City festival promises 'biggest podcast party'

Organisers James O'Hara, Alice Levine and Dino Sofos say the event will be a weekend-long "podcast party"

A new three-day festival billed as "podcasting's biggest party" is set to launch in Sheffield on Friday.

Crossed Wires will take place at venues across the city including the Crucible and City Hall until Sunday.

Among the podcast presenters taking part are Adam Buxton, Katherine Ryan and Jon Ronson.

Organisers said the festival aimed to assemble "the nation's top names in podcasting in one city, for one weekend".

Crossed Wires is being supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, which has provided £325,000 over three years.

The festival is the brainchild of the co-creator of hit comedy podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno, Alice Levine, Tramlines music festival co-founder James O'Hara, and producer Dino Sofos.

The three friends said the idea to bring Crossed Wires to Sheffield was born during a Peak District walk and a curry.

Mr Sofos, who helped launch BBC podcasts Newscast and Americast before setting up his own production company, previously told the BBC: "We thought it's time for a podcast festival across multiple venues where we bring the biggest names and have a big party really."

The shows will range from comedy to current affairs and sport, and will include a special live show by BBC Radio Sheffield's Football Heaven at City Hall on Friday.

Football Heaven presenter Andy Giddings said: “We’re honoured to be part of the Crossed Wires festival and teaming up with Steve Bracknell and The Royal Oak FC.

"We’re all thrilled that Sheffield City Hall will be packed out, so it’s going to be a memorable night.”

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