by Bijin Chen

The festival of outdoors kicked off today to provide more opportunities for people to enjoy sport, environment and culture in Sheffield.

Supported by Sheffield council, local organisations and businesses, this festival will bring various sport events not limited to yoga, running, walking and climbing throughout the whole March. Sheffield Half Marathon, one of the major running events across the UK, is also part of the festival.

According to councillor Alison Teal, Executive Member for Sustainable Neighbourhoods, Wellbeing, Parks and Leisure, this festival could help residents find new possibilities to be active which will lead to positive impacts on our health and wellbeing.

With 61 percent green-space in Sheffield, it also encourages people to explore natural environments and get closer to the wildlife.

Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Executive Member for City Futures: Development, Culture and Regeneration, said: “ Greenspace is an important part of our culture, influencing so much about life in Sheffield and this festival gives us all the chance to come together, both local people and the many visitors who also love it here, to celebrate how amazing The Outdoor City is.”

There are some cultural events as well, including Sheffield Adventure Film Festival, Beer Week, LGBT+ stories exhibition and so on.

“I hope we’ll see lots of people getting involved, being inspired and loving our outdoors, not just in March but throughout the whole year.” said councillor Alison Teal.