Outdoor weekend of free Sheffield events to mark start of Summer in the City campaign

Organisers say Tudor Square will be transformed into a festival space with events including street acts, music, poetry and theatre reflecting the diversity of creative talent in the region alongside nationally-acclaimed street performers.

The weekend is called Together in the Square and is on June 26-7.

On June 26 events will run from 11am–10pm and on June 27 from 11am – 5pm, with earlier activities friendly to families and children.

Deck chairs and benches will be available for people to enjoy all the performances, including a new socially-distanced participatory event created with Sheffield People’s Theatre, directed by Sheffield Theatres’ RTYDS Associate Artistic Director Anthony Lau.

Also included in the line-up is: performer, theatre maker and director Hannah Butterfield; Sheffield-born-and-bred performer and writer Tommi Bryson; activist and former Lord Mayor of Sheffield Magid Magid reading from his book The Art of Disruption; cross-genre arts group The Flanagan Collective and Gobbledigook Theatre performing acoustic storytelling; North East theatre company Bonnie and the Bonnettes performing drag and cabaret sketches; local performers Mark Mark Productions, a street and festival theatre group based in Barnsley, and Maynard Flip Flap, a comedy street performer based in Sheffield.

The event is backed by Sheffield Theatres, the University of Sheffield, Yellow Bus Events and Sheffield Council.

John Tomlinson, Producer at Sheffield Theatres said: 'It's so exciting to be presenting a programme of work in the city for audiences to enjoy for free.

"We recognise how challenging this time has been for the city centre and its businesses, so are thrilled to be able to bring people back to the heart of our city through a weekend of brilliant performances for everyone to enjoy.

"We’re so grateful for the expertise and support of our partners, The University of Sheffield and Yellow Bus Events, for the support from the government’s Cultural Recovery Fund and commitment from Sheffield City Council. We can't wait for Sheffield to see what we've put together.’Professor Vanessa Toulmin, Director of City and Culture at the University of Sheffield, added: “Whenever the University of Sheffield collaborates with the world-class team at Sheffield Theatres and our long-standing events partner, Yellow Bus, you can be sure that Sheffield residents and visitors are in for a real treat!

"It's fantastic that we are able to put our combined skills together to bring some much needed vibrancy back to the city centre and provide the opportunity for many local artists and performers to showcase their talent. Let’s hope for blue skies, sunny days and happy audiences.”

Crucible Corner, Sheffield Theatres’ bar restaurant, located on the corner of Tudor Square will be open over the weekend for customers to enjoy a range of hot sandwiches and light bites and refreshments. Tables can be booked in advance at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.

All events held at Together in the Square will be free with unallocated seating. More information about all the acts can be found at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk.