Tramlines Festival returned to Sheffield earlier this summer and showcased an exhilarating weekend of music, arts, and community spirit.
This beloved annual event has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s premier festivals, drawing thousands of music lovers to the heart of South Yorkshire and this year certainly did not disappoint!
This is one of those events I try not to miss, I’m not a huge festival goer but there is something about Tramlines that draws me back year after year – I’m not sure whether it is the tremendous lineup of acts the organisers always seem to secure, or the fantastic atmosphere and friendly nature of the event. As a Yorkshire girl myself, there is something to be said for a bit of northern hospitality of course, you cannot beat it!
The sun was shining through a showery July day in Sheffield as my friend and I headed into the city to start our weekend of festivities, if you plan on visiting Tramlines next year you need to secure your hotel room early doors as the city gets very busy and rooms get bagged pretty quickly. Fortunately, we had secured our spot at one of the city’s best-placed hotels – Leonardo Hotel Sheffield.
Located in the heart of the vibrant city, Leonardo Hotel Sheffield offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for both business and leisure travellers. Just a short walk from major attractions like the Peace Gardens, Millennium Gallery, and Sheffield Hallam University, this modern hotel boasts 259 stylish rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and plush bedding to ensure a restful stay.
The entrance and reception spaces are welcoming and the staff are fantastic – we were professionally checked in by the friendly and very well-turned-out reception team and shown to our fourth-floor executive suite which was stylish, modern and comfortable. A nice little goody bag of snacks and drinks greeted us on our arrival and as we sunk into our comfortable abode for the weekend, we nibbled on a Pringle or two and sipped some fizz with our festival soundtrack playing for good measure. The room offered an immaculately clean and luxurious bathroom with beautiful bathing products and all the amenities one would expect, there are also ample tea and coffee-making facilities – a must!
Ready and raring to head to our musical bonanza for the weekend, we headed down to the opulent bar area for a few of the delicious long cocktails on offer – the staff again were wonderful, very friendly and helpful given they were slightly under the cosh with fellow festival goers looking to start the party like us! The bar is a great area to relax, again, modern and stylish with a nice food offering that other guests were enjoying. Sadly we had no time for lunch, it was time to hit the road, but the reception team were only too happy to call us a cab and send us on our way safely!
For those travelling on business, Leonardo Hotel Sheffield provides well-equipped meeting rooms and excellent event facilities. The hotel’s central location also means easy access to public transport links, making it an ideal base for discovering all that Sheffield has to offer.
I must just add a quick note about breakfast – after two days of partying we were certainly ready for a Sunday morning feast and the buffet offering at Leonardo is superb. There are plenty of options from fresh fruit and yoghurt, cheeses and meats to hot options freshly cooked and replenished regularly. I tucked into a tasty bacon sandwich in fresh and fluffy white bread slathered in brown sauce and a hot strong cup of tea – needs must! I did sneak in a pastry too, moderation has never been my strong point! My friend enjoyed a modest English breakfast alongside some hot buttered toast and hot coffee. The perfect start to what was likely to be another day of dancing like idiots and yelling until we lost our voices!
With its friendly staff and top-notch amenities, Leonardo Hotel Sheffield ensures every guest enjoys a memorable visit to this historic city. If you are visiting the city anytime soon, then make this hotel your next call, tell them I sent you.
Words by Joanne Brook-Smith
Address: 119 Eyre St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4QW
Phone: 0114 291 2222