Off the Shelf is a literary festival in Sheffield that celebrates books, words and ideas. In such a turbulent year, it was wonderful to see the event going ahead. Even though it was with limited live audiences and online. Timm photographed a few of the events including Helen Mort, Lemn Sissay, Warda Yassin and Otis Mensah and Stuart Maconie.

Warda Yassin and Otis Mensah in conversation with Magid Magid

Magid Magid was joined on stage with the Sheffield Poet Laureate Otis Mensah and the new Poet Laureate Warda Yassin. Both Warda and Otis performed their poetry before getting into a conversation with the former Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Magid Magid.

Otis read from his book Safe Metamorphosis and Warda shared poetry from her pamphlet Tea with Cardamom.

Lemn Sissay in conversation with Auriel Majumdar

Poet, playwright, broadcaster and speaker, Lemn Sissay MBE spoke to local legend Auriel Majumdar about his book ‘My name is Why’. He read from his book that is based on the story of his battle against authorities and him growing up in care, finding hope, determination and creativity.

Helen Mort in conversation with Sam Cleasby

Award winning poet and author Helen Mort spoke to our own Sam Cleasby about her book ‘Never Leave the Dog Behind’. The book is a compelling account of mountain adventures and misadventures, and captures the unbridled joy of heading to the hills with a four-legged friend.

Stuart Maconie in conversation with Paulette Edwards

Stuart Maconie spoke to BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Paulette Edwards about his book ‘The Nanny State made me do it’. Stuart Maconie tells Britain’s Welfare State story through his own history of growing up as a northern working class boy.

For more information about Off the Shelf festival, head over the their website now. If you would like to book Timm Cleasby Photography to photograph your event, then do get in touch.