Abbeydale Live returns from Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 April – a free-to-attend festival packed with entertainment for all ages including over 20 bars with bands, DJs and performers, outdoor stages and dedicated family areas.

Building on the success of its 2025 debut, the festival grows from a one day event into a two-day, street-wide programme, bringing together businesses from the whole of Abbeydale Road. What started as a response to shared challenges has become something much broader to demonstrate what happens when independent businesses, artists and communities work together.

Across the weekend, 20 venues will host free live music and DJs, including: 

The Broadfield, The Gin Bar, Simz Golf, Two Thirds, Corner, Abbeydale Ballroom, Abbeydale Tap, Jameson’s, Over The Yardarm, Best Boy Bagels, Cole’s Corner, STYR, Smashed & Pulled, Dead Donkey, Rumkeg 876, Amici & Bici, Nether Edge Pizza, and The Bear.

The 2026 programme will feature a mix of established and emerging artists from across Sheffield and beyond, including Sheffield based vocalist Steve Edwards, whose track ‘World, Hold On’, became a global dance anthem, alongside Louis Louis Louis, Montuno, and the Langsett Dance Orchestra, with the full line up still to be announced. Together, the programme reflects the breadth of the city’s music scene, from jazz and global sounds through to contemporary and alternative acts.

A major addition for 2026 is the Sarah Nulty Music Foundation Stage, located in the Abbeydale Picture House car park. Running across both days, this dedicated outdoor stage will present a programme of artists while raising awareness for the Foundation’s work supporting grassroots music and community projects.

Abbeydale Live continues to grow as a full street experience. Alongside the music venues, a range of independent businesses including Greek Village, Yamm, Bear Alternative, and St Vincent’s Charity Shop will feature on the official festival map, creating a continuous trail that encourages visitors to explore the full length of Abbeydale Road and support local traders.

Developing talent remains central to the festival’s approach. Abbeydale Live continues its partnership with WaterBear Music College, with students performing across multiple venues throughout the weekend, gaining real-world experience in a live festival setting.

This sits alongside the Youth Music Stage, delivered in partnership with Hybrid3, showcasing under 18 performers who have developed through its Arts Council and National Lottery supported programme. For 2026, the Youth Music Stage and Kids Area will take place at Mount Pleasant Park at Highfield Adventure Playground, creating a dedicated space for families within the festival packed full of free activities.

A highlight of the Saturday programme will see Cole’s Corner host the Deadman Birthday Bash, celebrating Alex and Alan Deadman with a host of DJs and artists spanning everything from global beats to jungle. Confirmed guests include acclaimed Jamaican born vocalist, David Boomah who has collaborated with Shy FX and many other prominent UK based producers including Benny Page, Rebel MC and Potential Bad Boy.

Abbeydale Live is supported by Sheffield City Council alongside local partners including IPM Group, Triple Point Brewery, WaterBear Music College and Hybrid Studios. Together, these partnerships help ensure the event is safe and professionally delivered, while staying rooted in its grassroots ethos.

In 2025, Abbeydale Live drove significant increases in footfall and trade across participating businesses, with many reporting one of their busiest days of the year. With the move to a full weekend in 2026, that impact is expected to grow, encouraging longer visits, increased spend, and greater visibility for independent businesses along the road.

Nicole Jewitt, organiser of Abbeydale Live and Chair of the Abbeydale Independent Traders association, said: “Abbeydale Live is about what happens when a street really comes together. It’s independent businesses, artists, students, families, everyone playing their part. 

“You can start at one end of Abbeydale Road and walk all the way through, discovering music, food and new places as you go. It’s completely free, open to everyone, and it’s something we’re really proud to build together as a community.”

The full line-up and venue details will available on the Independent Abbeydale Instagram and Facebook pages.