Foundry is a well-known nightclub and live music venue located in
Sheffield, United Kingdom. Originally opened in the early 1990s as an integral part of the University of
Sheffield Students' Union, Foundry has established itself as a cornerstone of the city’s nightlife and student culture. The venue has a rich history, evolving from its roots as a student-centered nightlife hotspot to a highly respected location for both club nights and live music, attracting a wide variety of audiences ranging from university students to longtime music enthusiasts across the region.
Over the years, Foundry has become synonymous with
Sheffield's musical renaissance, offering a space
where local talent and international acts can share the stage. The venue has gone through significant changes, most notably a major refurbishment in 2013 that upgraded its sound system, interiors, and facilities, further cementing its reputation as a premier live music and nightlife destination. Though its physical location has remained within the University of
Sheffield Students' Union building on Western Bank, these continuous investments have allowed the venue to maintain its cutting-edge atmosphere and adaptability to the changing music scene.
Culturally, Foundry has held great significance for the
Sheffield music community, serving not just as a club, but as a meeting point for creativity and a birthplace for new artists. Its diverse calendar includes everything from club nights and student events to all-night dance parties and concerts by both up-and-coming and established performers. Foundry’s open-minded booking philosophy and its importance to student social life have given it an enduring legacy in
Sheffield’s nightlife and music history.
Notable artists who have performed at Foundry include international acts such as The Vaccines, Bastille, Kodaline,
Example,
Annie Mac, and Stormzy, as well as respected electronic music DJs like
Shy FX,
Wilkinson, and
Craig Charles. Local talent has also found a home at Foundry, with
Sheffield’s own Arctic Monkeys playing in their early days, as well as
Toddla T and Bring
Me The Horizon gracing the stage before their rise to global fame. The venue continues to attract a wide array of musicians and DJs, reinforcing its status as one of the UK’s key music venues outside of
London.