Migration Matters Festival 2025

June 10, 2025
Blog

Migration Matters Festival, Sheffield’s vibrant celebration of sanctuary, cultural identity, and migration, returns for its tenth anniversary edition from June 20-28, 2025, featuring headliners like Mercury Prize-nominated Nadine Shah, Asian Dub Foundation, and comedian Fatiha El-Ghorri across 45+ events at multiple venues throughout the city.

Mercury Nominee Nadine Shah Performance
Nadine Shah, the Mercury Prize-nominated songwriter and musician, will headline Migration Matters Festival 2025 with a performance at Sheffield’s Foundry on Friday, June 27. Fresh from touring with Depeche Mode and fronting The Pogues on their UK tour, Shah brings her mesmerizing voice and raw theatrical energy to the festival following the release of her critically acclaimed fifth album, “Filthy Underneath” in 2024.

The performance begins at 7:30pm (doors open at 7:00pm) and is open to audiences 14 and older, with under-18s required to be accompanied by an adult. Opening the show is Zawedde, who will perform songs from her project “SHUDDER,” exploring the intersection of personal and political themes. Shah’s appearance at the festival adds significant weight to the lineup, as she’s known for her powerful vocals and fearless approach to addressing mental health, addiction, and political issues in her music.

Asian Dub Foundation 30th Anniversary
As part of Migration Matters Festival 2025, legendary UK band Asian Dub Foundation will perform at Sheffield’s Foundry on Wednesday, June 25, celebrating their remarkable 30th anniversary. The band, known for creating their own genre through a unique fusion of junglist rhythms, dub bass lines, and wild guitar overlaid with references to their South Asian roots and militant high-speed rap, has established themselves as one of the world’s best live acts.

The group’s journey began in the early 1990s from music workshops at Community Music in East London, shaping both their distinctive sound and educational aspirations through their organization ADF Education (ADFED).
Their 30-year career encompasses thousands of unforgettable shows, nine studio albums, and collaborations with artists like Radiohead, Sinead O’Connor, and Iggy Pop. To commemorate this milestone, they’re embarking on an extensive European tour and releasing a special album titled “94-Now: Collaborations” showcasing their iconic musical partnerships. The Sheffield performance starts at 7:00pm and is open to audiences 14 and older (under-18s must be accompanied by an adult).

SADACCA Opening Party Highlights
The Migration Matters Festival 2025 kicks off with its signature opening party at SADACCA (Sheffield And District African Caribbean Community Association) on Friday, June 20, from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. This vibrant celebration has become a festival tradition, returning to what organizers call their “spiritual home of three years.” The evening promises an eclectic mix of entertainment featuring quality DJs, the boundless energy of Afrodesia, and a headline performance from returning artist Summer Pearl with her full band.

Located at 48 Wicker in Sheffield (S3 8JB), the opening party sets the tone for the nine-day festival with its infectious energy and community spirit.
Tickets are available on an ethical pricing system ranging from £3 to £23, making the event accessible to all. For those planning to attend multiple festival events, a Festival Pass offers excellent value with options for general admission (£90), low income (£70), unwaged (£30), and solidarity passes (£140). The party is suitable for ages 14 and up, with under-18s needing to be accompanied by an adult.

Accommodation: Best Western Sheffield City Hotel
For guests attending Migration Matters Festival, the Best Western Sheffield City Hotel offers a comfortable and conveniently located stay in the heart of the city. Just a short walk from major venues like the Foundry and SADACCA, the hotel provides: