Events contribute enormously to the economy of a city. Festivals attract visitors, visitors spend money, which as a result, boosts the local economy both on and off the event site.
On-site spending could include entry fees, parking fees, food and beverages, but off-site spending generates revenue more widely for communities as well. For example, visitors stop at local petrol stations, shops, restaurants and those staying the night would spend on local hotels too.
Sheffield boasts some of the top festivals and events in the UK such as Tramlines and Sensoria making their return to the city this year.
Here’s a selection of the biggest and best events happening in Sheffield over the next 12 months:
Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF)
Location: Showroom Cinema
Date: March 9th – 11th
More than 100 of the best adventure, travel and extreme sports films hand-picked for you from around the world. As well as watching films, you can share a ShAFF beer with adventure sports athletes and filmmakers in the bar, check out the exhibitors area in the Outpost, take inspiration from free ShED Talks or get involved in a range of outdoor activities.
Sheffield Business Show
Location: Sheffield United Football Club, Bramall Lane
Date: April 26th
www.sheffieldbusinessshow.co.uk
An exhibition of a wide range of local organisations, business networking connecting you with exciting new opportunities and clients. The event will include seminars on key business topics, to educate and help develop your business.
Sheffield Food Festival 
Location: Peace Gardens, Winter Gardens, Millennium Square, Town Hall and Fargate
Date: May 2018
Get your taste buds at the ready because Sheffield’s Food Festival will be returning for the eighth year to showcase what the city has to offer. Freshly baked bread, locally brewed beers and mouth-watering cakes are a few of the options on offer to try during the culinary weekend.
DocFest
Location: The Workstation
Date: June 7th-12th
One of the world leading — and the UK’s premier — documentary festival is returning to Sheffield in 2018 celebrating the art and business of documentary and all non-fiction storytelling. This six-day festival experience connects thousands of creatives together, resulting in the discovery of new talent and collaborations. Last year saw more than 32,700 festival attendees.
Tramlines 
Location: Devonshire Green, O2 Academy, Foundry
Date: July 20th-22th
Every July Sheffield plays host to one of the UK’s largest inner-city music festivals – Tramlines. However, 2018 promises to be bigger and better than ever, as it will be celebrating its 10th Birthday. Five stages, three parks, 73 acts, making this one weekend not to be missed.
After Dark
Location: Don Valley Bowl
Date: TBA (Most likely November 2nd)
www.yellowbusevents.co.uk/after-dark
Yorkshire’s biggest bonfire and firework display will be making its yearly return to Don Valley to host a night of spectacular fireworks, funfairs and food stalls. The event has attracted up to 20,000 people in past years and is set to continue its success in 2018.
Cliffhanger 
Location: Peace Gardens, Tudor Square, Millennium Square, Winter Gardens and Devonshire Green
Date: TBA
www.theoutdoorcity.co.uk/cliffhanger-the-lowdown
Sheffield city centre turns into a giant playground for the weekend when Cliffhanger returns. Areas for running, cycling, mountain biking and bouldering will be set up in various locations across the city to watch and for anyone to join in.
Sensoria
Location: Various locations across the city
Date: TBA
Celebrating its 10th year, the UK’s popular festival of film and music returns to Sheffield with a mix of screenings, performance, talks, events and exhibitions across the city for film and music enthusiasts to take part in.
