Oct 2026
Air Giants | Hothouse
22/10/2026 - 25/10/2026, 10:00 am
Cole Store (former John Lewis building)
Air Giants | Hothouse
Date
22/10/2026 - 25/10/2026
Time
10:00 am
Booking
Venue
Cole Store (former John Lewis building). See venue details and map...
Details
FREE ENTRY
A whimsical garden of 6 interactive plant sculptures, each standing 2.5 metres tall brought to life through movement, light, air and Air Giants’ pioneering robotic technology.
HOTHOUSE invites audiences of all ages to explore a collection of new otherwordly botanical specimens.
Find out how each one moves and immerse yourself in a robotic environment of colour and movement.
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Thu 22 Oct – Sat 24 Oct | 10am – 3.30pm
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Sun 25 Oct | 12 noon – 3.30pm
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/air-giants-houthouse/
Colonised Marshland
22/10/2026, 7:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Drama Studio, The University of Sheffield
Colonised Marshland
Date
22/10/2026
Time
7:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Booking
https://www.seetickets.com:443/tour/colonised-marshland
Venue
Drama Studio, The University of Sheffield. See venue details and map...
Details
Presented by Slow Wave Sound, a quarterly night of ambient music, drone and minimalism, Colonised Marshland combines atmospheric visuals and materials from videographer/cinematographer Nathan Smith and sound recordist/researcher George Powell with a live ambient drone soundtrack by Ince B to depict the impact of the Stanlow Oil Refinery on the landscape and communities that surround it.
Performance duration approx. 40 minutes.
- A limited allocation of £5 Early Bird tickets are available
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/colonised-marshland/
WARPVISION (18)
22/10/2026, 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Drama Studio, The University of Sheffield
WARPVISION (18)
Date
22/10/2026
Time
9:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Booking
https://www.seetickets.com:443/tour/warpvision
Venue
Drama Studio, The University of Sheffield. See venue details and map...
Details
An audio-visual journey through the archives of Warp Records (curated by Sensoria).
A rare chance to explore more of the trailblazing audio-visual works on a big screen from some classics to contemporary releases – and all on a big screen.
Originally founded in Sheffield, Warp Records has been a groundbreaking label for electronic music.
Programme (approx. 50 mins) to be announced early October.
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/warpvision-18-2/
SensoriaPro 2026
23/10/2026, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Creative Lounge – Showroom Workstation
SensoriaPro 2026
Date
23/10/2026
Time
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Booking
https://sensoriapro2026.eventbrite.co.uk/
Venue
Creative Lounge – Showroom Workstation. See venue details and map...
Details
DELEGATE PASSES from £36 (+bf).
Friday 23 October | 10am-5pm | Creative Lounge, Workstation, Sheffield S1 2BX
SensoriaPro is a unique, informal gathering of composers, filmmakers, music publishers, music supervisors, games developers and festivals all under one roof to discuss the latest innovations in music and the moving image. A must-attend event with a stunning lineup of speakers, direct access to international buyers and informal, friendly networking.
Concessionary, Affiliate & discounted Yorkshire Business passes are also available (see below).
Supported by Arts Council England, Sheffield City Council, Musicians’ Union and PRS for Music.
Composing the score for The Death of Robin Hood
We’re pleased to welcome Jim Ghedi for an in-conversation talk about the process of writing his first feature film score to The Death of Robin Hood.
Hosted by Diane Rodgers
Presented in association with PRS for Music.
Photo credit: Scott Hukins
Scoring Contest – Sirāt
Assets and brief sent to delegates upon registration.
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Deadline for submissions – close of play Wed 30 Sept.
PRIZES
This year we have 2 Scoring Contest Categories – Winner and Student Prize.
Prizes available include:
- MUBI Subscription (1 year)
- Sound On Sound Magazine print & digital Subscription (1 year)
- Free PRS for Music / MCPS membership (or 1 hour mentoring session with Jataneel Banerjee)
- 2-day vocational Training Course at NFTS North.
- Rich Tone Music gift vouchers
- SensoriaPro 2027 Delegate Pass
Roundtable Talks
We will be hosting a series of Roundtables throughout the day covering a range of hot topics including:
FAM Music Talent Agency
Musicians’ Union Roundtable
Sync and Swim: Surviving and Thriving in Uncertain Times
An open and honest discussion exploring the challenges currently facing composers working across film, tv, games and other creative media. With a focus on community and collaboration, participants will share experiences, identify opportunities and explore practical pathways to career sustainability, and creative resilience.
Hosted by Ben McAvoy (WMP).
plus ONE-TO-ONE SPEED MENTORING with industry experts including:
MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
Discounted delegate passes (saving 25%) are available for Affiliate members (PRS for Music, AWFC, MU, BPI, PPL, AIF, IASPM, FAC, MMF, MPA, MPG, Ivors Academy, SYFN, SMIA, UKAN, PCAM, ISM, AIM) – simply select the ‘Affiliate’ ticket type when booking.
Tickets include refreshments and closing drinks.
SensoriaPro 2025 delegate comment:
“SensoriaPro built us, it’s where I met my first music supervisor clients and where I continue to meet with colleagues and now friends.”
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/sensoriapro-2026/
TEKKONKINKREET (12)
23/10/2026, 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm
Drama Studio, The University of Sheffield
TEKKONKINKREET (12)
Date
23/10/2026
Time
6:30 pm - 8:45 pm
Booking
Venue
Drama Studio, The University of Sheffield. See venue details and map...
Details
Dir. Michael Arias | Japan | 2006 | 1hr 51mins
Sensoria Festival, in association with Reel Steel, present the rarely-screened cult anime classic Tekkonkinkreet (2006) in a 20th Anniversary 4K restoration.
Based on the original Japanese manga series written by Taiyo Matsumoto, Tekkonkinkreet follows two street orphans – ‘Black’ and ‘White’ – who watch over Treasure Town, a decaying metropolis where life can be both gentle and brutal.
The street-smart youngsters roam their territory like superpowered vigilante stray cats, doing their best to defend it from the different villains and factions vying for control to impose their own intentions on the district; from local gangs, to old-world Yakuza, real-estate developers and other-worldly assassins, all threatening to destroy the very soul of the city.
Featuring a brilliant and evocative score by Plaid – who find their home on Warp Records alongside long-standing artists such as Boards of Canada and Aphex Twin – the debut directorial feature from Michael Arias (previously a co-producer of the Wachowskis’ animated anthology The Animatrix, along with previous credits including work on Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke), Tekkonkinkreet is a standout tale of conflict and resolution – touching upon faults in present-day society – produced by the renowned Studio 4°C.
Japanese language with English subtitles.
- Linked event – live audio-visual performance from Plaid at Hangr Warehouse (S3 8AS) Fri 23 Sept 9pm.
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/tekkonkinkreet-12/
The Magic City: Birmingham according to Sun Ra (PG)
23/10/2026, 7:30 pm - 9:15 pm
Alder Bar
The Magic City: Birmingham according to Sun Ra (PG)
Date
23/10/2026
Time
7:30 pm - 9:15 pm
Booking
Venue
Alder Bar. See venue details and map...
Details
Dir.s Guillaume Maupin and Pablo Guarise | Belgium/Italy | 2025 | 1hr 37mins
Sensoria Festival at Kelham Film Club!
The Magic City: Birmingham according to Sun Ra
On May 22, 1914, Herman Poole Blount arrived on Earth in Birmingham, Alabama, known as The Magic City, a segregated industrial town in the rural South. After leaving for Chicago at the age of 32, he would become Sun Ra, one of the most eccentric and prolific jazz musicians of this century, as well as the founder of a strange cosmic philosophy.
A portrait of the artist as a young man as well as one of a city through time, The Magic City tells the story of Sun Ra’s relation to this city-universe that is at once political and magical, familiar and fantastic, disturbing and fascinating.
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/the-magic-city-birmingham-according-to-sun-ra-pg/
PLAID + NikNak
23/10/2026 - 24/10/2026, 8:15 pm - 1:00 am
Hangr Warehouse
PLAID + NikNak
Date
23/10/2026 - 24/10/2026
Time
8:15 pm - 1:00 am
Booking
https://www.seetickets.com:443/redirect/byshowcode/3707066
Venue
Hangr Warehouse. See venue details and map...
Details
Plaid (live AV set)
Plaid are monumental cornerstones for any self-respecting electronic music fan; having also worked under aliases including The Black Dog and Balil – not to mention their work with Bjork. Playful and wondrous, their 11th album Feorm Falorx sounds both cutting edge, and also warm, human and nostalgic – purveying a sort of high-tech-retro-futurism.
Tickets (£19.50/£17.50) on sale now via SeeTickets and Resident Advisor.
+ NikNak (live AV set)
A trailblazing musical polymath, NikNak has carved a niche for herself in the music industry with her distinctive turntablism, immersive compositions, and captivating improvised performances. Heralded by the likes of DJ Mag, Clash, The Wire and Resident Advisor, her debut album Bashi garnered critical acclaim, positioning her as one to watch in the experimental electronic music scene. Her fourth studio album Ireti was released on Matthew Herbert’s label Accidental Records in 2024 and was named one of the year’s best albums by Mixmag and Bandcamp.
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/plaid/
SynthFest UK 2026
24/10/2026, 10:30 am - 6:00 pm
SynthFest UK 2026
Date
24/10/2026
Time
10:30 am - 6:00 pm
Booking
https://www.seetickets.com/redirect/byshowcode/3571850
Details
SynthFest UK is back.
Come and see the biggest range of synthesizers in the UK, try them, and buy them on the day!
Over 60 companies will be exhibiting at the event, ranging from the boutique Eurorack Modular brands to major keyboard brands, plus a range of soft-synth and virtual instrument developers.
Advance Ticket – £17.99 (plus ticket fees).
Walk-Up Ticket – £25 on the day.
Tickets available via SEE TICKETS & RESIDENT ADVISOR.
Ticket price includes free entry to Seminars and Demos.
Buy your ticket in advance and save on the door price.
Concessionary prices are available.
Children under 14 years of age are welcome free of charge. If you would like to make a group or family booking, please email info@sensoria.org.uk with the number in your party to discuss this in further detail.
Seminars
12:00pm – Electronic Music Open Mic (EMOM) Showcase
Hexial is the solo project of Nottingham based Alex Herington. He crafts lush, melodic electronica and IDM with glitchy edge, evoking neon-drenched cityscapes and expansive, cinematic atmospheres.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hexial.music
Bandcamp: https://hexial.bandcamp.com
Lilly Sphire is an electronic music producer and DJ based in Derby. Her sound is a blend of trance-infused progressive house, while her DJ sets explore a more eclectic and unpredictable side of the art.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/lillysphire
Bandcamp: https://lillysphire.bandcamp.com
Estimate Boum is Frankfurt based Paul Mattulat. Paul is the founder of EMOM Frankfurt (established 2024) and involved in a wide range of grass roots electronic music in Frankfurt. He recently became a partner at Frankfurt’s first inclusive retro arcade ‘Backstreet Bar, Alright!’ and is a member of the RoMantiCs Graffiti Crew. He is a volunteer at VirusMusik editorial team for RadioX.
Web address: www.emomffm.de
Closing performance and host of the EMOM Showcase this year is Paul (Sheffield EMOM) aka Brawnywho is also an electronic music producer in his own right. You can find more information regarding his work here.
Bandcamp: https://brawny.bandcamp.com
4:00pm – Cabaret Voltaire In Conversation
Ahead of Cabaret Voltaire’s final UK concert, Stephen Mallinder and Chris Watson will be in conversation with author and journalist Daniel Dylan Wray, looking back on their rich legacy as pioneers of electronic music. They will reflect upon their early days in Sheffield, where it all started, experimenting with tape loops, Dadaism and making a provocative racket, via becoming hugely influential figures in the worlds of industrial, dance and sound design, before returning in incendiary form in 2025 to mark 50 years since their first gig. Truly one of contemporary music’s real innovators, join the pair as they finally draw the curtain on a half century history of innovation.
SynthFest UK has been created by Sound On Sound magazine, in partnership with Sensoria Festival.
Please note that tickets are transferable but cannot be refunded once a transaction has been completed.
Seminar and Demo programme running order and start times may be found at www.synthfest.co.uk. We reserve the right to change the programme at short notice.
There will be several related events taking place at Sensoria for which SynthFest UK ticket holders can get a discount.
Full details at www.sensoria.org.uk – discounts available for SynthFest UK attendees.
Further event details www.synthfest.co.uk
The Octagon has wheelchair access.
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/synthfest-uk-2026/
Ember Collective
24/10/2026, 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Trafalgar Warehouse
Ember Collective
Date
24/10/2026
Time
3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Booking
Venue
Trafalgar Warehouse. See venue details and map...
Details
An immersive day-to-night festival designed to help Sheffield’s creatives network and connect.
Expect an event stacked with live music, art, DJs, talks, creator stalls, food, drinks and the best Saturday vibes.
£2 entry on the door (cards accepted).
Linga Sound will close out Ember (7-9pm, bringing a deep selection of jazz, funk, warm sounds and percussive grooves from around the world.
Linga is a Sheffield-based DJ, selector and producer, resident at Kitchen Radio and the person behind monthly listening session Sound Service Station.
- Presented by Baggy Canvas x Sensoria.
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/ember-collective/
Plantasia Collective
24/10/2026, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Drama Studio, The University of Sheffield
Plantasia Collective
Date
24/10/2026
Time
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Booking
https://www.seetickets.com:443/redirect/byshowcode/3673891
Venue
Drama Studio, The University of Sheffield. See venue details and map...
Details
What if music could help plants grow?
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/plantasia-collective/
Turntablism and Tapes: analogue audiovisuals
24/10/2026, 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Drama Studio, The University of Sheffield
Turntablism and Tapes: analogue audiovisuals
Date
24/10/2026
Time
8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Booking
https://www.seetickets.com:443/tour/turntablism-and-tapes-analogue-audiovisuals
Venue
Drama Studio, The University of Sheffield. See venue details and map...
Details
Reel Steel and Zaron (Interworld) mix vinyl film scores and VHS cinema live for the big screen. Followed by an immersive live set combining zoetrope, sampler and tape loops from Sculpture.
A unique evening of live audio-visual performances; crossing music, cinema, and analogue media.
With custom projection, and using turntables to create Zoetrope (pre-film animation), their combined visuals and live sound deliver an audio-visual experience like nothing else.
Access information:
Wheelchair access to the Drama Studio is via the accessible entrance off Shearwood Road to the left hand side of the theatre. This access leads directly into the auditorium and to the wheelchair positions at the front of the seating block. There is an accessible toilet at this level to the right of the auditorium. Access to the Drama Studio front entrance is from street level up a flight of eleven stone steps to the forecourt followed by an additional four steps to the front doors. There are handrails to both sides of the sets of steps and corduroy tactile paving to assist those with visual impairment.
Main image: Courtesy of Reel Steel.
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/turntablism-and-tapes-analogue-audiovisuals/
Concerteenies | Air Giants
25/10/2026, 10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Cole Store (former John Lewis building)
Concerteenies | Air Giants
Date
25/10/2026
Time
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Booking
https://www.seetickets.com:443/tour/concerteenies-hothouse
Venue
Cole Store (former John Lewis building). See venue details and map...
Details
We’re delighted to be welcoming Concerteenies to Air Giants’ Hothouse.
Concerteenies favourite Polly Ives will be performing with Kate Griffin and Ford Collier (Mishra Music) in response to our exciting installation of otherworldly inflatable flowers. Come along and watch this improvised performance and you can join in the musical fun.
- Doors 10:45 am
- Start 11:00 am
- Duration 1 hour.
Please note the venue is a disused department store. Recommended age range is 1 – 7 years. There are no toilet facilities inside the building, we can direct you to nearby facilities. For this reason, the space is not entirely suited to very young babies, all are welcome but please be advised of the limitations of the space.
Link to this event's page: https://www.sensoria.org.uk/events/concerteenies-air-giants/
