The Leadmill Ltd, Sheffield

The Leadmill Ltd is the longest-running live music venue and nightclub in Sheffield. Located on Leadmill Road at the southeast edge of Sheffield's city center, The Leadmill opened its doors in 1980 in a building that was previously a flour mill and, before that, housed the Esquire club in the 1960s-a venue notable for hosting performances by legends such as Jimi Hendrix and the Small Faces.

Throughout its history, The Leadmill has been a versatile space, hosting a wide array of events, including live music, comedy shows, theatre productions, record fairs, cabaret, drag performances, and public talks. In the early years, it featured unique events like a pantomime directed by Jarvis Cocker in 1982 and the Festival Against Unemployment, which promoted local bands. During the 1980s, the venue often hosted "Jazz For Lunch" on Sundays, attracting music enthusiasts.

The venue gained national attention in 1988 when it was visited by Prince Charles, who praised its restoration and multifaceted offerings, including a theatre, live music, educational and training facilities, a restaurant, bar, and nightclub. In the 1990s, The Leadmill became the Sheffield home of the renowned Gatecrasher events before establishing its house night, RISE. It continued to play a significant role in the city's music scene, with bands like Arctic Monkeys selling out the venue faster than any other band in 2005.

In 2017, The Leadmill underwent renovations that included replacing the original dance floor with a new one, but rather than discarding the old floor, the venue ingeniously repurposed it into engraved pieces available for purchase by patrons. A new mezzanine floor was also added to the main room, enhancing the venue's layout. That same year, The Leadmill launched its first comedy festival, featuring 55 acts over a week, further cementing its place as a cornerstone of Sheffield's cultural landscape.