Sheffield in July: Podcasts, Festivals, and Sporting Energy Near Excel City Apartments

Crossed Wires Podcast Festival Lights Up the City

One of this month’s standout cultural events was the Crossed Wires Podcast Festival, held in early July. Now in its second year, this creative celebration brought together renowned podcast creators, storytellers, and audiences through a series of live recordings, workshops, and talks -all within walking distance or a quick tram ride from our apartments.

For us, among the Crossed Wires podcast festival highlights was the opportunity offered by the organisers for our Managing Director and podcast host, Veronica Brooomes, to be on stage to record an episode of the Sheffield’s Hidden Gems podcast. 

Recorded live at a fringe event held at the newly restored and historic Leah’s Yard, this episode was truly special for many reasons:

  • For the first time, the podcast featured guests from two different organisations in the same episode.
  • It was the first time the host was recording on an outdoor stage in front of a live audience.
  • This recording was, in fact, the 50th episode of Sheffield’s Hidden Gems podcast, a truly significant way to mark such a special milestone.

The two guests on the historic 50th episode were the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of two Sheffield-based charities, David Bussue of the Sheffield African Caribbean Mental Health Association (⁠SACMHA⁠) and Faye Mellors of The Suit Works. These two charities are doing incredibly important and essential work in the community, supporting mental health, employment, and wellbeing. 

In their conversation with the podcast host (Veronica Broomes), the two guests discussed their organisations’ beginnings, how they’ve adapted to meet local needs, and their exciting plans for the future.

You can now listen to this heartfelt and inspiring episode here and get a glimpse of the passion driving these local leaders and their organisations.

Towards the end of July, our podcast was brought to the attention of an even much larger audience when a BBC journalist interviewed the podcast host, Veronica Broomes, for a radio show on the BBC. More about this is in our August newsletter update!

 

English Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge

While creative energy filled the streets, Sheffield also hosted one of the UK’s top sporting events—the English Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. Athletes, coaches, and fans from around the country gathered to compete and support their teams in this exciting national competition.

At Excel City Apartments, we had the pleasure of welcoming many of these visitors. Swimmers and their families told us how much they valued having a spacious, quiet, and fully equipped home base during their stay. Another said the 2-bedroom apartment was “perfect’ for them and booked directly for their next stay around mid-December 2025. 

With full kitchens, laundry facilities, and relaxed lounge areas, our serviced apartments offer all the comforts of home, ideal for guests attending multi-day events.

Sheffield’s Summer Soundtrack: Tramlines and The Fringe

As if that weren’t enough, Sheffield’s streets truly came alive during Tramlines Festival, the city’s biggest annual music event. Hosted in Hillsborough Park and extending across countless city centre venues, Tramlines brought major artists, local talent, and thousands of music fans to town.

Equally exciting was The Fringe at Tramlines, a citywide celebration of live music, pop-up performances, arts, and community vibes. With free or low-cost events happening throughout Sheffield, many of our guests enjoyed spontaneous gigs, pub sessions, and cultural discoveries right on our doorstep.

Guests staying at Excel City Apartments appreciated being so close to the action yet far enough to unwind in peace when the music ended.

Why Stay with Excel City Apartments?

With all this happening in Sheffield, it’s clear that the city thrives in the Summer, full of energy, creativity, and connection. And here at Excel City Apartments, we’re proud to offer more than just a place to sleep. We offer a place to rest, recharge, and feel at home, whether you’re here for a weekend or a working week.

Our serviced apartments are designed with your needs in mind:

  • Central location near transport links, shops, and event venues
  • Fully furnished apartments with kitchens, Wi-Fi, and flexible stay options

Ideal for business travellers, students, families, and event visitors

Planning a Visit?

Whether you’re here to compete, celebrate, or simply explore Sheffield, Excel City Apartments is your perfect home away from home. Choose from our well-appointed 1-bedroom apartments, ideal for solo travelers, couples, or business guests, or our spacious 2-bedroom apartments, perfect for families, teams, or friends traveling together. Book early for major events, we’re already receiving enquiries for upcoming conferences, concerts, and winter city breaks.

Book your serviced apartment now or contact our team to find the perfect accommodation for your next stay in Sheffield.