About the Festival

Sheffield’s independent bookshops have come together to create something special…
A weekend made by booksellers, for book lovers.

It’s called SIBFest.

Let’s celebrate stories, and the shops and publishers who keep them alive.

When + Where?

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April 2026.

Bookshops across the city, & The Victoria and The Mowbray, Neepsend, Sheffield

What’s happening

Saturday 25th April will be a fringe day with each individual bookshops running their own events in their spaces! Check out their socials for info about what they've got planned.

The main event will be on Sunday 26th in two stunning venues, the Mowbray and the Victoria in Kelham Island, including a market-place for local bookshops and indie makers in The Mowbray, with The Victoria hosting author talks, workshops and signings. 

The Graphic Novel Reading Room, a space for relaxing with a good graphic novel during the festival, will have its own gorgeous reading space upstairs at the Lodge at the Victoria.

Delicious food, cocktails and coffee will be available throughout the day in both venues.

The lineup

Just like our bookshops, our speakers showcase the best of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, children’s fiction and graphic novels from publishers large and small. 

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Bethan Woollvin (These Are My Rocks, Robin Hood, Little Red, I Can Catch a Monster)
  • Steve Webb (Peng and Spanners, Spangles McNasty, Cow's Go Boo, Tanka Tanka Skunk)
  • Luke Barley (Ancient)
  • Hazel Sheffield (Frontierland)
  • Manya Wilkinson (Lublin, & Other Stories) 
  • Michelle Tea (Valencia, Black Wave, Against Memoir, Little F with Cipher Press)!
  • Kavitha Rao (Lady Doctors, Jacaranda Press)
  •  Witches and Folklore author panel with Anna Caig (The Wise Witch of Orkney), Molly Aitken (The Island Child and Bright, I Burn)  and Sally O’Reilly (Hagtale) 

SIB Fest is organised by:

Hillsborough Bookshop – A neighbourhood children's bookshop known for its welcoming atmosphere, wide selection and strong support for local readers and writers.

Juno Books – Sheffield’s feminist and queer independent bookshop, championing radical writing, marginalised voices and vibrant community events.

La Biblioteka – A beautifully curated city-centre bookshop specialising in good books, independent magazines and creative publishing.

Novel – An independent bookshop, café and bar offering thoughtfully chosen books alongside great coffee, food and literary events.