Off the Shelf brings books, words and ideas to Sheffield each October. Exact 2027 dates have not been announced yet. The events below took place in the completed 2026 programme. University rooms and other city venues require their own arrival and return plans; check the building on each event before booking your stay.
Confirmed for 2027
The 2027 programme hasn’t been announced yet.
Check the organiser’s programme before choosing a speaker or an individual day. The earlier events below are a way to explore the festival’s range; they are not a list of returning guests. A festival date and a confirmed author appearance are separate pieces of information.
What 2026 looked like
These three events were in the 2026 programme. Follow each title to the visitor guide for the wider selection and the official event links.
Earlier 2026 conversations
An Expert Witness – Sue Black
· Firth Hall
Sue Black discussed An Expert Witness with Dan Barcroft, exploring how forensic science developed and the responsibilities and difficulties of applying scientific expertise within criminal investigations and the law.
The Parkwood Murders – Chris Chibnall
· University of Sheffield Drama Studio
Chris Chibnall joined Naomi Frisby to discuss The Parkwood Murders and his work in crime storytelling, connecting his new thriller with a career writing drama for the screen and stage.
Chain Reaction – Lee Child and Andrew Child
· The Auditorium, University of Sheffield Student’s Union
Lee Child and Andrew Child discussed Chain Reaction with Nick Ahad, examining the latest Jack Reacher story and their collaboration in continuing the series through its next set of adventures.
2026 event detailsAt 2 festivals in 2026
Plan your visit
Read the Off the Shelf Festival of Words visitor guide for venues, official tickets, travel and access information. Compare the stay areas before reserving a room. Choose the events that matter most to you, then put their actual venues alongside the accommodation address.
### By train and onward tram or bus
A room booked before the programme appears is a provisional travel choice. Read the cancellation deadline and payment schedule, keep them with your reservation and revisit the booking when you know the events you want. A room rate does not include festival tickets unless the seller explicitly says it does.
For an evening visit, check the final journey from the venue as well as the outward train. Allow time to leave, collect a bag or attend a signing if one is actually listed. If a taxi is essential, check the pickup arrangements before making a reservation that depends on it.
Choosing when to book
Start with the official dates and your own flexibility. If your visit depends on one particular writer, wait for that appearance to be announced before buying inflexible travel. Check the event’s age guidance, accompanying-adult requirements and access arrangements separately from any membership or accommodation purchase.
When the programme is available, compare the length of each session and the transfer to the next venue. Leave a proper break for food and browsing, and keep the last journey home in view. You can use our first-festival planning guide to put the day together.
Sources
- Official festival programme and dates (checked 28 October 2026)
- Official 2026 programme (checked 28 October 2026)
- Visitor guide and its official travel sources