Abbeydale Live returned for another year over the weekend, after the success of last year the festival now spans for two days from 18th-19th April.
The free to attend festival was packed with entertainment for all ages including over 20 bars with an array of bands, DJs and performers littering Abbeydale Road bars and pubs.
The festival originated from a shared initiative with the businesses on the street coming together to create the Abbeydale Traders Association who arranged the free one day festival in 2025 which provided a huge boost to local indie traders on the lively street.
Nicole Jewitt, organiser of Abbeydale Live and Chair of the Abbeydale Independent Traders Association said, “Abbeydale Live is about what happens when a street really comes together. It’s independent businesses, artists, students, families, everyone playing their part.”
The 2026 lineup featured a mix of established and emerging artists from across Sheffield, including Steve Edwards, Louis Louis Louis and the Langsett Dance Orchestra.
The programme is a reflection of the span of the city’s music scene, ranging from jazz and global sounds to alternative acts.
Jewitt adds, “You can start at one end of Abbeydale Road and walk all the way through, discovering music, food and new places as you go.”
Indie traders from all across Abbeydale Road participated in the event, such as Best Boy Bagels, Abbeydale Ballroom and The Broadfield, all hosted live music for attendees to discover and enjoy.
The festival is supported by Sheffield City Council as well as partners IPM Group, Triple Point Brewery, WaterBear Music College and Hybrid Studios. They help ensure the event is run safe and professionally delivered, while staying rooted in grassroots music.
The festival also benefits from Sheffield City Council’s Economic Recovery Grant which is a grant fund that aims to support local economic recovery in high streets by aiding local businesses to implement the changes themselves. The Abbeydale Project is one of 23 that have been supported by the funding.
The growth of the festival is further cementing itself as being a part of Sheffield’s cultural calendar and a celebration of local Sheffield music and businesses.