The long gone, industrial haze that descended on the city of Sheffield for many decades provided not only the impetus to build high rise ’streets in the sky’, but also a proverbial shield from mainstream mediocrity. Independent artistic movements flourished.

The resulting impact on modern culture has influenced the worlds of architecture, design, film and music. The latter of which has one dominant Sheffield connection – the Warp record label. Born out of a converted cutlery shop in the Devonshire Quarter, it has sold millions of records worldwide.

Last weekend marked 20 years since Warp Records was born. An amazing chain of birthday events were chosen, held at locations synonymous with Sheffield - an industrial warehouse party, an open air cinema at Park Hill flats and a gargantuan rave in a converted steel mill.

Park Hill was perfect; its curving elevations provided an amphitheatre for a very atmospheric open air presentation of Warp films throughout the years. Its graphical references of Russian Constructivism in the early (Designers Republic) promotional material contrasting against the Brutalist backdrop.

Well attended by families, residents, scenesters and ravers from ‘back in t’day’ alike. Later in the evening the bar dried up and all scooted off to the next event.

What an amazing weekend party, now, can someone fill in the gaps in my memory?

If you missed the event but want to know what’s next at Park Hill, register your interest here.

Tags: Park Hill, Sheffield, warp records