Sheffield Theatres is opening its doors this summer for two free festivals packed with performances, workshops and creative activities. Taking place in July and August, Launchpad Festival and Together Festival will bring people of all ages together to celebrate theatre and the arts in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Launchpad Festival: 10–11 July

Launchpad Festival is part of Sheffield Theatres’ work with adults with learning disabilities and/or Autism. Taking place over two days, the event will feature performances, workshops, and interactive experiences created by and with adults from across the city and beyond.
Visitors can take part in dance sessions, Q&As and explore a specially designed sensory room created by artist Laura Guthrie, shaped by the ideas of the Launchpad Steering Group. Some performances are ticketed, while many activities are free to drop in and enjoy.
On Thursday 10 July, the programme includes two new theatre pieces created by MENCAP and Sheffield Theatres, audio work from carers, and poetry by members of Burton Street Foundation.
On Friday 11 July, Pinder Dance’s DramaStarz and Enable will perform, followed by Sistarz, a new musical from Under the Stars. There will also be an improvisation session with ZooCo inspired by Perfect Show For Rachel, with the day ending in a DJ party.
Together Festival: 1–2 August

In August, Together Festival returns with two days of performances, workshops and creative events from community groups across Sheffield. The theme this year is “wonder”, and the programme includes music, dance, storytelling, drama and poetry, along with a lively outdoor stage on Saturday.
On Friday 1 August, highlights include a new storytelling project from Manor and Castle Development Trust, FACETIMES by Forced Entertainment and Element Society, and Heads Up: Frank’s Story by touring theatre company Dream Arts, which works with unaccompanied asylum seekers. SlamBarz will close the day with music and poetry.
The following day, Saturday 2 August, features performances from groups including Pitsmoor Adventure Playground, United Women Affiliation, Blanket Fort Club, Sheffield Theatres’ Youth Theatre, Pinder Dance and Manor After School Kids Klub. The outdoor stage will host a mix of acts throughout the day, presented by Sam Buttery, who recently starred as Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors.
A sensory room will be available at both festivals, offering a calm and welcoming space inspired by the ideas of being “above the clouds” and “in the meadow”.
Simon Marshall, Community Project Manager at Sheffield Theatres, said:
“We’re thrilled to be hosting these festivals as a huge welcome for the city this summer. Our Launchpad Steering Group invite you to step into a whole new world that will feel magical. Together Festival will be a huge celebration of the creativity of Sheffield’s communities, with performances, workshops and, on Saturday, an outdoor stage with fashion, live acts and music into the evening. Come along, it’ll be wonderful.”
Both festivals are free to attend, with many events open for drop-in. Tickets for bookable performances will be available from Friday 20th June online at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk, at the Box Office, or by calling 0114 249 6000.