Connecting businesses with new customers through fun events
Events are a powerful way to unite people, celebrate the unique qualities of our community, highlight the rich diversity of our neighbourhoods, and showcase the vibrant independent businesses that make our high streets special. Thanks to the Economic Recovery Fund, we've enjoyed a wealth of creative, dynamic events that have energised our high streets, drawn people together, and boosted support for our local businesses.
Below are just a few examples:
Walkley Festival and markets:
The Walkley Festival celebrates the unique charm and creativity of this vibrant part of the city. The Festival team brings together a wide range of arts, cultural events, and local businesses in an extensive program that includes everything from the launch to the festival finale Fun Day in Ruskin Park. This lively event has featured barbecues, climbing walls, an array of entertainment, and showcases of local businesses and community groups that engage attendees of all ages. Building on their success from the first phase of the Economic Recovery Fund, in the second phase the team introduced makers' markets and fairs, giving local artisans a chance to reach new audiences in stunning, historic local venues.
Walkley Festival 2024
On the 6th of July 2024, the week-long Walkley Festival ended in Ruskin Park for a grand Festival Finale. Organised by Welcome to Walkley and supported by Sheffield City Council’s Economic Recovery Fund and Zest, the atmosphere at the festival was electric. It was a fantastic day of fun and celebrating local businesses. Check out the highlights in the video!
Crookes Festival, Fête, and Outdoor Cinema:
The Crookes Economic Recovery Fund team made events a cornerstone of their project, offering people fresh opportunities to experience the high street and its surrounding scenic parks. The season kicked off with a summer festival featuring street entertainment, live bands, a children’s art trail, and pop-up collaborations between businesses, giving the community a vibrant, all-encompassing experience. The family-friendly Fête later in the summer brought visitors back to the high street with traditional games, music, and lively activities. To close the season, an enchanting outdoor cinema night at Bole Hills Park delighted attendees, as they enjoyed the nostalgic classic The Labyrinth in a mist-filled setting, with refreshments and goods provided by local vendors.
Festival of Crookes 2024
On the 11th and 12th May 2024, the Crookes community came together for the Festival of Crookes! Organised by the Crookes Collective and support by Sheffield City Council’s Economic Recovery Fund, the high street was buzzing with activity. It was a fantastic weekend of fun, unity, and celebrating local businesses. Check out the highlights in the video.
Pollen Market
Pollen Market blossomed as an offshoot of the highly successful Peddlar Market events, designed to bring a monthly flower and plant market to Sheffield's newly revitalised ‘Grey to Green’ pedestrianised area in Castlegate. The initiative aimed to establish a long-term home for the market while reclaiming and celebrating Sheffield’s historic riverside and its original marketplace.
Centred on nature and greenery, Pollen Market highlights the transformative impact of the Grey to Green project, showcasing the city’s public realm improvements through a vibrant, eco-focused event. Visitors enjoy a diverse array of plants from multiple sellers, complemented by high-quality food, drink, and entertainment, creating a lively community atmosphere.
Since its inception, Pollen Market has thrived, becoming a cherished event that continues to flourish three years after its launch, thanks to its initial funding and overwhelming support from the community.
Summer in the CIQ
Summer in the CIQ, branded as Out & About in the CIQ, was launched to rejuvenate the Cultural Industries Quarter (CIQ) by drawing audiences back to its cultural and hospitality venues, which had faced a sharp decline in footfall due to the impact of COVID-19. The initiative also aimed to foster collaboration among local businesses, strengthen community ties, and establish a renewed sense of identity and purpose for the area, building a foundation for its future growth and reputation.
The program featured four vibrant micro-festivals, held over consecutive weekends during summer 2022, bringing energy and life back to the heart of the CIQ.
