A massive free music celebration is returning to Sheffield city centre this summer. The Fringe at Tramlines will bring hundreds of live performances to venues across the city from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26. Organisers are expecting tens of thousands of people to attend as the city centre transforms into a giant stage.
Venues and Performances
Pubs, bars, clubs, independent venues and outdoor spaces will host live music throughout the weekend. The exciting event runs alongside the main Tramlines Festival taking place in Hillsborough Park. Organisers have now revealed the line-up for the Devonshire Green Main Stage.
The main stage will open on Friday evening for the first time in many years to extend the weekend celebrations. The Friday night programme will bring together some of Sheffield's best loved DJs and presenters for an evening of feel-good music. Award-winning broadcaster Dixie will host and headline the opening evening.
The Saturday line-up features a blend of reggae, soul, folk and ska before culminating with a performance by Kiziah and the Kings. Sunday will feature a headline performance by Jungle Lion, who are considered by many to be festival royalty.
Support for Grassroots Artists
The main stage has received support from the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation to help grassroots artists take part.
Councillor Ben Miskell, from Sheffield City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see this much-loved festival return to the heart of Sheffield. Events like this bring real energy into our city centre, supporting local businesses and creating a vibrant atmosphere that benefits everyone who lives, works and spends time here. We’re proud to be working to help make it happen.”
“The Fringe at Tramlines is all about showcasing the very best of Sheffield, from our venues and performers to our independent businesses and welcoming spaces. Just as importantly, it’s open and accessible to all. With so much free activity on offer, it gives people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to come together, enjoy the city, and be part of something special. That sense of community is what makes Sheffield unique, and this event really celebrates that.”
Economic Impact
The festival first launched in 2018 to bring a vibrant energy into the heart of the city centre. It has now grown to attract around 40,000 visitors each year, providing a significant boost to local businesses. The most recent event generated an estimated £1.86m for the city centre economy.
Diane Jarvis, from Sheffield BID, said: “The Fringe at Tramlines brings people into the city centre at scale, drives footfall for our pubs, bars, and venues, and creates the kind of trading conditions businesses depend on. It’s a signature event for the BID, and one we’ve helped shape from the start with our partners. For us, the focus is always on making the city centre work well for the businesses that trade here.”
“Extending the Devonshire Green Main Stage across the full weekend strengthens a festival that delivers clear economic value for the city centre. This partnership continues to deliver for local businesses, and we’re focused on ensuring The Fringe brings another strong weekend for Sheffield’s economy this July.”
Further Announcements
Further announcements about the music line-up will be made in the coming weeks. A special online guide is also being developed to help audiences navigate the huge range of performances. Full listings and further announcements will be available via the Fringe at Tramlines pages on Welcome to Sheffield and Exposed Magazine.
