EXCLUSIVE: Talented Sheffield waterskier youngster to compete at upcoming world waterskiing championships
A teenage waterskier from Sheffield will be competing in a world championships next week with strong hopes of achieving a medal for Great Britain.
Charlie Fearn, 16, is a pupil at Bradfield Secondary School in Sheffield and he will be flying to compete as a Team GB member for waterskiing at the Under-17 Waterski World Championships in Argentina next week.
He will be competing alongside 110 other athletes from across 18 countries in Córdoba, Argentina in the slalom, tricks and jumps. The championships are being held across five days between 1st April and 5th April 2026.
Waterski jumping involves the competitor skiing on two skis over a ramp at speeds of up to 70mph. They take off and land on the water to ski. The distance travelled and a successful landing is measured.
Charlie Fearn at the 2025 Europe & Africa Youth Waterski Championships. Photo Credit: Chris Yates
Slalom is when a boat is travelling at a constant speed in a straight line down the middle of a course, 36mph for men and 34mph for women.
The skier must go through a pair of buoys then bend from side to side and successfully round six turn buoys and end by going through the exit gate. The winner is the skier who completes the most turn buoys at the shortest rope length.
Tricks is when the skier is given two second-passes to complete as many different tricks as possible such as a 180-degree turn to somersaults. Points are awarded based on difficulty and if they are successfully performed.
The combined scores from each discipline contribute to the athlete's total score. The individual scores of the squad then contribute towards a Team score.
Charlie's fellow GB youth athletes are siblings James Cosgrove (16), Isabel Cosgrove (14), Lara Cosgrove (12), Willow Skipsey (16) Chichester, West Sussex and Harley Coster (15) Camberley, Surrey.
The sixteen-year-old currently trains at Hazelwood Ski World in Lincoln and in the lead up to the championships has been training in Florida, USA.
Charlie was previously a medallist at the 2023 Europe and Africa Youth Championships where he won bronze in the Under 14 Boys' Jump. He is a former Under 12 Boys British Jump Champion and represented GB at the European Youth Championships in 2022 in Greece.
You can find out more about the Under-17 Waterski World Championships by following the link below: IWWF WORLD UNDER-17 WATERSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Temporary ski slope brings hope of funding for derelict Sheffield Ski Village
Excited crowds gathered at Pinball Park to try out the 'challenging' makeshift slope across three action-packed days as part of the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF).
Peter Shipston, founder of rewilding project Revive Rewild, set up the event for the weekend, encouraging the community to come down and try out the free event.
Mr Shipston founded the organisation to help promote the creation of green spaces across the city as well as overseeing the campaign for the return of the Ski Village to Sheffield.
Revive Sheffield Ski Village, an organisation trying to get the site up and running, were present at ShAFF, attempting to bring snow sports back to the hills of Sheffield.
Sheffield Ski Village at Parkwood Springs was permanently closed in 2012 after a fire, with repeated arson attacks since, leaving the site derelict.
After originally being set up in 1988, the ski village acted as a vast tourism hub for the 'outdoor city,' and now with a bustling Kelham Island nearby, arguments around reinstalling the development are stronger than ever.
Mr Shipston said: "We wanted to bring something real that people could really connect with.
"Sheffield was one of the biggest snow communities in the UK, probably bigger than Scottish communities because it was a known area and sort of central."
A £19.4m government grant has helped with Sheffield City Council's plans to redevelop the site at Parkwood Springs, with a £12m access road.
New Zealand-based company, Skyline, has held talks around building a major outdoor leisure facility at the site, with ideas suggested include a zipline, luge ride and gondola lift.
Similar attractions are already a huge hit in New Zealand, with scenic towns like Queenstown and Rotorua hosting Skyline venues.
On a visit to Sheffield last year, CEO of Skyline Enterprises Ltd, Geoff McDonald, said: "Skyline sees real potential in the Parkwood Springs opportunity and is keen to progress discussions with Sheffield Council on how we can deliver this for the Sheffield community."
Mr Shipston said there were some huge wheels turning in the background, with "some big players really wanting something to happen here".
There is no guarantee of snow sports at the site, but Mr Shipston reiterated a desire to help more green spaces in the city.
He said: "To have those outdoor spaces, you need outdoor communities to use them."
Sheffield City Council were contacted for updates on the redevelopment at Parkwood Springs.
Is narrowboat living in Sheffield the answer to the cost of living crisis?
Narrowboat living has become increasingly popular, but there are many unseen complications that people don't know about when they are presented with the idyllic lifestyle beforehand.
Swapping your house for a boat has traditionally been popular amongst retirees but, amid the Cost of Living crisis, it is now seen as more affordable for younger generations.
Narrowboat owner Chris Brack received his boat as a wedding present 20 years ago, and has been moored at Tinsley Marina in Sheffield over winter but says it is not as cheap as some people may think.
He admits to paying "a lot of money" to stay for a month and plans to travel around Yorkshire for the rest of the year.
Having been in Sheffield for the last three winters, Chris won't be staying next year and is looking for a change.
Staying in the marina takes a lot of preparation, and it is difficult to get in and out due to a flight of locks requiring a booking two days in advance and an escort through.
Costing between £3000 and £4000 to temporarily reside at the Marina for a year, planning ahead is vital because the moorings are not residential and boaters can't stay at the Marina permanently.
Mr Brack, said: "It is not as cheap as people think it might be.
"It is probably cheaper than living in a house, but there is not a lot in it."
Other financial challenges include boat license fees, which can vary from longer term stays from three to 12 months, and shorter term stays ranging from a week to a month.
The increase in the cost of diesel is also tricky, Mr Brack says: "You have got your diesel cost, and I use diesel for heating."
There are also safety risks, with people untying the ropes attaching the boat to the path and personal items being stolen.
Living in narrowboats has become particularly popular in London, where property prices are rising due to a rise in buyers and the city's dense population.
Justin Hiskett previously lived in a property in East London, and paid £1400 a month for rent.
He swapped his house for a narrowboat in Bath, now paying around a third of what he used to.
He faced challenges due to his inexperience, something he described as a "baptism of fire" for him.
His boat lacked a constant water or electricity supply, and costs were exacerbated by a recent increase in diesel prices of around 40%.
He was on a continuous cruiser license, meaning he had to move around every two weeks, and to move a certain distance over the course of a year or risk having his license restricted.
Mr Hiskett owns a liveaboard, a vessel he built himself, and therefore does not pay VAT, saving him 20% on the price of a commercial vessel.
Other ways he saves money include not having the heating on and adjusting to a minimal lifestyle to save energy where "you have a very direct relationship between the the environmental comfort level and actually facilitating that".
Regarding safety, Justin said: "I did get broken into once up in Hartford here.
"Security is quite an issue, I have had female friends of mine staying on board, they feel a lot more vulnerable and threatened.
"You've got only a little glass window between you and a footpath."
Social benefits come from a peaceful, environmental aspect where Mr Hiskett spends time with his cat by the fire.
He says the lifestyle is ideal for people who like living alone and for people who are "more independent, a bit more adventurous and willing not to have all of the necessary luxuries in life".
This way of living makes him appreciate the small things in life, where wasting a splash or two of water before brushing his teeth can make an impact on efficient energy saving.
He admitted: "things like that that you just don't think of when you're in a house."
Backing the brick over digital tech: Lego surges in popularity with all generations
A new generation of "kidults" and full-time professional traders flocked to Sheffield on Sunday, proving that the plastic brick is not just surviving- it’s thriving.
Traders, builders, young children and adults of all ages attended the sold-out Sheffield Brick Festival at Ponds Forge Leisure Centre, to partake in all things Lego.
In an age of technology, there is still a clear appetite for physical activity and interactive play, for people of all ages.
Among the familiar sound of shuffling Lego bricks and kids yelling between stands, there was serious business happening as haggling traders hunted for lucrative deals.
Patrick Emeny, 18, a college student from Doncaster, was working on the pick n’ mix stand where, for £8, anyone can sift through buckets of Lego and take what they want, as long as it fits in a pint-sized cup.
He says: “It’s great to see young and old coming together, it really bridges the gap between the generations.”
Two different parents sifted through Lego for their children while a few men looked for any “hidden gems” to add to their collection.
Dan, 26, a collector, says it's like “trying to find a diamond in the rough".
The Sheffield chapter of the Brick Festival is one of five this month, along with others in London, Bournemouth and Weston-super-Mare.
It was Mr Emeny’s second event as he balances his A-levels with his Lego hobby.
He is part of a growing demographic within the Lego consumer base as he has maintained his hobby up through his childhood and while taking his A-levels and gaining his driver's license.
A report by the British Toy & Hobby Association said that the ‘kidults’ (ages 12+) now contribute £1 for every £3 in the toy industry.
Lego sales increased by 16% in 2025, the same year that the toy industry saw its' first growth in years.
There was a 25% increase in more complex “building sets” such as Bionicals and Formula One which are catered towards adult audiences.
There were many different activities at the festival, including vintage Lego video games and speed-building competitions.
One of the first points of contact at the entrance was the charity tombola which guaranteed a minifigure to each participant.
All the funds went to the charity partner, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children Charity which provides specialist nurses to children with the most serious and complex conditions in the UK.
The festival also offered builders the opportunity to show-off their designs to a wider audience.
Thomas, 35, is a seller from Latvia, targeting individual bricks and sets that have a high profit potential.
He trades on BrickLink, the world’s largest online marketplace for buying, selling and designing Lego sets.
Thomas, explained that alongside it being his full-time job, he also builds custom Lego sets and minifigures.
“I get inspired by many things, sometimes it’s a movie or as little as one tiny Lego piece," he says.
“Days like today are for building community, based around Lego, for people to interact with each other, share contacts and tips and tricks.”
Many of the traders travel around the country, attending events such as these, to put a face to their mostly online businesses.
Thomas Derbyshire, 38, is the founder of Beanbay bricks, a company that trades on BrickLink.
Based in Lancashire, he attends events like these and prioritises selling lower-cost items.
“Today it’s been some of the smaller sets, because of the current financial situation, people are going for the five-pound-sets and the minifigures," he says.
“I always enjoy it, from the young kids to the elderly. If we can provide them with something that they’ve been after for a long time, it’s great, that’s why we do it.”
While families often target smaller sets, professional and seasoned traders are happy to invest in high quality sets that often exceed their original value.
Online, the sets with the highest prices are often big names including Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
Trending sets, such as Stranger Things, see a particularly strong markup, with a trader at the festival saying one of his retired sets had increased in price from £300 to £700.
Those sets which are no longer sold by Lego can see a significant mark-up as their supply is limited and their exclusivity is increased.
Unopened or 'sealed’ sets also carry value as it is assured that no sets are missing pieces and quality is assured.
According to the BrickEconomy, the ‘sealed premium’ adds 70% value to the set.
Another trader says: “It’s just the same as Pokemon or baseball cards, except it takes up a lot more room in the house than a filing cabinet does.”
The most expensive advertised price on the day was £780 for the retired, Lego Star Wars, Death Star.
An alternative Lego product was provided by Brickbybrick23, a company that produces personalised Lego brick photo blocks, primarily sold as gifts.
Katie Benn, 30, from Middlesborough, founded the company with her partner, Steven, and they recently made the move to commit to the company full-time.
“It started as a hobby a couple of years ago and then we took the leap to go full-time and now we love it. It’s great fun, we get to build Lego every day,” she says.
Ms Benn explained how the events had expanded their client base with the in-person stand acting as a promotional tool.
As the phenomenon of festivals becomes more popular for everything from podcasting to sports, it is clear, the Lego community is hopping on this trend, determined not to be left behind.
With a generation growing up isolated and over-reliant on technology, Lego offers an alternative and a chance for connection, away from screens and towards building together.
Ex-Olympian Shauna Coxey wins last ever edition of iconic climbing competition
Ex-Olympian Shauna Coxey won Sheffield's international climbing competition last night, after coming out of retirement to compete in the last of its 20-year run.
The Climbing Works International Festival (CWIF) has been an iconic event in every Sheffield climbers' calendar ever since its inception in 2006, but last weekend saw its final hurrah.
The competition attracted climbers from all over the world, including Rei Kawamata from Japan, who took first place on the podium for the men's competition, and Sheffield's own Shauna Coxey, in her first competition since the Olympics in 2021.
Shauna said: "This event is so special. I'm absolutely gutted that it's the last ever CWIF but I think the buzz and the environment around this whole event is something so unique. That's why I wanted to come out of retirement for one comp only.
"The last competition I did was the Olympics, so it is worlds away from that being here with such a friendly buzz. It's really cool, I think they've done an incredible job to embrace the community."
The 33-year-old competed for Great Britain at Tokyo 2020, the first year climbing was part of the Olympics with lead, bouldering and speed events where she finished 10th place despite ongoing knee injuries.
Before her Olympic debut, Shauna won five CWIFs in a row, from 2012 to 2016.
When she announced on social media she was returning to competition climbing for this event, she said: "this competition has always held a special place in my heart."
Chloé Caulier, from Belgium came 2nd place behind Shauna, and Jenya Kazbekova from Ukraine took 3rd on the podium.
In the men's competition, Dayan Akhtar from Leeds came 2nd, and 19-year-old Sam Hammond from Mansfield was 3rd.
Toby Roberts, who won the gold medal for Team GB at the Paris Olympics in 2024, also made it to CWIF semi-finals. Credit: Rose Mason
After the qualification round on Saturday morning, Shauna spoke to Sheffield Wire about how she thought it went.
She said: "I have no idea how my climbing went today. I would love to know actually. I don't know whether I'll be in semis, I don't know if I've done well or not well. When you're in the CWIF qualification round, you have to do 30 boulders in three hours.
Shauna Coxey on the last move of one of the CWIF qualifying boulders. Credit: Rose Mason
"I say do, I definitely didn't do 30 boulders, I didn't even try all of them! I ran out of time and it felt very hectic and chaotic, but in quite a fun way. During it I was like 'what am I doing, this is so intense!' Being a mum, I'm quite used to hectic chaos, so I feel like that was in my favour a little bit."
Little did she know then, that she would come first in semi-finals, and go on to win the competition in the final on Sunday evening by topping one boulder in the first attempt and securing three 'zones', the half way point of the climb.
The Rab CWIF 2026 female results. Credit: The Climbing Works.
The Rab CWIF 2026 male results. Credit: The Climbing Works.
Sarah Moran is General Manager of the Climbing Works just off Abbeydale Road and has organised the CWIF for the last four years.
She said: "Because it is our last one, it is our busiest one yet. The spectator tickets for the final sold out in four minutes. Last year it was 20 minutes."
Big name athletes weren't the only people Sarah recognised trying their hand in the comp.
She said: "People have been coming to our kids clubs since they were tiny, and now they're old enough to compete here, because you have to be 14. There are kids I taught at eight-years-old that are here today."
Sheffield is known as 'The Outdoor City', given its proximity to the Peak District, home to a rich history of outdoor climbing.
Gritstone boulders in Burbage Valley Credit: Rose Mason
“Sheffield is such a good city to be into any outdoor activity because we are so close to the Peak District," Sarah says. "A lot of people do gravitate to Sheffield to live here because of the Peak District, because of the climbing.
"When I do job interviews it’s very common that people are like 'I’m moving to Sheffield for the climbing'. It’s why I moved for uni like 15-years-ago - because of the climbing."
The Climbing Works co-founder, Graeme Anderson, began the CWIF after organising other competitions and wanting to bring that to Sheffield.
Sarah said: "When we first ran this, it was the first of its kind in a climbing wall. It has grown and grown and a lot of other walls follow the similar format".
Graeme retiring this year means CWIF is coming to an end, but Sarah promises there will be more Climbing Works events in the future.
Though this is the final CWIF, Sarah says The Works will host more events in the future. Credit: Rose Mason
Sheffield council urged to end “pattern of failure” on race
The Race Equality Assembly was held this weekend at Ellesmere Children’s Centre, highlighting a "pattern of failure" in Sheffield City Council.
"There are people within the community who have seen the same pattern decade after decade, the same pattern of failure and the pretence of inclusion.”
This is the damning conclusion of city businessman, and former chair of the Burngreave New Deal for Communities, Ronnie Lewin, after a community event was held in Sheffield to tackle a perceived lack of action on racism.
This came as a result of a 2022 report from the Sheffield Race Equality Commission (REC), which highlighted a number of key recommendations the council could take to improve the lives of the local community, including empowerment for under-represented ethnic communities.
However, nearly four years after the findings were published, there is a belief that there has been very little meaningful change from the Council.
Mr Lewin said: "There are a lot of people who feel that the process is very tokenistic. It is not inclusive, despite claims otherwise."
The way forward, he believes, involves accountability from those in charge.
"You must have named accountable people, you have to have a budget, and you have to have inclusion reflective of the city to make sure that whoever is putting the strategy together is being held to account at key milestones."
Building on this, Lee Jasper, co-founder of Operation Black Vote and a key speaker at the event, said: “By the council’s own admission, from their own evaluation, they have not been able to implement all the recommendations.
"Given that there is a local election in May, this is the perfect time for the local community to come together, to see what has been delivered, what hasn’t been delivered."
The assembly aimed to tackle key areas which they felt had not been properly addressed so far by the council, such as health inequalities, policing and economic inclusion.
When talking about the Council's response, Mr Jasper said: “The danger is that it can become performative.
"The Council is missing an opportunity to co-produce a strategy with the community, which has a lot of knowledge, experience and wisdom, and if they only tapped into that in a co-productive fashion, then they could enhance their performance."
Moussa Sylla, a community engagement practitioner with Community Organisers who was also involved in the Assembly, said: "We want to enable people from the community to create a space where they can come up with solutions, which are from and within the community. And that was the first step.
"As a result of last Saturday’s meeting, I think we have achieved that purpose. There was a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of people feeling that something new was happening, and this is what we are looking for, to create a space of new hope.”
Sheffield Wire have contacted the City Council for comment.
Wildlife concerns grow over Sheffield green belt development
Environmental campaigners have raised concerns regarding the ecological impact of proposed developmental sites in Sheffield's Local Plan amidst an ongoing public consultation.
The Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust has stated that important wildlife areas could be put at risk without stronger protections, calling for a more robust approach to safeguarding nature.
The Local Plan sets out where new homes, businesses, and infrastructure could be built and aims to shape the city's development up to 2039.
Susan Davidson, strategic advocacy and partnerships manager at the Trust, said several of the proposed sites are located close to areas of high ecological value.
"These existing green areas have a lot of value and importance, the new sites will definitely have an impact on the local wildlife." she said.
One of the sites which will be affected by the development is Hesley Woods, a park in Chapeltown which is currently used as a scout activity centre, along with the Handsworth Green Belt area seen in the photo.
Davidson said the current Local Plan does not go far enough in recognising the complexity of these environments: "We're not opposing the Local Plan, but we are pushing for a better understanding of the ecological factors".
One of the key issues raised by the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust is the use of buffer zones, which are strips of land intended to protect sensitive habitats from nearby development.
Campaigners argue that minimum buffer distances are being applied too broadly, without taking into consideration the site-specific conditions such as habitat type and pollution impacts.
Environmental guidance suggests that developments likely to affect wildlife should take a precautionary approach, including detailed ecological surveys and mitigation measures where necessary.
Critics say that without stronger safeguards, development could affect habitats, increase pollution and place additional pressure on already declining species.
The council has previously stated that site allocations have been chosen to avoid the most sensitive wildlife areas and the green belt, however conservation groups argue that these areas should be revised.
The debate persists as Sheffield continues to balance housing demand with environmental responsibilities.
The nine week consultation regarding the modifications to the Local Plan will close on Tuesday May 5, you can submit your comments on the Sheffield City Council to have your say.
South Yorkshire football players called up for March’s international fixtures
With the World Cup on the horizon, international coaches have announced their squads for the next round of fixtures, with debutants and stalwarts across the region making the cut.
Sheffield Wednesday are leading the way, with four players getting the nod for their respective teams.
Both Marvelous Nakamba and Sean Fusine were named in Marian Marinica's Zimbabwe squad for Botswana's Four Nations Tournament, while Pierce Charles and Devlan Moses will be going to Northern Ireland's senior and under 21s teams, respectively.
Doncaster Rovers' recent arrival Darren Robinson also made Tommy Wright's Northern Ireland U21 squad, with the youngster looking to make his 15th appearance for the side.
On the red side of Sheffield, the Blades' own Adam Davies was one of the goalkeepers in Wales' 26-man squad for the World Cup qualifying playoffs, starting with the semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 26 March, where the winner will face Italy in Cardiff on 31 March.
United starlet Sydie Peck received a call-up for England U21s, his fourth such call since making his debut for Lee Carsley's team in September, as England continue their 2027 U21 EURO qualifying campaign.
The Jamaican national team have called up players from both SUFC and SWFC, with Andre Brooks getting his first nod following his sixth goal of the season against Wrexham on Saturday, while the Owls' own Jamal Lowe will be joining him and the Reggae Boyz for their World Cup playoffs in Mexico next week.
Twenty-seven more 20mph zones come into force in Sheffield
New 20mph speed limits have come into place around Sheffield, with 27 new areas getting the restrictions, including several major roads.
Although the work will be funded by the government, there will be no measures such as road humps in place to enforce the restrictions, which has left locals questioning the effectiveness of new 'sign only' speed limits.
The Council have said having a maximum of 20mph speeds will make the city centre more attractive, and will help the city's regeneration.
They hope the plans, which include residential, commercial and retail areas with a lot of pedestrians and cyclists, will help people feel safer from the risk of vehicle collisions.
The newly announced 20mph areas will add to the 74 that have already been created in the city since 2011.
One social media user said in response to the announcement the added changes are "pointless if there's no way to enforce it".
As well as the centre, the new limits will also be enforced in the Crookes and Tapton areas of the city, including Crookes Road, which services many local businesses.
Emily Bidnell, 21, who is a student living in the area, said: "I understand the measures are being put in place for safety but Crookes road in particular is already so busy and this is just making it even more slow-moving.
"The fact it's not really enforced by anything is a bit annoying as not everyone will follow it."
New restrictions have come into place Sheffield City Centre, Charnock, Darnall, Firth Park, Fox Hill, Gleadless Valley, Greystones and Whirlow, Hackenthorpe, Heeley and Meersbrook, Hillsborough, Hurlfield, London Road, Longley, Lowedges, Meadowhead and Greenhill, Park Academy, Parson Cross, Sharrow Vale, Shirecliffe, Southey Green, Spink Hall, Stannington, Steel Bank, Upperthorpe, Wincobank, Woodhouse, Woodthorpe.
Penistone historian urges Sheffield Wednesday to recognise town’s influence on the game
A historian is looking to "piece together for people what actually happened" as he pushes for Sheffield Wednesday to revisit their heritage.
Kevin Neill, as part of Penistone Arts Week, took walkers on a historic trail around Penistone and Thurlstone, as he aims to spread awareness of just how much Penistone influenced the game.
The trail included visits to the graves of John Marsh and Reverend Samuel Sunderland in St John's Church, both of who were pivotal in transforming the early game, as well as the old site of Penistone Grammar School where Marsh was educated.
Also featured on the walk was Thurlstone pub 'The Crystal Palace', where Marsh was the landlord until his death in 1880.
Mr Neill recently attended an event in which Liam Palmer, Sheffield Wednesday's current captain, visited Penistone and Thurlstone, to pay respect to Marsh, who was one of the founding fathers of Sheffield Wednesday.
Marsh, who was born in 1842, was Wednesday's first captain, first secretary and played a vital role in the formation of the club.
According to Mr Neill, there are no references to Marsh anywhere within Wednesday's ground Hillsborough, something that Mr Neill feels "is a great shame".
However, this may be about to change, as Mr Palmer honoured John Marsh and unveiled a plaque in his memory during a ceremony at the Crystal Palace pub.
Mr Palmer received a photo of John Marsh during his visit, and those involved are hoping it, and the history behind it, can be integrated into the club.
Mr Neill said: "We are hoping that Liam will go back and try and persuade Sheffield Wednesday to do something more with the early history, which is what we want."
Mr Neill, author of 'Penistone Church Football Club 1906 : The inspirational story of a grassroots football club', shared with people who came on the walk just how much Penistone has influenced football.
With Penistone Church Football Club recently celebrating its 120th birthday, he wanted to share the history with those that came to the trail.
Sheffield celebrates Eid as spring arrives in the city
Sheffield's Malaysian community came together last week to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, a festivity marking the end of Ramadan, a month of reflection, study, and fasting.
This year it was celebrated on the 20th of March and so Eid coincided with the arrival of spring and the blooming magnolias and cherry blossoms around the city, with many people decided to take their celebrations in parks and green spaces such as Weston Park.
Yusuf Rick, a Sheffield Hallam software engineering student, said: "It's beautiful. We're here for the background, to post on Instagram and let people know we celebrate this, in Malaysia we go all out for Eid-ul-Fitr instead of Eid al-Adha.
"It's a day for Muslims to celebrate after fasting for 30 days, but in Malaysia we celebrate for a whole month. The first two days are when you go all out with your outfits. It's a day where we come together and eat and just celebrate family".
In fact, a big part of this celebration is in the clothes being worn by those taking part in the celebrations.
Wanzafreennafissa, a second year business management student at the University of Sheffield, said: "For me it’s a celebration, that’s why we dress up so nicely and decorate ourselves. It’s like a victory because we have been fasting for 30 days and it's not easy."
She showed us her dress, a blush baju kurung, a traditional Malaysian dress and next to her Aufiya, a Sheffield Hallam computer science student, wore a burgundy piece known as a janggan kebaya.
Most of the men at the park were wearing baju melayu, a traditional Malaysian outifit, in an array of bright colours but they are not just decorative, as Lydia, a University of Sheffield accounting student explained.
She said: "The way you wear it is a message to the people that are looking at you. When you wear it above your knees it means you are single, if it reaches below the knees it means you are married or taken.
"It's the same as in the regency era, how they used fans to call other people to signal you are married or you want to meet someone."
Other celebrations include the food they have to break their fast, the most common dishes being lemang and ketupat, sticky rice cooked inside of either banana or pandan leaves for the former, and bamboo for the latter, as well as a dish known as daging dendeng, slow cooked beef with a gravy made out of soy sauce.
In addition, they receive money from their family, Yusuf explained.
He said: "After you are done fasting for 30 days you meet with most of your family. The people who have started working take a bit out of their pay cheque to give out to children and people who haven't started working will get the money."
The act of receiving money can turn into a competition of who has received more among siblings.
Despite this playful competition, Yusuf said: "Today, we are all winners".
Sheffield City Council to decide on £1m Sport England investment to tackle city health gap
A £1m grant from Sport England to tackle deprivation in physical activity in communities across Sheffield will be discussed by the council later today.
Sheffield Hallam University Services Limited (SHUSL), on behalf of the National Centre for Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) partnership, has successfully secured a two-year Sport England's Place Expansion funding from April 2026 to March 2028.
The application to Sport England was developed collaboratively with sport and physical activity stakeholders such as Yorkshire Sport Foundation, Sheffield United Community Foundation, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme, Sheffield Sharks and Sheffield Eagles.
This funding supports the delivery of the "Move More Sheffield" programme, launched in June 2021, which hopes to reduce deep-rooted health inequalities and physical inactivity.
In order to ensure delivery from April 2026, this proposal requires approval from the Sheffield City Council to become the "accountable body" for the funding and enter into a formal grant agreement with SHUSL.
Sheffield City Council will also provide operational management for two of the eight work packages as part of the Place investment project titled "Community Development & Services" and "Move Well".
If accepted, the Council will be given operational oversight and delivery of these projects in-line with the conditions set by Sport England.
The first of these work programmes, Community Development & Services, focuses on strengthening community delivery in five prioritised neighbourhoods in Firth Park, Woodthorpe, Arbourthorne, Batemoor & Jordanthorpe and Tinsley.
The focus communities include some of Sheffield's most diverse areas and some of the most deprived neighbourhoods.
The programme will address systemic barriers, such as cost, and build inclusive pathways for lower income households.
Around £220,000 is allocated to staffing and operational support with an additional £350,000 (£70,000 per neighbourhood) for community services, legal and financial input, support staffing and associated operational delivery costs.
The council already operates and coordinates Move Well, a service supporting residents, especially those with long-term health conditions.
An allowance of £420,000 will enable the opportunity to strengthen and expand this delivery by providing increased capacity to support disabled people and people with terminal health conditions.
Through these programmes, the council hopes to create "great neighbourhoods that people are happy to call home" and "a place where children belong and all young people can build a successful future".
The final decision on whether the £1m grant will be accepted will take place at the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee meeting at Sheffield Town Hall at 2pm on March 23.