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It’s weird, wacky, wonderful, it’s Out of This World

Dinosaur
Dinosaur

Sheffielders prepare! An invasion of monsters, aliens, robots, ghouls and superheroes is coming, as Out of This World returns this Sunday 27 October, 10.30am-5.30pm.

This free city centre event celebrates all things otherworldly and is for anyone who enjoys sci-fi, comic books, gaming, magic, illusion, Halloween and all things spooky.

Spread across the city centre the festival attracts thousands of adults and children (many in costume), who wait all year-long to come and enjoy this weird, wonderful and wacky event that is now a favourite on the city’s annual events calendar.

This years’ attractions are guaranteed to provide another memorable experience, with the best of the strange, spooky, stupendous and supernatural all on show. Highlights include comic book characters, movie-themed cars, dinosaur puppets, live music, fairground rides and have-a-go traditional games.

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council said: “You’d struggle to find a free event of this kind, on such a scale anywhere else in the region or even the country, which is why it’s one of the most popular events on our calendar.

“Encompassing the very best attractions in sci-fi, magic and Halloween, from superheroes to sci-fi characters or illusionists to spooks, the whole family will find amazement at Out of this World.

“Whether it’s our local regulars, those coming for the first time or visitors from outside the city, I look forward to seeing many thousands – and in particular their amazing costumes - enjoying our annual spookfest.”

The event will once again be divided into three zones on the themes of sci-fi, magic and Halloween.

The Sci-fi zone takes place across the Winter Garden, Town Hall, Tudor Square, Millennium Square and the Peace Gardens.

Home to arcade games and board games, comic book artists and displays, there’s also the chance to encounter favourite heroes and villains including Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, Batman, Iron Man, a giant Stay Puft and The Superheroes.

A popular zone to find, or photobomb, your favourite superhero, get hold of the latest character, comicon and gaming must haves, meet children’s cartoon and film favourites, and time travel with the Delorean and Transformer vehicles.

With the flower fairy floating around in her enchanted sphere, amongst displays of Dr Who, Wreck It Ralph, Ghostbusters and Living Dead, plus VR and video gaming, sci-fi music and dance – there’s plenty for everyone to see and do.

Once again the remarkable Magic Zone will be in Town Hall Square, the Town Hall and Orchard Square.



This year, Dr Phantasma and his strange cast includes Dangerous Steve’s Amazing Monowheel plus barefoot and blindfolded sword ladder climber, Romana.

Professor Jon’s Flea Circus returns with flea’s performing amazing feats and trickster Sam the Scam who invites people to Beat the Cheat.

Rachel the Enchantress welcomes budding young spellcasters to her den of magic for a fun, imaginative and creative session where young witches and wizards will learn magic spells, and design a wand or broom stick.

New to the Magic zone this year, Orchard Square is joining the Out Of This World party. Programmed by The University of Sheffield, festival-goers will see some of the best street entertainers in the UK, pick up a few tricks at the School of Magic and be enchanted by magical storytelling.

Home to the little Monsters Halloween Zone, The Moor will be transformed in to a spooktacular playground.

Brought by MoorSheffield this zone is all set up for younger children and families to get into the spooky spirit. There will be face painting, parachute games, craft activities, apple bobbing, music workshops and street entertainment.

Look out for the dinosaurs, lucky little ones might get to meet them and the bravest can even stroke the T-Rex.

Barkers Pool, Tudor Square and Fargate will provide all the fun of the fair plus music and dance entertainment.

With plenty of shops fully stocked for Christmas – it’s also be the perfect time to make a start on festive shopping or pick up last minute Halloween must haves.

Out Of This World, which is being run in conjunction with partners including MoorSheffield, Orchard Square, Farrah’s Funfairs, Heart Yorkshire and The University of Sheffield, will run free family friendly activities from 10:30am to 5:30pm on Sunday 27 October.

During the event roads will be closed around the Sheffield Town Hall, including Surrey Street, Leopold Street and Pinstone Street.

For everything you need to know about this year’s event go to the Out of This World webpage. Character meet and greet times are available at Out of This World on Facebook