BBC Sounds announced as the official fringe festival partner for Crossed Wires 2025
Over three jam-packed days, BBC Sounds will invite podcast and radio fans to experience live recordings and special sessions in the old Cole Brothers Department Store in Barkers Pool, Sheffield. The famous Grade II listed building – which originally opened in 1963 – will be transformed into a vibrant BBC Sounds hub for the weekend, reimagining the historic retail space for an entirely new purpose.
Inside the venue, visitors can listen to special live recordings of popular podcasts including Football Daily, Newscast and Evil Genius, all of which will air later in the year on BBC Sounds. Literary lovers can settle down with Sara Cox and bestselling author David Nicholls for a special edition of Radio 2 Book Club, and for Radio 4's Rewinder Greg James will be joined by a special guest to dig deep into the BBC Archives and uncover an array of audio gems - including some with Sheffield connections.
Fans of Radio 4's investigative series will be able to go behind the scenes of their favourite narrative podcasts with Gabriel Gatehouse (The Coming Storm) and Sue Mitchell (To Catch a Scorpion), whilst Frank Skinner will bring top comedians to Sheffield for two special recordings of One Person Found This Helpful. And to celebrate 100 years of the Shipping Forecast, Radio 4 announcers Lisa Costello and Viji Alles will take us behind the scenes of the beloved radio broadcast. For those looking for a moment of tranquillity, there will also be an immersive session of music and mindfulness with Radio 3 Unwind.
Outside the venue, the BBC Sounds Garden will offer a relaxed, open-air listening experience, where visitors can settle into a deck chair, slip on some headphones, and enjoy their favourite audio in an outdoor setting.
Jonathan Wall, Director of BBC Sounds says: 'We're delighted to join forces with Crossed Wires as the official fringe festival partner. Delivering value for audiences all over the UK is a big priority for us, so to be able to bring this level of talent and creativity to Sheffield - and for free - is really exciting. These will be memorable live shows and experiences that money can't buy. Crossed Wires is exactly the kind of event we want to be part of.'
Tickets for the BBC Fringe are free and the line up goes live on Friday 6 June at 11am. You can reserve seats for individual shows via the external Crossed Wires website. Do note that entry on the day will be first-come, first-served, even with a ticket, so we recommend arriving early to secure your place. The festival will take place from 4 to 6 July 2025.
The BBC Sounds Garden
The BBC Sounds Garden will offer a welcoming space where you can lose yourself in the audio you love. Settle into a deck chair or bean bag, slip on some headphones, and enjoy a moment of calm with live radio, on-demand music, or your favourite BBC podcasts.
You'll find the BBC Sounds Garden in Barkers Pool, right across from Sheffield City Hall and beside our Fringe venue in the Cole Brothers Department Store. There's also a photo booth where you can snap some shots with friends and family.
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