night takeover by Jarred Up, if you’ve never caught a gig in this iconic Sheffield music scene landmark, now’s your chance! They’re definitely not holding back this year, with some pre-party shows taking place on Wednesday and Thursday before the weekend even kicks off, they’ll also be staying open ‘til 4am on Friday and Saturday to keep the party going!
When: FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
Mouthparts (@mouthpartsband,FRI) – Cough It Up
Teeff (@teeff_band, SAT) – Captain Vere
Tigers and Flies (@tigersandflies, SUN) - Ben
Record Junkee - @record_junkee
This great little venue that I’ve frequented many times over the years is one that never disappoints. Vinyl store by day and gig space by night, they’ll host three nights of music courtesy of End Of The Trail and Away Day Radio. Make the trip to Earl Street just off of The Moor and come get your fix of lush live music to rock the night away and appreciate yet another one of the great independent venues Sheffield has to offer.
When: FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
Fuzz Lightyear (@wearefuzzlightyear, FRI) – Animal
Bloom (@bloom_sheffield_, SAT) – Miserable Man
Femme Dé (@femmedeband, SUN) - Racing Horse
Network - @network_sheffield
Network (formerly Plug) will be hosting the ultimate three-day bender of free music across two stages just to keep things interesting – one indoor, one outdoor. Featuring a whole host of music from across the UK courtesy of Northern Exposure, Away Day Radio, and Our Sound Music Ltd, my head hurts just looking at the line-up! You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice with a plethora of acts to catch, plus there’s still more artists to be announced!
When: FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
Bored Marsh (@boredmarsh, FRI) – The Grind
Matilda Pratt (@matildaprattofficial, SAT) – Dear You
La Vire (@lavireband, SUN) – Timewaster
‘The Other Festival’ at Sidney & Matilda - @sidneyandmatilda
Right on the corner where Sidney Street meets Matilda Street sits this former industrial space. Holding three gorgeous gig rooms – The Basement, The Warehouse and The Factory, the venue will host a three-day community festival featuring a mixture of up-and-coming bands, homegrown talent, and local DJs, with Sunday’s line-up curated by Footprints Jazz Club. Make sure to pay a visit over the weekend, to celebrate with three days of music, good beer, and good vibes to take you from the afternoon into the evening – there’s nowt finer!
When: FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
Blackwaters (@blackwatersuk, FRI) – Forget Myself
Femur (@femurband_, SAT) – I Don’t Like
Bop Kaballa (@bop_kaballa, SUN) – Meditations
‘Doomlines VIII’ at Corporation - @corpsheffield
For all those seeking something a little heavier, Corp will be the one-stop shop for all things heavy and metal at the end of the weekend. The popular, long-standing nightclub on Milton Street will present the biggest line-up yet for the 8th edition of Doomlines courtesy of Holy Spider Promotions, the non-for-profit organisation who put on extreme metal gigs in Sheffield. Get ready to mosh and headbang to your hearts content.
When: SUNDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
Slift (@sliftrock) – Lions, Tigers, and Bears
Thank (@thankleeds) – Torture Cube
Gozer (@wearegozer) – Into The Grey
‘Shamlines’ at The Harley - @theharleysheff
Fresh Sheffield-based promoters, Earwig Presents, have curated the ultimate debut line-up just in time for Tramlines weekend, crawling with talent itching to creep into your eardrums. Earwig puns aside, historic The Harley Pub, situated on the corner of Glossop Road, will be home to an awesome array of artists. The hard-working team behind the pub’s live music scene are ready and waiting to kick off an afternoon and evening of tunes from 3pm! Get yer sens down nice and early!
When: SATURDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
Django Jones and the Mystery Men (@djangojonesandthemysterymen, 1of a frankly ridiculous 10(!) sets they will play over the fringe) – Date Night at Joey’s
YouVee (@youveeband)– Roots Rot
What Fresh Hell (@whatfreshhellband)– Teething
‘Off The Tracks’ at Make Noise Studios - @makenoisestudios
Coming full circle back towards Shalesmoor, make your way to Trinity Street to the home of Make Noise Studios who will be presenting over 30 acts across the weekend for you to enjoy! Make Noise have worked with a number of local artists over the years and provide professional recording and practice spaces for musicians in the city. I’m excited to see the eclectic musical joys they will welcome over the Fringe – be sure to pay them a visit!
When: FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY
Three tracks to get you in the mood:
Belcarra (@belcarra_band, FRI) – Zen
20 Miles From Grimsby (@official_20mfg, SAT) – Hollow
Queen Teal (@therealqueenteal, SUN) – Ey Up Fela
And there we have it. I would say that’s yer lot, but we all know I’d be lying. This guide merely scratches the surface of events and artists that will be playing in Sheffield across the Tramlines Fringe weekend, with so many different events taking place in underground venues and beer gardens, from Bassline to Acoustic, that I know I haven’t mentioned.
So go out and get exploring, there really is no better way to discover your new favourite band or beer haunt. Most of all though, stay safe, support Sheffield, and have a wonderful Tramlines weekend whatever you’re up to!
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