Tramlines Festival

Tramlines is Sheffield's own music festival, and over the past decade it has grown from a small inner-city event into one of the most popular weekend festivals in the north of England. Held annually in Hillsborough Park, on the north-western side of the city, Tramlines draws around 40,000 people per day for three days of live music, comedy, and family entertainment. From Heath's Motorhome Hire in Pontefract, Hillsborough Park is approximately 45 minutes' drive via the M1 and the Sheffield Parkway — a straightforward route that places you on the doorstep of one of Yorkshire's most enjoyable festivals.

The lineup at Tramlines consistently punches above its weight for a festival of its size. Headline acts in recent years have included Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, Madness, and Stereophonics, alongside a deep undercard of indie, electronic, hip-hop, and folk artists. The Main Stage sits at the heart of Hillsborough Park, with the second and third stages offering alternative programming throughout the day. The comedy tent has become a highlight in its own right, attracting nationally known stand-ups alongside rising stars from the Sheffield and Yorkshire circuit.

What sets Tramlines apart from the larger camping festivals is its urban setting. Hillsborough Park is a proper city park — flat, grassy, and surrounded by residential streets — which gives the festival a relaxed, neighbourhood feel. The local pubs and takeaways around Hillsborough stay open throughout the weekend, and the tram stop on the doorstep connects you to the rest of Sheffield. It feels less like a field in the middle of nowhere and more like a massive street party, which suits the character of Sheffield perfectly.

Tramlines is primarily a non-camping festival, meaning most attendees travel in and out each day. For motorhome visitors, this opens up the possibility of basing yourself at a campsite within easy reach of the city and travelling to the festival each day. Several campsite options exist around Sheffield, including campsites in the Peak District to the west — such as North Lees Campsite near Hathersage and Hayfield Camping and Caravanning Club Site — where you can wake up surrounded by stunning countryside before heading into the city for the music.

Parking for the festival is available at designated sites around Hillsborough, though spaces are limited and pre-booking is recommended. Alternatively, use the Sheffield Supertram, which stops at Hillsborough and connects to park-and-ride facilities around the city. If you are staying at a campsite in the Peak District, driving into one of the park-and-ride sites on the western edge of Sheffield is the most stress-free approach. The tram journey from Malin Bridge or Middlewood to Hillsborough takes only a few minutes.

The festival runs from Friday afternoon through to Sunday evening. Friday tends to have a slightly smaller crowd, making it a good day to arrive, explore the layout, and ease into the weekend. Saturday is the busiest day and usually features the biggest headline act. Sunday has a more relaxed atmosphere, with families and younger children more visible during the daytime programme. Bring layers — Sheffield's position on the edge of the Pennines means the temperature can drop sharply in the evening, even in July.

The wider Sheffield area is superb motorhome territory. The Peak District National Park begins at the city's western edge, and villages like Castleton, Edale, and Hathersage are all within 30 minutes' drive. Stanage Edge, one of the most famous climbing and walking destinations in England, is barely 20 minutes from the city centre. You could easily combine a weekend at Tramlines with several days of walking, cycling, or sightseeing in the Peak District, making the most of your motorhome hire.

Tramlines captures the spirit of Sheffield — unpretentious, welcoming, and full of music. Attending in a motorhome from Heath's gives you the flexibility to enjoy the festival, explore the Peak District, and travel at your own pace. At 45 minutes from our Pontefract depot, it is an easy and rewarding weekend away.