Discover the secrets of Sheffield and why it might be the ideal destination for 2022.
You might be excused for thinking that Sheffield flies a little under the radar of other northern
metropolises such as Manchester or Leeds, but the city has long been quietly reinventing itself.
From stylish venues and regeneration projects, to its range of green spaces and sustainability credentials, Sheffield strives to
be a crowd pleaser. It was also the only UK city in the top 10 of Time Out’s latest European city breaks guide.
Going green
In Sheffield, there’s space to breathe. Not every major city is located inside a national park, yet a third of Sheffield lies within the Peak District. Approximately 61% of the city’s entire area is green space, making it an ideal destination to find venues with al fresco areas or build outdoor experiences into your event, elements that are likely to remain popular with attendees this year. Sustainability is a top priority as we all head into 2022, and Sheffield shares this ideal, resulting in the city being ranked the UK’s most eco-friendly city by the researchers of NatWest’s Green Cities Report. This was ahead of COP26, which drew on a range of environmental data, including energy production, recycling and car use.
Additionally in July, the city will host the Cycle Active City conference, focusing on active travel modes such as cycling and walking, and how they contribute to better public health, cleaner air, and increased community resilience. The conference will share best practice from everything Sheffield has achieved to date.
A place to learn
Sheffield is also a knowledge hub in several fields, from technology to healthcare. Its Russell Group university is ranked in the top 100 globally, with a fine reputation in engineering, smart materials and stem cell technology.
Its Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre will host the Nuclear Manufacturing Summit for the second time in November.
Jenny Paxman, from the Nutrition Society, explains why Sheffield was chosen for 2022: “Sheffield was picked due to its array of unusual and versatile venues, all within a close proximity to one another, and the academics from the city’s two universities.
“The Sheffield team also proposed a creative programme using their outdoor city and sustainability credentials, morning runs and yoga sessions for delegates and a showcase of sustainability stories from a range of local growers, producers and food charities on our opening night.”
Venue highlights
Sheffield’s other offerings include the Winter Garden, Europe’s biggest urban glasshouse, the 2,000+ seater Sheffield City Hall, which is complemented by residential venues such as the Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria, and the Leopold Hotel. For 2023, the city will welcome the Radisson Blu hotel, which will restore Victorian architecture and introduce a roof top bar.
