Hallam nursery set to close amidst financial challenges
A Sheffield university nursery has reached out to parents notifying them of its possible closure in July.
Collegiate Nursery situated in Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) on Broomgrove Road caters for children of university staff and students, but is open to the general public.
In a report submitted to the BBC, a spokesperson from SHU stated the nursery has been suffering from rising costs and falling attendance since 2020. This has resulted in a loss of £600,000.
The nursery was rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in 2023, and is notable for its tailored care towards children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).
They reported that the number of children attending had dropped from 52 to 39 in the past few years.
Councillor Minesh Parekh has taken to Facebook to voice his concerns on the matter.
He wrote: "I was really concerned to hear that Sheffield Hallam University is considering closing its nursery.
"At a time when the government is trying to make nursery and childcare more available, and increasing funding to that end, it's really disappointing and short-sighted for them to consider closing such an important site."
He included a petition on the matter in his post that has been circulated throughout Facebook.
The petition states: "We are urging the university to reconsider its proposal, ensure parent views are taken into account in any decision, and to ensure transparency in consultation processes."
It has currently obtained 1,042 signatures.
In the commentary of the petition, one contributor, Mandy, wrote: "With a government push to open up more pre-school places, it seems mad to close this setting, especially for all of those children already settled, and for whom it would create a big upheaval to more to another setting."
Another contributor, A, wrote: "Please use much needed common sense. Sheffield Hallam Nursery must be supported not eliminated."
SHU have been contacted for a comment.
Sheffield Hatters win the super league finals during heritage game
A game honouring their predecessors and a victory photo that is a blend of new and old, the Sheffield Hatters have won the final of the women's basketball super league against the Leicester Riders with a score of 106 to 67.
The team was founded by the late Betty Codona in 1961 and was the only women's basketball team in England.
Basketball has changed drastically since then, becoming more commercialised, and even more physical but the Hatters remain one of the strongest teams in the league.
Jim Saker, the chairman of SLB Women, wanted, at the beginning of his career, to give women in basketball a voice. It wasn't until his daughter corrected him, that he realised his purpose to teams like the Hatters.
He said: "She told me to stop being patronising, that my job was to elevate women's voice in basketball as they already have a voice.
"So that's what I've been trying to do, elevate their voices."
Mr Saker then added: "The Hatters are one of the strongest teams in the league at the moment, they have got a great heritage and a great history."
In a stadium filled with fans, their cheers echoing "We are the champions", the song played as the team secured their victory, it is clear they do have that voice.
Anne Burdett an ex-Sheffield Hatter, who played during the 60s, came to the final to cheer her team on and support them. She said: "I have to say, it's much more physical. I was a physical player, but I wouldn't compete with these girls now."
Burdett first joined the team after trying to join a baking class at night school, only to find out the course was full. She ended up heading down to the gym and joining the basketball team, as a complete beginner.
She said: "Betty, who was in charge, was wonderful. I learned as I went along. I played for so many years and I’ve always tried to stay with the group because we were so close. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, I wouldn't change a thing."
Anne is one of the many ex-Sheffield Hatters that were honoured during halftime, as players from the 1960s-2000s were called onto the court to stand where they had once competed.
Yuri Matischen, who commentated on the match as it unfolded, said: "Current players, tonight is a reminder you're a part of something much bigger than yourself.
"You stand on the shoulders of women in this arena and those who came before you, this is what allows you to wear that jersey today."
Among the ex-hatters on the court stands Vanessa Ellis, Betty Codona's daughter, who has been coaching the team for 15 years.
Optimistic about her team's chances, she said: "’We’ve had a good week’s preparation, which is always nice, with the added extra of winning the league title tonight at home in front of our home crowd.”
The celebration ended with awards being handed out, and a video of the current players thanking the Hatters that came before them.
Burdett talked about the sense of community she felt on the team, and how years after they have all left they are still close friends.
This sentiment is echoed by Shauna Harrison, a current Hatter who felt "ecstatic" after her win.
She said: " We knew it was going to be a tough game with Leicester, they always put up a fight, but having all the previous players here supporting us really pushed us to perform for them today."
Shauna's interest in basketball started in primary school, when the hatters came to her school and held a six-week programme, at the end of which they asked her to join their junior team. But her love for the game may be surpassed by her love for the team,
She added that what mattered most to her was: "having a team that’s there for you no matter what, on and off court, people who have your back."
Next for the Hatters is a game away from the Canon arena against the Oaklands Wolves.
‘Stunning and scenic’ viewpoint desecrated by ‘despicable’ amounts of dog fouling – Local Councillor demands action is taken
Locals have been lodging serious complaints on social media about dog fouling in one of Sheffield's most-loved picturesque locations.
Residents of Crookes have sent complaints to Sheffield City Council over remarkable amounts of dog poo left unattended at Bolehill Recreation Ground.
The viewpoint has been described as 'stunning' and 'scenic' by commentors on Reddit and Facebook. People have been travelling to the location to watch the sunset for hundreds of years.
Social media commentors reported a 'shocking situation' and described dog walkers completely neglecting to clean up after their pets in the area.
Crookes resident Danny Lee-Kearsley said: "The pavements are despicable, I walk my son to Westways Primary School every morning, there's often five or six [poos] on our way.
"It's really starting to make me dislike dogs."
Councillor for Crookes and Crosspool, Minesh Parekh, said he hoped stronger action would be taken. The ward council has used some of its funds to put up signs asking people to pick up dog poo and be considerate dog owners.
Members of the Crookes Community Facebook page have suggested reporting the issue to Sheffield City Council.
The Council report that dog fouling damages the environment, kills wildlife and is a danger to children or others enjoying the parks and streets.
Guilty owners can receive £50 on the spot fines for not picking up after their dog, which can rise to £1,000 following prosecution. The council suggests neighbourhoods form community groups to tackle the issue.
However, many social media commentors feel this is not enough.
One user said photos need to be released of perpetrators to inform residents of offenders in their area.
Angela Hague, 60, who frequently walks her dog through Bolehill said: "If you've got a dog, pick its poo up. You'd pick it up in your garden so pick it up when you're outside.
"When my grandchildren walk the dogs I make sure they pick it up as well."
Councillor Parekh said: "A large part of the issue, and why it has gotten worse in recent years, is declining levels of responsible dog ownership."
This echoed many social media user's complaints, stating dog walkers were too focused on their phones to bother picking up any mess.
Councillor Parekh said: "Particularly since the pandemic and the large number of so-called “lockdown dogs“, we have seen less considerate dog owners and people not picking up their dog’s waste, which is really disappointing.
"I know in many other countries such as Australia, Ireland or the Netherlands, dog owners need a licence to have a dog and I think something like that, with accompanied classes or requirements on how to look after a dog and that it is a serious commitment, are probably needed."
There are already signs in the area, requesting people pick up their litter, and the Council requests the public continue to report any incidents of dog fouling.
Bus strikes in Doncaster as drivers battle for better pay
Bus drivers are striking for fair pay, causing major disruptions to network routes across Doncaster and the surrounding areas.
The strikes this week are the result of coordinated industrial action by more than 230 drivers employed by First Bus.
First Bus Doncaster drivers are currently being paid £14.15 per hour, however 20 miles down the road in Sheffield employees are paid £15.60 for the same job.
This action follows four previous strike days in March and early April as they continue to demand the same pay as their neighbouring drivers.
The drivers are based at the Leger Way depot, which plays a central role in operating a wide network of routes across Doncaster and surrounding areas.
In a press statement, Zoe Hands, Managing Director of First Bus Manchester, Midlands & South Yorkshire, said: “We are doing all we can with the resources we have to put buses on the road where possible and keep customers moving during industrial action, and importantly those who rely on us to make essential trips.
“Our latest pay offer includes an immediate seven per cent pay increase, more than double the current inflation rate, backdated to January 2026, and would deliver an overall 18 per cent pay rise by July 2027."
She explained that the Sheffield and Doncaster drivers have different pay anniversary dates, so pay negotiations occur at separate times and rates do not always align.
She said: "“First Bus has been flexible to union demands and made multiple offers, such that the pay deal now on the table is beyond what many workers are likely to see this year, yet Unite representatives have shown no willingness to move their position.
"Our door remains open for discussions to find an agreement and avoid any further unnecessary industrial action.”
First Group is a highly profitable company, seeing revenues rise 30% to £833.6m for the half year ending September 2025.
The strikers are part of Unite, the UK's largest union.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "First Bus can fully afford to give these drivers, who do the same job as their counterparts down the road, the same wages but is choosing to prioritise greed. Our members at First South Yorkshire continue to have Unite's full support."
Bindi Eyre, a resident from Sheffield, commented on Facebook: "All bus drivers across South Yorkshire should be paid the same amount because they do the same job."
Further strikes will happen on the 22, 24, 27, and 29 April, or until drivers believe fair pay is given.
Brass Band concert put on to fund repair of broken church roof
A local band from Barnsley has announced a charity concert next month, as they look to help raise the £40,000 needed to repair a church roof.
Dodworth Colliery Brass Band are supporting St. John's Church in Dodworth, in aid of their mission to repair the damaged building.
Both the band and the church have been in Dodworth for nearly 200 years, and have forged a good relationship over the years.
Morag McKay-Ellison, the Secretary of the band said: "Supporting local community is important to Dodworth Band.
"We’ve been here since 1836, proudly so, but we need to develop too so this shows our community spirit."
The band and the church have supported one another through thick and thin, and Mrs McKay-Ellison wants to give back as much as possible, as "the church elders and volunteers are there for the band, so now we need to repay their support".
Mrs McKay-Ellison hopes those who attend leave "feeling good about supporting a community space".
Canon Keith Farrow, a vicar in West Barnsley, said the church is "thrilled that the band wish to support us".
The roof of the church has broken down over many years over wear and tear, and it will cost £40,000 plus VAT in order to complete the essential repairs.
Those within the church are hopeful this concert can raise the vital funds.
Canon Keith said: "The church is part of the fabric and community life of Dodworth.
"We do not get huge funding from the Church of England and the congregation has to raise all the finance for day to day running and repairs.
"It should be a beautiful space for people to come and worship and pray in."
Local university athletes push for success as Fencing Nationals come to Sheffield
The city of Sheffield will host the British Senior Fencing Nationals this weekend, as over 300 athletes travel from across the country with hopes of becoming the next national champion.
The event, held at the English Institute of Sport (EIS), has attracted a number of fencers, ranging from seasoned GB internationals to intermediates who are looking to get a taste of the highest level of competition in the UK.
Among them are two University of Sheffield students, who are both looking to push for personal bests as well as good performances to increase their standing and test their skills against the best in the country.
We spoke to seasoned competitor and England international Adiy Siddiq, 20, who is looking to follow up an impressive third place finish at the 2025 Under 20 championships.
Mr. Siddiq said: "I think there's not too much pressure, I'm going to try and enjoy it, although I really want to do well so I can get into the (GB) team this year.
"To represent your country, I think it gives you a lot of joy, its quite nice to represent and know you're at that level in the sport. But I think fencing with no pressure is the best way, and as long as you're enjoying it, the results will come, so I'm quite excited."
Elsewhere in Sheffield, we also spoke to Henry Harris, 20, who is looking to test the water with his first Senior Nationals entry.
A relative newcomer to the sport, Mr. Harris has only been fencing for around three years, but is already targeting national representation with Cyprus. He said: "For the last two years I've been on the sidelines watching all these high level fencers, so it's going to be an honour to fence with them this year.
"It'll be a great learning experience for me, I'm coming into this as a complete underdog and the list of competitors is honestly quite terrifying, but I want to try and put myself in the right mindset and see how it goes so I can learn from whatever happens."
This is not the first time Sheffield has hosted a major fencing competition, with University Nationals being held annually in the Canon Medical Arena, as well as the National Para (wheelchair) and Team Fencing Championships, which are also being held in the EIS venue this weekend.
Coincidentally, this year's event also coincides with the start of the World Fencing League in the US, which has pledged to draw more mainstream attention towards fencing. It's looking to be a very exciting time for this overlooked sport, and the city of Sheffield may end up playing a larger role in its development in the coming years.
Speaking on the local fencing culture in Sheffield, Mr. Harris said: "I think the University (fencing club) environment is really friendly and welcoming, there's a range of skill, so even if you're a complete beginner, there's plenty of people to compete with, and there's lots of opportunity to work your way up the ranks a bit.
"I still get lots of good training in the university sessions as well as local clubs in the city, and this means I've been able to do better and better and even work my way into the top 100 in the senior rankings, which I'm really proud of."
Sheffield councillor candidates discuss priorities ahead of election deadline
Voters across Sheffield are set to head to the ballot box this May as councillors gear up for Sheffield City Council's local elections next month.
A third of Sheffield's councillors will contend their seat on Thursday 7 May with 28 out of 84 seats set to be contested.
As the deadline for the window to register to vote (11.59pm on Monday 20 April) is fast-approaching, Sheffield Wire has sat down with some of Sheffield City Council's councillor candidates and they have shared their outlooks on the upcoming election and what they hope to offer their constituents.
Minesh Parekh is the Labour Party candidate for Crookes and Crosspool and is currently serving as a councillor for the ward. He said he wants to continue being a voice for the people of his ward.
"Every week, we go canvassing on the streets and if people see changes around them, they are more likely to be engaged in politics.
"Crookes and Crosspool have seen new shop fronts, benches and fruit trees be put in place and the immediate surroundings have been improved.
"There have been improvements to public transport, extended the schools breakfast club scheme and introduced warm spaces for people struggling with the cost of energy bills.
"I want to focus now on increasing affordability, decarbonisation and ensuring there is enough council housing for the most vulnerable."
Dylan Lewis-Creser, 21, is the Green Party candidate for Crookes and Crosspool. They said the victory of Hannah Spencer in the Gorton and Denton by-election has proven Green is not a wasted vote and can win anywhere.
They said: "I joined Green Party at the age of 13 because I was very concerned about the environment and they were the only ones who cared about nature."
Dylan said people want to see a councillor who actively listens and works on their behalf.
"My main priorities for the Crookes and Crosspool ward is making sure local businesses and social enterprises can develop by receiving council support, for residents to be more empowered in planning decisions and to instil a sense of pride in our community," they said.
"I want to extend the mandatory landlord licensing across the city as everyone should be able to step into warm, safe spaces.
"I am resistant to austerity, the way local government is currently being funded is unacceptable as central government are not providing enough funding.
"Politics should be for the ordinary person, it should not be scary. It is the people who matter in politics rather than the big national machines. We are all accountable to the electorate and the ballot box.
"I love Crookes, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I have strong, progressive values and want to inject more hope into a better system and better future."
Terezia Rastos, founder of community organisation Welcoming Cultures UK, is the Labour Party candidate for the City Ward. She said her experience in human rights advocacy and inequality research sets her apart from other candidates.
Terezia Rastos, Labour Party candidate for City Ward, Photo Credit: Terezia Rastos
She said: "As a mum, Roma woman and a human being, we need to make sure we are taking every single opportunity to educate people that their vote will make a difference and to not underestimate the power of the vote."
Terezia said she wants to help build a city which is equal for everyone from every culture.
"People have put their faith in me so my main aims are to reduce crime, promote cultural cohesion and make sure local residents in the city are economically active," she said.
"I connect strongly with local people and I have big ambitions to fight inequality and create politics which recognises people’s needs, presence and their visibility in the community.
"I want to make sure there is free public transport for everybody in the city aged 18 and below.
"We have a lot to be proud of in the city and celebrate. I want to oppose racism and promote pride in community to make the city and people stronger."
Sheffield Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Reform UK candidates were approached to contribute to this piece but did not respond to interview requests.
You can register to vote by following the link below: Register to vote - GOV.UK.
Mental health charity to offer free wellbeing and social sessions thanks to £7,000 grant
A Barnsley-based mental health charity plans to use major investment to combat loneliness and build a sense of community in the local area.
The community Interest Company (CIC) Suicide Sucks, already hosts a silent disco social event every Tuesday at Birdwell Community Centre in Barnsley.
Now, thanks to a £7,000 grant from Sport England, it can offer more free places to people who attend.
Mick Rowe, who founded the CIC, has seen the positive impact music can have when people are struggling. She has seen people leaving the discos "feeling free, uplifted, and even emotional, some have said music has been their saviour at times in their life, and these sessions bring that feeling back."
Mrs Rowe urged people to come and take part in the sessions, as they offer a less traditional approach to fitness, by using music, movement and connection to support mental health and wellbeing.
She said: "People can come along, put the headphones on, and just lose themselves in the music for an hour.
"There’s no pressure, people move at their own pace, whether that’s dancing, sitting, or just enjoying the music."
A reel from Suicide Sucks showing the Silent Stompers disco sessions
The charity also aims to make their events as accessible as possible, as they feel not everyone fits into the mold of traditional exercise or social spaces.
Mrs Rowe said: "These sessions are accessible to anyone, even if you’re less mobile, you can take part from a chair or wheelchair.
"We’ve also had people with autism join in, and the headphones help create a comfortable, personal space while still being part of a group."
Even though people are listening to music individually by being in the same space Mrs Rowe feels that "it creates a real sense of connection and community".
Mrs Rowe is happy the Sport England grant will mean more people can attend the events, as while the CIC tries to keep costs low, some people are unable to afford the cost of the sessions..
"I felt a mix of excitement, relief, and validation," she said, "More than anything, it means I can now offer these sessions for free, which removes a huge barrier for people."
Find out more here and book a session here.
Sheffield baby charity under financial strain due to cost of living crisis
A charity in Sheffield supporting families with young children says it is battling to combat the growing cost of supporting society’s most vulnerable people through the cost of living crisis.
Baby Basics, which supports families with children up to five-years-old, says that almost ten per cent of the items needed have to be bought brand new by the charity.
The charity supplies essentials such as nappies and wipes, as well as toys, clothes, and beds to families referred by social and healthcare services.
The charity supported 4,365 children last year and, at a full cost recovery of £40/child, that means that it cost just under £175,000 last year to help families that needed it most.
Bethany Millward, Centre Co-Ordinator at the Sheffield branch, makes sure the centre and the 80 volunteers are well organised and in position to help everyone that gets a referral. She also ensures referrals are properly processed, and that their social media presence is effective.
She said: “We’ve certainly noticed a drop in donations of bought products because of the cost of living crisis, as have most in the sector.”
90 per cent of the items making up a care package are second-hand donations provided by families who no longer need items for their own children.
However, the remaining ten per cent are things that must be bought brand new such as nappies, wipes, sanitary products, and other toiletries.
Ms Millward said: “We’re still seeing strong donations of second hand items and actually we haven’t seen a reduction in this at all even though we know there are ways people could be selling these elsewhere.”
These figures suggest that despite a reduction in brand new items, people are still wanting to support the charity and the families in need regardless of these rising costs.
As the prices of food, fuel, nursery places, and extra-curricular activities continue to rise, parents on public forums turn to others in the same position to share their experiences.
One anonymous user on Mumsnet said: “I feel like all I do is work, housework, take care of the kids and try to get enough sleep, I'm always broke and always seem to be behind on something, whether that's bills, work, chores, laundry or school emails, there's always something.”
Another said: “I’m unsure how everyone’s managing the increasing cost of life right now - For example, our mortgage has gone up, our food shop, our petrol etc. The cost of just basic living, we think we’re about £1000 less in disposable income each month which is huge due to the increased living costs.”
Although second-hand items continue to come in through donations, Baby Basics relies on its volunteers to ensure money keeps coming in to support its clients and provide essentials.
This year, they have set a £10,000 target to reach through selling excess items, working on how to monetise spare items, and organising coffee mornings to boost donations.
Inside the star-studded snooker academy making world champions out of Sheffield’s Chinese community
This year's World Snooker Championship will see a record number of Chinese players, with 11 Chinese professionals appearing at the Crucible in April.
The challenge for these players extends beyond the table. With the majority of snooker events taking place in England, players need to learn English language skills, set up residence in the country and adapt to English culture.
Many international players will travel to England, to compete on the World Snooker tour, and in major events. Academies help providing community and a space to train, as well as assisting players in their personal lives, as players will permanently leave home to compete in the sport.
Andrew Bromley runs Victoria Snooker Academy, the home of reigning World Champion Zhao Xintong, former international champion Zhang Anda and many other professionals.
Mr Bromley spoke about the need to help players in their personal lives. He said: "It's the support we offer off the table that is just as important.
"We help with everyday tasks, such as opening bank accounts, registering with a doctor, paying council tax and finding somewhere to live - we want them to fit in and make England feel like home."
The academy opened in 2016, after Andrew's wife Victoria Shi had worked as manager of 15-time major winner Ding Junhui, and saw him struggle with travelling across England with a young family. They saw an opportunity to open an academy in Sheffield to support rising Chinese players.
Mr Bromley described Victoria Shi as a 'second mother' to the players.
Current World Champion Zhao Xintong is one of Victoria Snooker Academy's biggest success stories.
Mr Bromley first picked Zhao up from Manchester Airport when he was 15, and was able to develop his English at Victoria Snooker Academy, as well as his game. Victoria Shi was brought onto stage by Zhao after his World Championship success.
Mr Bromley explained how adapting to English culture helps on the table as well. "A good snooker player is a happy snooker player," he said.
"If they are worrying about council tax or HMRC they won't be as effective on the snooker table. Our role is taking all the worry away from them."
The academy does not solely focus on professional players. Mr Bromley explained many Chinese students use the location to play pool. He said it's a great location to practice, instead of boozier places, like Common Room and others.
He said: "We've got great links with the Chinese community at The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, we run games until midnight and the early hours of the morning."
The academy is able to attract some of sport's biggest names. Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has frequently used it as a practice venue, as well as seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, who visited to play Zhao Xintong last week.
Mr Bromley explained that top seeds love it as a place to practice, so close to the city centre and the Crucible.
Victoria Snooker Academy is one of many that host professional players within the city. Ding Junhui also has an academy, home to 10 professional overseas players. He said: "It's a great academy for everyone to improve their game, I think it's incredible."
Mr Bromley felt it was extremely important the academy was based in Sheffield. "The Crucible is ten minutes from our academy, we take our players there to show them this is their goal, they could be playing at the Theatre of Dreams," he said.
The academy hosts nations from across the world, such as Ukraine, Germany, Hungary, Egypt and Iran. Mr Bromley said he expected Snooker to continue to rise as a sport in years to come, especially in Eastern Europe.
The academy remains strongly represented at this year's World Championship although Zhang Anda exited in his first round match yesterday, players Si Jiahui and tournament favourite Zhao Xintong remain in the competition.
Mr Bromley said he would want Zhao Xintong to win it all again, but would love it if any of his professionals took the title.
Vibrant ceramics festival returns to Sheffield’s historic craftsmanship hub
Emerging artists from Sheffield and beyond displayed their creations for visitors this weekend, as the festival returned to the city for its 12th time.
Crowds of visitors made their way to Kelham Island Museum for the Sheffield Ceramics Festival, which showcases the unique work of up-and-coming sculptors.
From dainty crockery to eye-catching sculptures, the event had a range of work for visitors to browse and purchase.
Charlotte Easingwood, whose pottery focuses on female empowerment, showcased their work for the third time at the festival.
Charlotte Easingwood's pottery makes use of the sgraffito technique. (Image credits: Amy Field).
"It started out over Covid, looking at isolation and need for connection," she said. "I started drawing these figures who are lost in space, floating or falling, you couldn’t really tell."
She uses a technique called sgraffito to scratch out the glaze, depicting hair reaching out for the connection of another woman's hair. This means her pieces unite as one but are uniquely individual at the same time.
In contrast David William Sampson uses the imperfections of ceramics to create "children".
David William Sampson's "children". (Image credits: Amy Field).
His work is inspired by American author and philosopher, Sam Keen, who wrote: "We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.”
Mr Sampson uses a mixture of clay and porcelain in his creations to encourage cracks and imperfections.
He said: "I make a body of work which encourages the 'not-perfect traditional', but this does not mean it is not beautiful in its own way.
"It challenges the idea of how clay is used and the beauty of what something is."
He described people's reactions for his work as a "spectrum" from hate to love.
"When you first see my children you don't know if you love them, fear them, or hate them and whatever reaction is fine because its your opinion and you’re valid for that, but it is the interpretation that I'm excited by," he said.
The festival used to be located at Meersbook park until Covid, then it moved to Kelham Island Museum, the home of forging and creation in Sheffield, a perfect location for the event.
Founder Brian Holland with his creations (Image credits: Amy Field).
Founder, Brian Holland, said: "This is a good space where we have been able to expand and attract more people."
Each year, money raised from the festival's entrance fees goes to The Archer Project, a Sheffield-based charity that helps people to progress away from homelessness.
The festival highlighted the creativity of artist form Sheffield and the surrounding areas, allowing them to sell and display their work and meet fellow ceramic enthusiasts.
World snooker championship kicks off in Sheffield after renewal news
This year's World Snooker Championship has officially begun in the city after government efforts to keep it in Sheffield.
A green carpet officially kicked off the championship on Friday, April 17, hosting snooker stars and their fans, running across Tudor Square from the Crucible, to the Winter Gardens.
The Crucible Theatres has hosted the championship since 1977, and will now be hosting it until 2045 after UK and local government's plans to invest £35m in its refurbishment. Among their goals is an expansion of the theatre's capacity by 50%
Safiya Saeed, the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, regarding receiving the news, said: It was absolutely brilliant. It's bringing the city together in one space, a unified message of honouring snooker itself."
"When you think of snooker you think of Sheffield and the Crucible straight away," said Laura Davies, a snooker fan who attended the green carpet. Her and her family have been coming down to the Crucible to watch the championship for the last 20 years.
Saturday April 18 saw the current reigning champion Zhao Xintong defeat Liam Highfield with a score of 10:7. Zhao is the first Chinese player to win the championship and will be playing against Ding Junhui next, after his win on Sunday against David Gilbert.
But according to the Crucible curse, no player who wins their first championship at the Crucible is able to win again the following year, with many coming close but ultimately failing in the past.
Yet, Rob Walker, the sports announcer following the championship, says he's "got a chance of breaking the curse".
Ken Doherty, a past snooker player, fell victim to the curse in his final against John Higgins in the 1997 championship. He said: "He's got great form coming into this championship, he's just won the tour and he's won a grand prix. No other player has done that in the history of the game.
"But it remains to be seen. There are so many great players in the tournament that can stop him."
Saturday also saw wins from Mark Allen against Zhang Anda, Xiao Guodong against Zhou Yuelong, Mark Williams against Antoni Kowalski, and Barry Hawkins against Matthew Stevens.
Matches on Monday will see Ding Junhui playing against David Gilbert, as well as Kyren Wilson against Stan Moody.