At a glance

A Shrek-themed party called Ogrepalooza is coming to Network in Sheffield on Thursday, 15th October, featuring The Ogretones, a Shrek tribute band, and DJ Boo-urns. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Shrek-inspired costumes for a chance to win prizes. The event is part of a tour that will visit several UK cities, including Leeds, Manchester, and London.

Leave your pitchforks at the door and step into the swamp… Ogrepalooza is heading to Network, Sheffield on Thursday 15th October!

Headlined by the UK’s number one Shrek tribute band, The Ogretones - a 9-piece live band featuring Shrek, Fiona and Donkey & Friends with legendary performances that will transport you straight to the heart of the swamp. Expect hits from Smash Mouth, Counting Crows, Ricky Martin, The Proclaimers, Bonnie Tyler, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Buzzcocks, and more!

Plus DJ Boo-urns will be spinning non-stop swamp stompers, ensuring the party never stops.

Come dressed to impress! We’re giving away prizes for the best-dressed guests, so don your most creative and Shrek-tacular costumes. Past best-dressed winners have been ‘mirror, mirror on the wall’, ‘three blind mice’ and ‘fairy godmother’!

After Sheffield, Ogrepalooza will ride on to the following swamps:

• 16 Oct: Beckett Students’ Union, Leeds
• 22 Oct: O2 Ritz, Manchester
• 29 Oct: Sub89, Reading
• 30 Oct: The Clapham Grand, London (Halloween Special)
• 19 Nov: Old Fire Station, Bournemouth
• 03 Dec: The Hairy Dog, Derby
• 04 Dec: Komedia, Bath
• 11 Dec: The Globe, Cardiff
• 17 Dec: Chinnerys, Southend
• 18 Dec: O2 Academy, Oxford

It’s not over ‘til it’s Ogre.

Sheffield Ticket Link: https://link.dice.fm/Y8744f9ac5de

Editorial insight

Sheffield’s live music and events sector continues to see a surge in themed nights and pop culture tributes, with the arrival of Ogrepalooza next week adding to the city’s busy autumn calendar. The event’s focus on interactive entertainment and costumed participation is in line with a wider trend towards experiential nights out, as venues look to attract audiences with distinctive offerings beyond traditional gigs or club nights.

With Network hosting the opening date, the show is likely to draw a diverse crowd, including students and fans of nostalgic film soundtracks. The event’s timing, ahead of Halloween and as universities return for the new term, may help boost attendance, especially as themed parties remain popular among younger audiences seeking unique social experiences in city centres.

Story ideas and journalist angles

Consumer trend

The Rise of Nostalgia-Themed Events in the UK

The popularity of events like Ogrepalooza highlights the growing trend of nostalgia-themed parties in the UK, where adults indulge in childhood favourites such as Shrek. This trend taps into a wider cultural movement where pop culture from the early 2000s sees a resurgence.

Target audience cultural analysts and lifestyle journalists Story potential 6/10 Economic impact

Economic Impact of Themed Events on Local Venues

As Ogrepalooza prepares to visit Sheffield, there is an opportunity to examine how themed events like this impact local economies, particularly in terms of venue bookings and secondary spending in the area.

Target audience local business and economic reporters Story potential 5/10