What to Expect from Your First Sheffield Tramlines Festival

About the author: My name is Lucie Waring, I'm 20 years old and a 3rd year BA Digital Media and Society student at the University of Sheffield, though I'm currently on a placement year. I am originally from York, but I'm now going into my third year living in Sheffield – so I'm therefore now a self-proclaimed expert on Sheffield student life, from the best coffee shops and parks to the nightlife. As well as being a UniHomes Sheffield Content Ambassador, I am a member of many societies that I love to attend with friends and partake in fun social events!

If you’re a student in Sheffield or a local who has lived here all your life, there is no doubt you will have heard of the famous Tramlines Festival that happens every summer in Hillsborough Park. This is one of the UK’s best festivals, a three-day event of live music, comedy shows, food vendors and markets.

With its all-ages appeal, Tramlines draws over 40,000 families, students, and young adults for an unforgettable weekend of vibrant culture and diverse talent.

Attending Tramlines Festival this year? Here’s what to expect…

Where and when is Tramlines Festival?

Tramlines happens every year at the end of July since 2009 and will return this summer for its 18th year.

Tramlines Festival dates: Friday 24th July to Sunday 26th July.

Held outdoors at Hillsborough Park, Sheffield - just a short ‘tram-line’ away from the centre.

Doors open at 12:00 PM each day with last entry at 7:30 PM. With continuous acts performing across five stages, you're free to explore the grounds, come and go as you please, and tailor the weekend to your favourite artists and exhibits.

Unsure what to take with you? Check out this ultimate festival packing list!

Tramlines Sheffield lineup

Every year brings a brand-new lineup to Tramlines! Whether you're singing along to massive chart-toppers in the sunshine or uncovering your new favourite niche indie act, this Sheffield music festival has your weekend soundtrack covered.

With new and upcoming Sheffield singers, to more well-known, household names, the festival brings light to all the entertainers stepping onto the stage.

Headliners this year include 90s classic Fatboy Slim on the Friday for a throwback and millennial crowds; indie band, Courteeners for a rock and roll Saturday, and alternative rock band Wolf Alice to close off the Sunday. Small stages are showcasing special guests such as The Vaccines, Florence Road, Lucy Spraggan, and the K’s.

View the full 2026 lineup.

Tramlines Festival tickets

Tickets for Tramlines vary from full Friday-to-Sunday weekend tickets to just single-day tickets. So if you’re only interested in seeing the Courteeners, supported by Blossoms and Rick Astley, then maybe a Saturday day ticket is your best option (but I definitely recommend going the whole weekend for the full experience!).

Tramlines tickets have sold out this year already - however, you’re not too late to sign up for the resale waitlist.

Food and Drink

Beyond the diverse musical lineup, Tramlines hosts an extensive selection of food and drink vendors throughout the grounds, ensuring all dietary needs and preferences are fully catered for.

This year, the festival has partnered with Sheffield local, Proove Pizza, Malaysian street food vendor Roti King, Los Churros Amigos for a sweet treat, and so many more. Get your camera ready for some Insta-worthy pics!

Bars are also located all over Hillsborough Park, serving both alcoholic and soft drinks to keep you hydrated and fueled throughout the weekend. However, it is also recommended to bring a reusable water bottle to fill up at the many water refill stations throughout the grounds.

The Official Tramlines Afterparty

The festival closes at 12:30 PM, but your night doesn’t have to end there! Every year, Tramlines partners with The Leadmill to host the ultimate Sheffield night out, continuing the celebrations and dancing.

This year, they are hosting at Peddler’s Warehouse in Kelham Island on the Friday and Saturday night, so secure your tickets now!

Just remember to pace yourself so you make it through the whole weekend and don’t crash on the Friday.

What is Tramlines Fringe Festival?

If you’re looking for smaller, less intimate shows but still want to be a part of the excitement of Tramlines Festival, Sheffield City Council hosts free music stages in the city centre for those without tickets but looking to join in on the festivities - perfect for our student budgets!

The Fringe showcases smaller music performers at locations across the city centre and Kelham for free shows and celebrations in bars, pubs, and open green areas, all weekend, alongside Tramlines Festival.

This year, the main stage will be held at Devonshire Green, just off Division Street.

Therefore, if you are unsuccessful in securing tickets to Tramlines, not all hope is lost!

Sorted your summer festivals? Sort next year’s accommodation!

If you’ve already booked your Tramlines tickets and have your summer sorted, why not cross the next big thing off your list? Beat the rush and secure your Sheffield student accommodation now, leaving you with one less thing to worry about later.

At UniHomes, all listed Sheffield properties come with bills included, creating a stress-free experience. Browse accommodation today and secure the best spot to commute to next year’s festivals!

This post is part of the UniHomes Content Ambassador programme, where current students across the UK share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. Like these guides? Add UniHomes as a preferred source in Google with just one click by checking the box to see more expert content from our student writers!

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.