Everything you need to know as Crossed Wires podcast festival returns to Sheffield
The festival is set to feature top comedians and politicians
Sara Pascoe, Zack Polanski and Alice Levine are among some of the big names who are set to host shows at a returning festival next week.
Crossed Wires podcast festival began in 2024, offering a chance for locals to see live performances of some of the biggest podcasts around.
And this year, between Thursday July 2 and Sunday July 5, Sheffield will be taken over once more for the excellent talent showcase.
Venues like City Hall, Crucible, Playhouse Theatre and Memorial Hall in Hillsborough are all set to host shows.
Comedians Sara Pascoe - of Taskmaster and Great British Sewing Bee fame - and Alan Partridge and Peep Show star Cariad Lloyd, will be hosting a live performance of the Weirdos Book Club on July 5, at the Playhouse Theatre.
This will be followed by Green Party leader Zack Polanski, who along with a special guest will showcase his Bold Politics podcast at the Crucible.
Also on show throughout the week is Northern News on Saturday, where comedians Ian Smith and Amy Gledhill - who recently starred in Amazon’s Last One Laughing UK - scour newspapers to find some of the strangest stories across the north of England.
Best-selling Irish writer Blindboy will also take over the City Hall on Sunday for his self-titled podcast, which has exceeded 80 million listeners globally.
BBC’s Alice Levine - who co-founded the festival with producer Dino Sofos, and Tramlines co-founder James O'Hara - is expected to kick off the event alongside festival creative director Greg James at 7pm on Thursday with Bad Chat at the City Hall.
Tickets are selling fast with a number of shows already sold out, so those interested are advised to get booking as soon as possible - further information can be found here.
On their website, Crossed Wires organisers write: “2026 promises even more opportunities to discover new favourites, meet fellow fans, and immerse yourself in the thriving podcast scene that now calls Sheffield home.
“From intimate pop-ups to immersive storytelling, Crossed Wires is constantly evolving.
“Whether you're a podcast connoisseur or just curious, there's a place, and a moment, waiting for you here.”