Spring themed lantern show lights up the night at nature reserve
Handcrafted lanterns were made by local volunteers to educate visitors about the importance of conservation and wildlife.
As the sun set at RSPB Old Moor on Friday and Saturday, families were welcomed to explore the darkness to spot lanterns of animals who reside on the site at springtime.
Organiser, Julian Mayston, said: "When you look around everything you see is actually built by volunteers, that's huge.
"It's just a fantastic way to open up the doors to the nature reserve to a new audience, getting see the nature reserve in a different way."
From dragonfly, kingfisher and even a dinosaur, each animal takes months of hard work for it to be ready and waterproof for the event.
The main structure is made of willow, as it is both light and flexible, then it is covered with layers of wet strength tissue and PVA to make sure it can withstand any rain.
"After waterproofing you have to do all the mechanisms inside, some of that will be working to help attach wings, but for this one it's working out how the wheels move," said the volunteer who operated the hedgehog. "So this has oval wheels that make the hedgehog wobble from side to side when it walks.
"Usually it takes a few months to go from the design stage to complete and it is from volunteers that do the work, which is amazing, so we get to come along on Wednesday or Sunday do to some arts and crafts."
Along with the trail, visitors took part in workshops and crafts to learn about the animals on display, and the importance of looking after the environment.
Children were encouraged to make paper lanterns which they could bring round the trail and take home with them at the end of the night as a souvenir.
"Our granddaughter loved all the activities and as well as lanterns," said one of the visitors. "I'd recommend it to anyone."
The younger visitors were also invited to write a wish on a paper leaf or butterfly to hang on a tree.
Below are those wishes, ranging from 'world peace', 'for all to be happy', and 'a cheese burger':
The money raised from the event will go directly towards the upkeep of the reserve, supporting vital conservation work at RSPB Old Moor.
Success of Sheffield’s second ice hockey team highlights passion for the sport in the city
There was a vibrant atmosphere at the Sheffield Steeldogs on Friday night as they celebrated their champions who had won the National Ice Hockey Cup two days previously.
The Steeldogs act as the reserve side of the Sheffield Steelers, and play in the division below (the National Ice Hockey League) at Ice Sheffield, 50 yards from the Utilita Arena.
That both of Sheffield's ice hockey teams pull in good crowds and achieve success demonstrates the popularity of the sport in the city.
One fan said: “The atmosphere [at the Steeldogs] is fantastic. I’ve been coming for about ten or eleven years, and after the first game I came to I was hooked.”
The matchday experience at the Steeldogs also offers a more family-friendly alternative to the noise and cost of Steelers games which can be off-putting to some.
Many fans told Sheffield Wire they enjoyed attending Steeldogs games more because of the price, the sensory benefits for those who have children with special needs, and the ability to access players.
Fans thoughts on why they attend Steeldogs games:
One fan said they don’t go to Steelers games because they can’t afford the cost, and find the Steeldogs matchday experience much better value for money.
He said: “I find the Steeldogs games a bit more passionate and gritty, it’s a lot more fun to watch. The fact that you’re closer to the ice and it’s more accessible makes it better for the little ‘uns as well.”
Another fan explained the issues their daughter with sensory issues faces at Steelers games, saying: “The arena is so much bigger, it’s so much louder, whereas it’s much more family-orientated at the Steeldogs so it’s easier to bring her.”
Access to players is another big advantage for fans attending Steeldogs games, with players always taking the time to speak to fans after the game.
A fan who attends every week, with her son who drums for the Steeldogs said: “It’s the highlight of her week.”
Her friend said: “Everyone’s so friendly, the fans are amazing, and the players, if they see the kids out and they want to say hello, they are so accommodating.”
While the Steelers remain Sheffield’s leading ice hockey outfit, fans of the Steeldogs clearly feel they are an exciting and accessible alternative, with their own capacity to entertain and provide success.
Oliver Coppard sets out the transport vision and brand for South Yorkshire
A new publicly-owned transport system, called the South Yorkshire People's Network (SYPN), is set to be announced.
Mayor Oliver Coppard described this as a "once in a generation" opportunity that will mark the end of the "failed privatisation of buses, with a vision that brings a myriad of plans, proposals and directives under one brand."
Key plans include a new design for South Yorkshire transportation, inspired by a molten orange and charcoal grey colour scheme alongside a new logo, a tracing of the route from Sheffield through to Rotherham.
He set out his 15-year-plan for South Yorkshire transport, starting in September 2027 with the creation of the Magna train station and extension of tram tracks to Rotherham.
From 2027, there will be a £350m investment in buses with the new colour scheme, which will also represent a unified system with simpler and more affordable fares.
Around 900 e-bikes will be introduced across Sheffield, with a subscription scheme to provide access.
There will be passenger flights to Doncaster/Sheffield airport by 2028, enhanced by better bus and tram transit links to connect all of South Yorkshire.
From 2030 to 2034, Mayor Coppard hopes to make the most of the governments £500m investment into trams to bring a new fleet capable of holding dogs and bikes.
Train links will also be improved by 2035, with plans established to make all stations step-free, trains running from Leeds to Sheffield every hour, and improved connections between rural and urban routes.
By 2040, the network aims to transform transport to Manchester, cutting travel times and make South Yorkshire transport a defining feature of the region and the "envy of the world."
“This season’s a grind”: Steelers react to a weekend of losses
IMAGE: Cerys Heslop
The Steelers' Head Coach said the team "lost the will" to beat the Giants on Sunday night after two losses in the double header this weekend.
The double loss means that the title is out of reach for the Steelers, whose focus now becomes the play-offs.
With a 16-point swing between the Giants and the Steelers, Aaron Fox admitted this weekend's games were going to be a challenge.
"This season's a grind," he said after the game on Sunday, before giving credit to the Giants for their performance on the rink.
"There should have been a fight to put us into the position to claw back into that hockey game. You need more from certain guys. It can't be the same guys every night."
Steelers fans on X, formerly Twitter, reacted bitterly to Fox's management.
"Where's your passion, accountability and heart, Mr Fox? Can you get the guys up for a 1 goal game? I didn't see much action from you!" said one user.
Another fan said: "Title firmly going back to Belfast without them really having to lift a finger to earn it."
The atmosphere was celebratory for the Giants on Sunday night, whose fans look forward to what could be their 11th trophy in eight seasons.
Head Coach Adam Keefe told the Belfast Telegraph: "Everybody was pulling the rope, saying the right things and doing the right things.
"I thought it was a business weekend for them."
A Giants fan on X called the four-point weekend "massive" for the team, adding: "Sheffield get battered everywhere they go."
The Steelers now look towards next week's game against the Nottingham Panthers, who are two points above them in the standings.
Recycling relief: Blue bins to get bigger in Sheffield with key household waste point closed
A petition has started after rising community frustration over a lack of excess recycling facilities.
This is following the closure of a recycling point outside of Waitrose on Ecclesall Road, Sheffield.
Sheffield City Council has recently announced plans to increase the size of recycling bins from 1 April.
Bins will now have a capacity of 240 litres, up from the current 140 litre limit.
This provides relief for residents, as one blue bin collection per four weeks makes recycling difficult.
Tessa Lupton, Green Party candidate for Ecclesall Ward, said: “In talking with my neighbours, I heard from people who want to recycle but have to drive several miles, taking bags of plastic trays and cartons to the Council’s household recycling sites.”
A Waitrose spokesperson said: "We remain fully committed to working constructively with the council and engaging in any future discussions."
They also said there has been no formal request from the council to reinstate the bins on Ecclesall Road.
Waitrose are not obliged to reinstate these facilities, but there are concerns around this setting a precedent for other supermarkets in the area, following trends of declining attitudes towards environmental support.
Mrs Lupton has started a petition, which has reached over 400 signatures.
The petition echoes the Sheffield Green Party’s stance, which calls for the supermarket to act swiftly to ensure recycling remains within reach for everyone near Ecclesall Road.
This reiterates Mrs Lupton's desire to “focus on the petition for the local residents’ sake.”
She believes reinstating these facilities would allow Waitrose to meaningfully contribute to Sheffield’s environmental goals while reaffirming its role as a responsible, community-minded retailer.
Sheffield City Council’s positive action on blue bins should relay any fears over the lack of accessible recycling, however debates remain over the long-term success of recycling in the UKs greenest city.
The public has welcomed these changes on social media, saying their blue bins are "Always full and overflowing. Bigger blue bins would be great."
Brown bins will also be able to include aerosols and plastic pots from 1 April.
Friends set to tackle three day hike to raise money for new state-of-the-art healthcare centre
Three football fans are set to walk 75 miles in three days to raise money for new centre aiming to tackle biggest health challenges faced by children and young people.
James Michalowski, Carl Hessell and Ashley Beighton will be walking approximately 140,00 steps across three days, in long 12-hour stretches from Hillsborough Stadium to the MKM Stadium in Hull in order to raise money for Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity.
Sarah Boddington, corporate fundraising officer at Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, said: "Their walk captures exactly what this appeal is about: ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help change children’s lives.”
The 140,000 step route was purposefully designed with the 142,000 bricks that will be put into the new National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT) which they are raising funds for.
The centre will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to cover areas such as; movement and rehabilitation, clinical care, design and manufacturing, and a testbed.
The testbed is a UK first in paediatric healthcare, filling a crucial gap by enabling researchers and industry partners to collaborate and evaluate child health technologies in a range of real-world spaces.
Each member will carry a brick along the route to symbolise the building which will be returned to the centre and used for its construction by the end of the challenge.
Mr Michalowski, said: “It’s so much more than a hospital, the work that is put in by the hospital for future research. They are basically revolutionising the world in terms of research and development into child's health, and that's particularly what's going to be going into this new building.”
While the friends, who were brought together by a common love for Sheffield Wednesday, prepare for the physical element of the challenge, they are most excited for the chance to connect and spend time together.
Mr Hessell, said: “I think probably just going out together for a few days and getting away from it all. And, yeah, it's just nice to switch off for a few days. And have some good catch-ups."
The walk will take place from 18 March to 20 March, the group will be joined on the last day by friend Gary Zielosko, before the attending the Sheffield Wednesday v Hull City match on the 21 March.
The group aims to raise £3,000 for the charity that seemed an obvious pick to support for the friends who grew up in Sheffield.
Mr Michalowski, said: "I am actually at a loss for words in terms if what they are going to be doing there. It is really going to revolutionise children's health for the whole world."
The link to the fundraiser can be found here.
“We’re clearly doing something right”: Sheffield pantomime nominated for three national awards
Aladdin, Sheffield Theatres’ 2025 festive comedy, has been nominated for Best Pantomime, Best Principal Lead and Best Contribution to Music at the UK Pantomime Awards 2026.
The UK Pantomime Association (UKPA) announced the nominations for their fifth annual awards show on Thursday and Aladdin, which was co-produced by Sheffield Theatres and Evolution Productions, has been nominated three times.
James Harrison, the show’s musical director, is nominated for the his Contribution to Music. He said: “I pour every ounce of energy into the show and into the music creation process - to have that recognised by UKPA is an amazing feeling and it makes it all feel so worth it.
“It’s important to highlight how integral the rest of the band and the sound design is - their work is what brings my work to life. If I look at them the right way, they know exactly what I'm going to do.”
At last year’s ceremony, Sheffield won the award for Best Pantomime and is nominated in the same category again this year. James said: “To be recognised again, amongst all these other amazing shows, shows that we’re clearly doing something right.
“It's nice to feel that we’re doing something that really matters to people.”
James’ music will feature at the UKPA awards show, as it has for several years. “One of my proudest moments was a couple of years ago when Sir Ian McKellen walked up to the stage to collect an award and I had goosebumps watching him walk up to my music”, James said.
“I've always been a massive fan of his.”
Anita Harris, star of stage and screen, was announced as the new President of the UK Pantomime Association in December 2025. She said: “In the 2025-26 pantomime season, our 64 judges travelled the length and breadth of the country, visiting 234 venues and seeing over 603 performances.
“It is a glorious privilege to witness the passion, hard work and extraordinary talent behind pantomime and the joy it brings to audiences.”
The winners will be announced on Sunday 19 April at the Wycombe Swan Theatre in High Wycombe.
Flower shops bloomed with an increase in orders for Mother’s Day
Across the city, florists prepared for a hectic weekend as customers rushed to buy flowers ahead of Mother’s Day.
Local flower shops across Sheffield said Mother’s Day is one of their busiest days of the year alongside Valentine’s Day.
In 2025, Barclays found that there was a 553.2% increase in transactions at florists on the Friday before Mother’s Day in comparison to the average day in 2025.
Florists prepared by ordering extra stock and extending their business hours, with most florists keeping their shops open on Sunday.
Shop windows filled with colourful bouquets attracted last-minute customers looking for a quick and meaningful gift.
One shopper, Komal Chauhan, 21, said: “I bought my mum flowers because they’re her favourite and I knew that she would appreciate them.”
The most popular flowers customers got included spring flowers and tulips.
Kathy, 29, a florist assistant and delivery driver for Plantology in Sheffield, spoke on why it was important to support local florist businesses.
Plantology is an independent florist with a trained team of florist designers.
Kathy said: "There's a lot of care that goes into people's products that potentially you would not find in supermarkets."
Flowers remain the most popular gift for Mother's Day. Serenata Flowers' study, of 2005 British adults, found that 48% of gifts bought for Mother's Day were flowers.
Roots and Bloom, a community interest company (CIC) that invests their profits back into the community, founded their flower shop in 2019 from their local flower farm to continue their support for people with dementia.
Gina O’Connor, the founder and director of Roots and Bloom, emphasised the connection she has with customers and how supporting local businesses “supports their livelihood."
The celebration continues to be one of the busiest times of the year for florists.
“Talk is cheap, we want action”: Wednesday die-hards send clear message to potential US owners
Sheffield Wednesday fans sent hopeful messages for the future as potential new American owners became the latest preferred bidders for the club's takeover.
American billionaire investor David Storch and his group Arise Capital Partners LLC have reportedly moved ahead of former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley in the bidding process for Sheffield Wednesday.
Storch, his son, Michael, and business partner Tom Costin were in Sheffield earlier last week and had meetings with the Wednesday staff, officials and members of the Wednesday Supporters’ Trust.
The 73-year-old hopes that his group can bring the team back on track after some stormy years, especially this season when The Owls went into administration in October and received an 18-point deduction.
More recently, the English Football League (EFL) has suggested a 15-point deduction could be in play going into the 2026/27 League One season.
Fred, a Sheffield Wednesday fan at the Saturday game against Ipswich Town, said: "I think the 15-point deduction is unfair, both on the fans and the players. They're not at fault.
"The EFL needs to look at themselves very closely to find a different system for punishing clubs. It's not the club's fault, it's not the supporters fault, it's not the player's fault. So why should they be made to suffer?
"If the takeover goes through, hopefully, it will be nice to start on a level playing field, because Sheffield Wednesday haven't been on a level playing field for many years now."
Storch's takeover will likely not help Sheffield Wednesday avoid the point penalty, as he and other bidders are not willing to pay Dejphon Chansiri the money he is owed.
Although many fans are not happy to start the next season in the minus, they are confident the team can overcome this deficit and head into a more stable future with a new ownership.
James, a fan at Hillsborough stadium, spoke out on the deduction: "It's difficult with minus 15 points. I think we'll probably struggle next year, but I think they'll get themselves together and then maybe a year after look to get promotion."
He also hopes David Storch will not replicate Chansiri's mistake if he becomes the new owner of the club. He said: "Listen to the fans. I know they seem to be doing well with what they've done with some sports franchises, but hopefully they've got people that they can put in who know about football and not do what Chansiri did and try and just do it himself."
Stephen, another Sheffield die-hard, sent a big message to the American businessman: He said: "Get your hands in your pockets, because you've got to have big pockets for this club, I tell you. But if he does, he's got a good fan base. Fans will be behind him, and it'll be bouncing in that stadium. But he needs money."
Storch's camp returned to the USA from Sheffield on Saturday. He posted a message on X, with the handle @storchyowl, to Owls' fans upon his arrival:
"I want to thank the wonderful city of Sheffield, the local community members we met, the Supporters’ Trust and the Sheffield Wednesday fans for making us feel so incredibly welcome.
"We are listening to and collaborating with talented Wednesdayites across the city to ensure we deliver a best in class fan experience.
"Whilst we continue to work diligently to become stewards of this unique and historic club, please know that we will be doing everything we can in the interest of a “Better Wednesday” and a brighter future for everyone associated with Sheffield Wednesday."
Whoever becomes the owner of Sheffield Wednesday, the fans all hope to see practical actions instead of words, as one senior fan said: "Talk is cheap, actions, we want."
New Sheffield Local Plan aims to balance affordable housing with protection of green spaces
Sheffield residents are being invited to share their views on proposed changes to the city’s long-term development strategy as part of a new public consultation.
The consultation focuses on modifications to the Sheffield Local Plan, which will guide how the city grows and develops over the next thirteen years.
The Plan sets out where new homes, businesses and infrastructure could be built and aims to shape Sheffield’s development up to 2039.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield needs a Local Plan because we are a growing city.
“The Plan has a clear focus on developing brownfield land that has already previously been built on.”
A Local Plan, including site allocations, has not been adopted in Sheffield since 1998, which has made it difficult for the council to shape development to fit the city’s needs.
The council is currently asking residents, businesses and community groups to provide feedback on the proposed changes before the consultation period closes on April 14.
One of the Plan’s top priorities is affordable housing, in order to maximise the number of homes across Sheffield, some of which will be built on Green Belt land.
The planning policies aim to protect green spaces across the city and encourage sustainable development to reduce carbon emissions.
Councillor Douglas Johnson of the Sheffield Green Party has spoken out about the Local Plan, regarding housing and potential environmental factors.
He stated: “Although there is a need for more housing, the term ‘affordable’ doesn’t necessarily mean housing that people can afford, it’s just a term that developers use.
“What we really need, and what the Greens campaign for, is housing that people can genuinely afford and this often means social rented housing, such as the council or a housing association.”
With growing environmental concerns surrounding the planning development on the Green Belt, independent government inspectors have stated that approximately only 3.5% of the area would be used.
Cllr Johnson added: “As Greens, we oppose most building in the Green belt, but if the Plan was rejected, it would lead to even more building in Sheffield's undeveloped land.
“Without a new Local Plan, ultimately the government could step in and set its own plan, which would be much worse for the city.”
Student postpones charity cycle after death of childhood friend
A Sheffield student has made the difficult decision to postpone their charity bike ride through Wales after the "shocking" death of his close friend on Snowdon last month.
Ted Derisley, 19, from Norfolk, was gearing up to try and raise £1,000 for mental health charity, Andy's Man Club, on a ride that would see him embark on a 400km route from Holyhead to Cardiff.
However, Ted sadly chose to postpone the ride after the tragic passing of his close friend, Eddie Hill, who was one of the two young men who died after getting caught in bad weather on Snowdon last month.
This was a key part of the route Ted was planning on taking which involved cycling over mountains, through valleys and across coastlines.
Ted, a first year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Sheffield, said: "This has been a shocking and difficult situation to navigate."
"Alongside postponement due to safety concerns in the higher elevation, there is also the grieving process."
But Ted stressed the ride will definitely go ahead in the summer with better weather and preparation.
Ted's mum, Joanne Derisley, a psychologist, said her son has been cycling "from the moment he could walk."
Ted said: "When I was around 8-10 years old, I competitively raced around the Lotus test track in Norfolk, and I loved the thrill of racing and the community around it. Back then I cycled on a very retro Peugeot road bike."
This isn't the first time he has done a long ride either, after doing a tandem cycle with his friend Dom across the Norfolk coastline before also going on a 150-mile ride with his dad in North Norfolk last year.
The challenge, known as Lôn Las Cymru, will be Ted's toughest yet. He has been training hard, including going on solo rides, or rides with his friend Eduardo, of up to 110km, even getting up before sunrise on Boxing Day to get in the extra mileage.
"I have felt my overall fitness improve and my confidence in the challenge grow, as I do admit that I was slightly delusional at the start, and remain so!"
Ted will be raising money for Andy's Man Club, a UK men's suicide prevention charity whose aim is to end the stigma surrounding men's mental health through the power of conversation.
Ted argued that choosing this charity made a lot of sense for him and credits his mum for helping him make the decision.
"Because my mum is a psychologist, mental health has always been an open topic in my family home and is very important when dealing with challenging points in my life.
"I ended up settling on Andy's Man Club because I could see how men around me who were struggling didn't have a safe space to open up and talk about their problems without judgement. Andy's Man Club provides this network for men and creates an opportunity to open up these vital conversations."
The tragic passing of his close friend has only reaffirmed how important the charity is and how it is the right charity for his challenge.
"It has had an impact on my mental health, but I have felt that talking to the people around me has brought me closer to the meaning behind the challenge and what Andy's Man Club is passionate about."
To donate to Teds cause visit: Ted Derisley is fundraising for ANDYSMANCLUB
“This will help engineer some kind of curiosity”: Sheffield becomes second city to host pop-up planetarium
A planetarium is bringing space to the town centre as it begins its run in Sheffield.
According to its website, Planetarium Go aims to "make astronomy accessible, exciting, and deeply inspiring—sparking curiosity about our planet and the cosmos beyond".
Attendees can choose from a variety of films accessible to all ages, and can sit back and relax in a deck chair as they stare up at the virtual stars.
Planetarium Go started in Spain, before coming to Battersea Power Station in February this year, and plans to visit Hull and Manchester next.
Kelseii Brown, an employee at the planetarium, said: "No matter if you are a kid or an adult you can actually learn something from this.
"There was a long time where space kind of got a little bit less prioritised - now I think it's time to bring it back.
"Stuff like this will help engineer some kind of curiosity for the final frontier. Once we understand space we understand why we are here.
"Our curiosity for the stars - for space - helped us in science, it helped us in general relativity."
One viewer, who attended with his grandchildren, said: "I was thinking about the children, and that the language was going to be hard.
"He's taken in a lot more than I feared."
Planetarium Go! shows a variety of films on the wonders of space
Geoff Charlton, secretary of the Sheffield Astronomical Society, believes that educating people on the wonders of space can help give us better perspective on our problems.
"Everyone has got lots of problems and lots of issues, and you look up and you think 'well, really? does it really matter?'
"You look up at the skies and you see what is going on and you think 'well maybe for a few minutes my problems don't really matter'.
"It makes me feel insignificant."
Mr Charlton works with organisations like Cubs and Brownies to educate people about space, hoping to inspire children by showing them the true scale of things.
He said: "We've had a few members who have come and then gone on to do astrophysics.
"One of the biggest things missing in the world is curiosity. The planetarium is a nice visual way to stimulate curiosity."
Planetarium Go will be in Fargate in Sheffield town centre until the 28th of March.