While the bigger festivals and concerts tend to get most of the attention in big cities, Sheffield is home to some slightly quirkier events throughout the year. If you’re visiting here in the future, the good news is that there’s quite a lot to keep you entertained.

You can watch strong men lifting boulders and pulling trucks, get a good laugh while supporting charity and enjoy local talent delivering classical music and high culture, all for your entertainment.

Here are just six of the events you can attend in the city over the next 12 months.

Britain’s Strongest Man
Big guys undertaking Herculean tasks has been the staple of Britain’s Strongest Man for decades now. This year it’s coming back to Sheffield and you can now book tickets for the event taking place on Saturday 19thJanuary 2019. This will be the last time you’ll be able to see champion Eddie ‘The Beast’ Hall who is retiring after competing here in Sheffield.

Find out more about Britain’s Strongest Man.

Giggle Aid Sheffield
Raising money for charity is the aim of this fun night, taking place at the Leadmill in December 2018. There will be a number of well-known comics on the night hoping to have you in fits of giggles. You can book a table and enjoy a meal while you’re being royally entertained. The ultimate aim is to raise money for the British Red Cross and this is one of many comedy events held all over the UK.

Find out more about Giggle Aid.

The Grand Halloween Ball
The end of October is, of course, time to celebrate Halloween. If you’re in the city at this time, you’ll want to take part in the Grand Ball held at Sheffield City Hall. It’s a night of dancing, magicians and comedy and gives you the opportunity to indulge in a madcap night of mayhem. If you love getting dressed up for ghoulish, gothic nights out, this is perfect.

Find out more about the Grand Halloween Ball.

Off the Shelf
If words are more your thing rather than music, Off the Shelf should certainly be on your list of events to attend. Marketed as a ‘festival of words’, it takes place around the city in October with a range of different talks, seminars, exhibitions and readings. This is one of the cultural events of the year so expect to encounter some big names in the literary world as you walk the streets.

Find out more about Off the Shelf.

Classical Sheffield
Classical music makes it mark in Sheffield over the spring in March and this is well worth taking a closer look at if you are staying for a week or two. There are a number of intimate soirees and big concerts around the city, everything from opera to the Russian Symphony Orchestra. There are also some great workshops for those who want to improve their own musical talent.

Find out more about Classical Sheffield.

A Taste of Independent Sheffield
Head to the Peace Gardens in September and you’ll find some real foodie delights. The whole event is designed to promote local, independent businesses and is a mix of food, art, music and drink. It’s a great family event and there are plenty of activities to take part in, including workshops from some of the region’s top chefs.

Find out more about A Taste of Independent Sheffield.