A new Sheffield music festival is set to launch next month – showcasing independent businesses and more than 50 live acts.
The inaugural Abbeydale Live will take place on Abbeydale Road on Saturday 26 April.
It has been set up by Abbeydale Traders Association – a partnership of small businesses established in 2022 following multiple break-ins – as part of their vision to “see the area thrive”.
Nicole Jewitt, chair of the association, said: “This festival has come out of people getting organised. We’ve always had the talent, the venues, the ideas – Abbeydale Live just connects the dots.
“It’s about keeping things local, lifting each other up, and showing that a street like ours has a truly unique offering and needs celebrating.”
Tim Foulerton-Walker is set to oversee the festival’s operations, having previously worked coordinating festivals such Glastonbury, Tramlines, and No Bounds.
Artists such as Langsett Dance Orchestra, the University of Sheffield Big Band, and budding artists from WaterBear Music College have so far been announced to perform across the 14 venues.
The full lineup of acts will be published in due course and venues include The Bear beer emporium, Rumkeg Carribean cocktail bar, and Cole’s Corner cafe.
Funding for the event has derived from £50,000 of funding from Sheffield City Council’s Economic Recovery Fund (ERF).
The grant has also funded new street arts for shop shutters, a new mural, new bin wraps and lamppost banners, as well as the creation of Independent Abbeydale branding.
Also aiding regeneration of the area is the recent acquisition of Abbeydale Picture House by independent brewers – and Abbeydale Live sponsors – True North Brew Co. The Grade II listed former similar closed in February 2024.
All events at Abbeydale Live will be free and open to the public, beginning at 1pm and ending at 11pm.