Woodseats Live is the cultural event that shook Sheffield’s music scene on Saturday, seeing over 90 artists perform to bars crowded with hundreds of people, all eager to have a good time.
The festival took place on March 6 across 10 popular venues in Woodseats, including The Abbey and Chantrey Arms.
Ciaron Elm, 34, is a Freelance Entertainment Consultant, and an organiser behind Woodseats Live.
He said: “There’s people from all walks of life in this city, from all over the world, and from all kinds of different backgrounds.
We want to make sure there is an accessible way to see all of the wonderful culture and art that we have on offer in Sheffield.”
The event was sponsored by Turner Guitars, Finale Guitars, and Finale Music School, and there has been interest by future sponsors to expand the festival across the city.
Plans are underway for Heeley and Meersbrook Live this May, and locations such as London Road and Abbeydale Road will follow later in the year.
Attendee Theo Parmakis, 29, a local instrument maker, said: “I think it’s a good way to bring people together. Sheffield is big but small, and an event like this feels like it draws a lot of people in from various different circles.”
Future festival goers can expect to see visual art and installations added to the long set list, along with the music and comedy showcased by Woodseats Live.
Set up as a community interest operation, all profits go into carrying on the events and paying the performers.
Mr Elm said: “We want it to belong to Sheffield.
“With the difficulties that entertainment faced through the pandemic, there will always be some channel for artists to be paid for their time.”
Over 200 artists applied to perform on Saturday, and those who missed out can apply for future festivals.
Mr Elm said: “We have to work together to support the whole industry and keep it alive.
“I think this time next year, the live music scene in Sheffield is going to be really back on the map.”
