Sheffield blog

Some of my festival highlights

So it is all over for another year. In terms of numbers, Tramlines is now around the size of Glastonbury, attracting an estimated 150,000 people over the weekend. The crowds were treated to the usual mix of musical genres, with most tastes catered for in some shape or form. I’ve picked out a few aspects of the festival that I really liked this year…

Friday night

Kill your darlings Kid acne exhibition

It was an inspired idea to schedule the free launch of Kid acne’s new exhibition on the Friday night of Tramlines. If you don’t think you know who Kid acne is then you will have certainly seen his work around town. The launch was the perfect warm up to the festival, with live music, drinks, a look round his exhibition and loads of familiar Sheffield faces. Then there was plenty of time after to go and see more music, including Heaven 17′s homecoming performance in Barkers pool.

The Folk forest

The Folk forest in Endcliffe park

A haven away from the city centre and well worth a visit even if you weren’t a folk fan. What’s not to like about lying back under the trees with the sun shining, listening to live music while enjoying a local beer? The heaving centre of town over Tramlines weekend isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and the enchanting Folk forest in Endcliffe park did a good job of widening the appeal of the festival to an older – and younger – audience.

The Busker bus

The busker bus

A handy way to get around and also a venue in itself. Watching someone perform against the backdrop of a vibrant Sheffield through the window was a brilliant combination. Half the fun was just turning up and seeing who hopped on to perform: it could have been anything from big local names to great new music or even an X Factor boy band fresh from the main stage.

More people and more venues

This year there were even more venues involved across a wider area of the city, including some of the more suburban pubs and cafes. And seeking sanctuary in the cathedral for some lovely acoustic music was a magical experience (plus having a drink in the pews was also quite good fun). More venues over a wider area meant more people, although this didn’t stop Tramlines still being a good place to bump into random friends.

Great weather

The sun over West one

There’s no denying that a weekend of sunshine makes all the difference and this year the weather was possibly the best yet. After a very light shower on the Friday night, the sun shone on both the main days which would have no doubt encouraged even more people out.

The Tramlines brand

This year the visual identity of Tramlines was given an overhaul and it was a big improvement. Sheffield agency Peter and Paul designed a new font specifically for the festival, which was used on all the promotional material and also picked up by other outlets. The poster campaign featuring familiar and unfamiliar Sheffield faces shot by photographer Sean Bloodworth also looked great around town. It all made for quite a distinctive campaign that communicated one of the main selling points of Tramlines; that it was free for everyone.

A boost for the city centre

A busy Soyo

The experience of a trip to Sheffield city centre is a bit patchy to say the least. Many of the shop units stand empty due to the recession or in anticipation of Sevenstone construction starting, which has left it all a bit in limbo. Tramlines resulted in the streets being packed with people and local businesses doing well out of what would otherwise have been a quiet summer weekend. Anecdotal evidence suggests that trade was busy – there were reports of one bar running out or beer and another making more over Tramlines weekend than they make in a month.

Good beer

With an official festival brew in the shape of Tramlines ale, other local breweries like Thornbridge taking part and many of Sheffield’s real ale pubs on the circuit, there was no reason not to steer clear of the keg lager, even in the main stage areas.

Same again next year?

Overall it seems like Tramlines 2011 was another success. Some people were wary of the impact of a big sponsor coming on board, although this didn’t seem to make a discernible negative difference. Others are still expecting to see a lot more bigger names playing, even though this would be hard to manage at a ticketless, free festival.

For me Tramlines isn’t just about seeing big bands, or even being regimental about the music you do try and see. The friends I know who enjoyed it the most are the ones who got out and about and threw themselves into what and wherever their weekend took them, whether it was a rammed and sweaty pub or the tranquility of the Folk forest.

How do you think it compared to previous years? And what would you suggest for 2012 – is there anything they should keep, ditch or should be doing?

The Radical departures What I learned from Tramlines 2011 blog post is a good read and has some useful tips for if and when the festival returns in 2012.

The main stage on Devonshire green

A special gig from Sheffield’s versatile singer-songwriter

John Shuttleworth at a Broomhill residential home

It is 3 o’clock on Friday and instead of contemplating a post-work beer in a Broomhill pub, I’ve taken the afternoon off and am settling down to tea and cake in a residential home round the corner.

I’ve got good reason to be here at Lifestyle house. As one of the many events at Broomhill festival, Sheffield’s very own John Shuttleworth is putting on a couple of low-key afternoon performances. The gigs are for the residents of the home but there are also a handful of free tickets available to the public.

Versatile singer-songwriter John Shuttleworth

John Shuttleworth is a likeable comedy character created by comedian Graham Fellows. He sings gentle observational songs about life, with accompaniment from his retro portable keyboard. You may have heard him on his own Radio 4 series, on TV and also in a couple of full-length feature films. If not, read his entry on Wikipedia and listen to some of his songs below, you’ll soon get the idea.

His lyrics have plenty of local references (“She lives in Hope, but she used to live in Barnsley”) which makes them even funnier if you’re from or know south Yorkshire.

The annual Broomhill festival is in its 37th year and is firmly established. As a result it manages to occasionally pull in high-profile acts like this which you might not expect to find at a normal community festival: at his last Sheffield show, John filled the city hall. In addition, Graham Fellows has links with Lifestyle House, as his parents are both residents here and he also went to King Edward VIII school, which is just next door.

Performing to Lifestyle House residents

The average age of the people in the room must be about 80, but he goes down well. Early on in the set we get to hear the Shuttleworth favourite Two margarines and it is soon clear that the songs and talk in between work brilliantly in this setting. You’re never quite sure whether the lovely old people understand that he is a comedy creation or instead just see him as another eccentric afternoon entertainer.

The residents provide plenty of good banter, although when one old lady says “I’m not going to answer any more of your questions”, you realise they don’t all suffer fools gladly.

Halfway through we break for tea and cakes, served to us using classic Beryl ware hospital/residential home crockery. After some mingling John then takes to his keyboard once again to play Shopkeepers in the north, near-Eurovision hit Pigeons in flight and a sherry-fuelled I can’t go back to savoury now. One old guy has nodded off but everyone else has been thoroughly entertained.

A small crew recorded the performance for another John Shuttleworth film, which will be worth looking out for. Some photos are below.

Queueing up outside Lifestyle house

John Shuttleworth performing at a Broomhill residential home

John Shuttleworth at a Broomhill residential home

John Shuttleworth mingling with Broomhill residential home residents

Damien Johnson enjoying John Shuttleworth at a Broomhill residential home

John Shuttleworth at a Broomhill residential home

Afternoon tea at John Shuttleworth's Broomhill residential home gig

Free fundraising festivals this weekend

Keep your fingers crossed for good weather this weekend as there are two good outdoor events to look forward to, and both are raising money for good causes.

On Saturday, Peace in the park (also on Facebook and Twitter) takes place at the Ponderosa in Upperthorpe. This annual community festival is now in its eighth year and donates any money raised to nominated local and international charities.

Expect live music across various stages, a cabaret bar, DJs, a kids area, cycling activities, the healing and learning area and you can even get involved in a world record attempt.

Driftrun: organising and playing Weston party 2011

And the following day just up the road in Weston park is the second Weston party (Facebook).

Last year, this post-Tramlines afternoon of live music took place over August bank holiday weekend. This year, the organisers Driftrun have moved it to June, but the idea is still the same: a chance to see local bands play outdoors while you relax in the park with your picnic.

Artists playing include Alvarez kings, Playground mafia, Jon Windle (ex-Little man tate), Driftrun plus Steve Edwards. Once again, there will be a collection to raise money for Sheffield Children’s hospital.

At the time of writing the weather forecast looks pretty good for the weekend, let’s hope it is right.

Weston party 2011

Sensoria, the UK's festival of music, film and digital

The festival of film and music

Sheffield’s spring festival of film, music and digital returns for 2011, bringing together events, gigs, screenings and exhibitions across a packed ten-day programme.

The opening day on Friday is now of course a public holiday, so if you want to avoid a certain other event taking place that day then why not visit the Devonshire street party and market? And later on, a free festival of live music kicks off at the Washy, with sets from the Violet may and Pete David and the Payroll union over the course of the weekend.

On Saturday, a secret location plays host to a (Re)mixed in Sheffield warehouse party. It features plenty of great artists like Toddla T, Heaven 17, I monster, Lords of flatbush and Asbo a-go-go.

The Bibliotheque discotheque event (Tuesday 3 May) sees a disco of sorts located in the Central library. I recently heard a good documentary which gave an insight into the world of library music. It is amazing just how many of the TV themes that were originally library tracks we’ve sub-consciously absorbed into our national psyche. The library disco should give a glimpse into this world.

You may have seen a big screen in Tudor square for the snooker and Sensoria will also continuing this with its very own Screen on the square. Each day has a specified programme of films, including Sheffield on film from 6pm on Wednesday 4 May.

Excellent Sheffield-based photographer Shaun Bloodworth has his first solo exhibition as part of the festival. Underground, running 28 April-16 May at Bank street arts, documents the electronic music scene since 2005.

If you’re a musician or filmmaker then Sensoria pro (5-6 May) has now been expanded to two days. And at 6pm on Thursday 5 the Electric works hosts the launch of 2 weeks 2 make it, a music video competition.

Speaking of competitions, throughout the festival you can also see an exhibition of entries to the Thornbridge/Sensoria beer mat competition in the Winter garden. The winning mats (below) feature lyrics from Sheffield bands Pulp, ABC, the Human league and Artery, as well as some local photos. You may have already seen in pubs stocking Thornbridge beer.

These are just a few of the events taking place. Visit the Sensoria website for the full listings.

Look out for the Sensoria beer mats in Sheffield pubs

Have you seen the lights?

The procession at Sharrow lantern festival

Sunday night saw the annual lantern festival take over the streets of Sharrow. I don’t live in the neighbourhood but the reputation of the festival has been growing for a few years now so I decided it was time to check it out.

In the weeks leading up to it, workshops took place to help people craft a lantern to carry in the procession. On the day of the festival, crowds would then gather at dusk in Mount pleasant park before setting off and parading through Sharrow to Cemetery park.

This year’s procession was again led by the Sheffield samba band, who were brilliant. Everyone else followed: many people proudly carried ‘elements’-themed lanterns in all shapes and sizes, while some were dressed up and others had their faces adorned with face paints. It didn’t matter if you hadn’t prepared anything though, as everyone was welcome to tag along regardless.

As the carnival wove its way through the streets, residents gathered in doorways and faces pressed up against windows to catch a glimpse of the festivities and see what the noise was all about.

On joining London road, we turned left towards town and headed for Cemetery park for live music, fire spinners and the spectacular lantern release. And for those wanting to continue the festivities, bands and DJs carried on at the Cremorne pub until late.

It looks like 2011 will be the final year that organisers Creative action network will be managing the event. There is no suggestion that it won’t be going ahead next April though and they are inviting people to get involved with the organisation. Do get in touch with them if you fancy it.

I’d definitely recommend getting involved in next year’s event, whether you are eight or 80. I didn’t really know what to expect, and when the rain came down on Sunday afternoon – following a hefty mother’s day meal – it was quite tempting not to bother venturing out. But I’m really glad I did, as I got to not just see but actually participate in another heart-warming example of grassroots Sheffield culture and community spirit.

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Pick of what’s on

It is less than two weeks to Sheffield’s annual comedy festival and by the looks of it tickets are selling fast for some of the shows. So if you are planning on going it may be worth booking while you can.

To help you decide who to see, a friend who is a comedy writer at the BBC has kindly picked out some of the Grin up north 2010 highlights:

Dara O’Briain – City hall oval hall, 2/3 October

These days O’Briain is mainly recognisable as the host of Mock the Week and a regular panellist on QI – but he remains one of the best live acts in the country.

Dealing with such a variety of topics as ante-natal classes, Goldilocks and particle physics, he makes them at once accessible and hilarious. With an effortless charm and easy way with audience banter that ensures that each gig is a unique experience – but all of them equally funny.

O’Briain really is a master stand-up – catch him now before you’ll only be able to see him in arenas and on TV.

Isy Suttie – Lescar, 3 October

Best known as Dobby from Peep Show, and soon to be appearing in the new Alan Davies sitcom Whites, Isy Suttie is also an acclaimed musical and character comedian – bringing us her story of love in a supermarket in Matlock, Derbyshire. Though it’s becoming a cliché to say it, she’s like a young Victoria Wood with naughty twinkle in her eye. Delightful stuff.

Gary Delaney – Lescar 14 October

If you’re a fan of immaculately-written one-liners that touch on some of the darker topics in life, then Delaney is unsurpassable. Don’t go expecting whimsical stories, heart-warming anecdotes or observations about home-life – Delaney is all about the jokes. Exceptional wordplay and gags that will make you laugh so much you’ll almost forget to ask yourself ‘Did he really just say that?’

Stewart Francis – Octagon, 16 October

Another master of the one-liner, this Canadian gagsmith has recently started to get the attention he deserves thanks to barnstorming appearances on Michael MacIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Mock the Week.

Francis has more perfect jokes in the first 10 minutes of his show than some comedians manage in their whole careers – if you like to laugh, then this is a real treat.

Also recommended

• Josie Long – 5 October, Crucible studio
• Greg Davies – 3 October, City hall memorial hall
• Stewart Lee – 6 October, City hall oval hall
• Sean Lock – 8 October, Lyceum
• Stu Goldsmith – 14 October, Lescar
• Rhod Gilbert – 24 October, City hall oval hall
• Robin Ince – 30 October, Lescar

Grin up north – Sheffield comedy festival 2010

Music in the sun (hopefully)

There’s a full post about this event over on counterfeitmag.co.uk so I won’t repeat it all here, but this looks like a good bet for a fun, free way to spend bank holiday Monday.

Billed as a post-Tramlines pick-me-up, this afternoon of music in Weston park features a line-up including Sarah Mac, Ian Brit, the Cartels, Orange 38, the Tivoli, Driftrun and Lords of flatbush.

The forecast says that the best of the weekend sun is going to be on Monday and you are invited to bring along your own picnic or barbecue.

Weston party, 30 August 2010

Lords of flatbush

Sheffield’s urban music festival returns for a second year

So once again the hordes descended on the city centre for the second year of the Tramlines festival. This time it was much bigger than 2009, with an estimated 125,000 people creating an amazing atmosphere around town.

Following feedback from last year, there were some changes for 2010. The problematic ticketing system for the main stage was scrapped in favour of a one-in, one-out policy. This meant that there was queuing down Devonshire street, particularly on the Saturday, but on the whole I think it worked much better and led to the main arena being much fuller for more of the day.

Devonshire street queues

The capacity for Devonshire green was increased to around 8,000, with a bigger area fenced off.  This meant that the spontaneous barbecues and gatherings that took place along the Rare’n'racy stretch of Devonshire street didn’t occur, which was a shame. Most of the businesses along there were inside the enclosure. I understand that the intention was for there to be public access to it via the side gates, but this didn’t seem to happen.

It was good that you were allowed to drink anywhere inside the main stage area, Food wise, I think there is room for more outlets offering a bigger variety of cuisine than we saw this year.

If you wanted to see a particular band then you needed to get there early, allowing time to queue to get in the different venues. Some people seemed annoyed at this but as it is a free festival, I don’t think that much can be done about it. I found that when one band finished playing there was the opportunity to move inside and get a good spot for the next one.

It was possible to avoid the queues if you chose your venues carefully. Drifting between the new music stage in Barker’s pool and also the world stage in the Peace gardens was easy. And I had no problem walking straight in to the Leadmill, Frog and parrot and Soyo at various times over the weekend.

If you didn’t go on the Busker line bus, then you missed out. As well as a practical means of getting around, it became a venue in itself. I overheard one old couple sat behind me on there discussing whether they should go round again. It sounds like they had been on it a while.

Buskerline bus

The organisers have said they’d like to make Tramlines even bigger if it returns in 2011. It will be interesting to see how they go about this. I can’t see how the main stage can increase its capacity, although they could also open it on the Friday night.

I also get the feeling that there is a limit on the size of the headliner that Tramlines can accommodate on Devonshire green. Echo and the bunnymen was a perfect fit: an established band that appeals to different generations and has at least a few songs that most people will recognise. If the main band was were really big then although that in some ways would be brilliant, it would also bring with it a whole new level of logistical and security issues.

Echo and the bunnymen

There isn’t another obvious city centre location for a bigger stage than Devonshire green. They could look to using the Don valley bowl, but part of the appeal of the festival is its compactness and the atmosphere that is generated in town because of this.

Also, at the moment I don’t think Tramlines is just about getting big names to play. Although having very well known bands playing where you know the songs is great, the festival is as much for me about soaking up the atmosphere around town, checking out some new music and supporting local artists and businesses at the same time.

The organisers have acknowledged that some elements of this year’s festival could have been run better and are still looking for feedback (they have over 500 points on the list already). You can get in touch via Facebook.

And if you want to increase the chances of Tramlines happening again next year, they have also set up a voluntary donation scheme.

All in all it was another great weekend, I think the most exciting of the year to be hanging out in the city centre.

Flickr photos

• arepeejee Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• dansumption
• robinbyles
• Starquake
• Subterranean Tourist Board

Tramlines TV videos

Shake aletti Activity Sheffield dancers

Solar disco, Devonshire green

Live art in Soyo

Music festival kicks off in style

Town was really packed last night with the opening night of Tramlines and I’m sure tonight will be even busier.

Most of the venues were at capacity, with people queuing outside. So if there is a band you really want to see then get there in plenty of time and allow for a bit of a wait to get inside.

Have fun!

Tramlines 2010 information

The Crookes at the Grapes last night

Tramlines 2010

23-25 July 2010

Our biggest musical weekend of the year, Sheffield music city, will soon be upon us. And the main part of that weekend will once again be the Tramlines festival.

Last year’s Tramlines was really good. The atmosphere around town was pretty special and even if you aren’t a music fan, it is worth popping down the the city centre over the weekend just to get a feel for what is going on.

As well as the big acts on the main stage, there are lots of smaller events happening at venues all over the city. The great thing is that it is a free festival and you do not need tickets for  events. You may have to queue up to get in to some venues or areas, but I think the plan is to have a one-in-one-out policy this year.

There have been various announcements regarding the line-up, and apparently there will be more news about who is playing on Monday.

For now, I’ve listed some of the information sources for the latest festival information:

www.tramlines.org.uk
Tramlines website. Should include full listings

www.facebook.com/Tramlines
Facebook page for Tramlines festival

twitter.com/tramlines
Twitter feed for main Tramlines festival

www.hallamfm.co.uk/article.asp?id=1812447
Hallam FM Tramlines page. Hallam FM is helping organise acts for the main stage

http://twitter.com/hallamfm
Hallam FM Twitter account

www.myspace.com/tramlines
Tramlines MySpace page

www.last.fm/user/tramlines
Tramlines Last.fm page

www.youtube.com/tramlinesfestival
Tramlines YouTube channel

www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=83262808158
Sheffield music city Facebook group – doesn’t seem to be updated much though

www.eventsheffield.co.uk
Sheffield music city/Tramlines listing on Event Sheffield website

Anyone know if they are producing a paper brochure/programme this year?

A reminder of last year’s festival: