The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign organised a virtual rally attended by 100s of activists to mark 36 years since the events known as the Battle of Orgreave during the 1984/85 miners’ strike. Although many involved have since passed away the campaign is continuing its call for a public inquiry into the events of June 1984 when miners were assaulted and arrested by police on charges later dropped after allegations emerged of fabricated evidence and police brutality. The virtual rally included speakers from the Hillsborough Justice Campaign and Justice4Grenfell. Sheffield Live! reporter spoke to Chris Peace, event organiser and activist with Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign.

Sheffield’s UnShut Festival of Performance is set to launch a three day virtual events programme of radical and experimental new performance art, online, by post and in the streets. UnShut began as a theatre festival in Sheffield in 2017 and is now home to an array of new talent which is to be showcased in the first week of July. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Lydia Cottrell, marketing officer for UnShut Festival.

Sheffield Council in cooperation with local charities have assisted homeless people with temporary accommodation during the coronavirus lockdown. Charities are now turning their attention to the support needed to avoid those placed in accommodation returning to rough sleeping when the temporary arrangements come to an end. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Daryl Bishop, chief executive officer of Ben’s Centre for Vulnerable People.

As part of the easing of the coronavirus lockdown face coverings have become compulsory to wear on buses, trams and trains with transport bosses reporting the vast majority are respecting the new rules. Bus services in Sheffield have had to adapt to additional Covid-19 guidelines to maintain social distance rules and to maintain enhanced cleaning regimes. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Nigel Eggleton, managing director for First South Yorkshire and the Midlands.

Sheffield United will be kicking off the return of the football season with an away match against Aston Villa to be shown on TV but without fans in the stadium. The Football Association has decided to recommence games rather than end the season early but stadium doors will remain closed for the time being. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to sports journalist and broadcast presenter Alan Biggs.

Sheffield Council contractors Amey will restart their road resurfacing programme postponed since the lockdown in March. The restart will commence cautiously and the public are being asked not to engage with Amey staff but rather to contact the Streets Ahead programme by phone, email or social media to raise any concerns. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Darren Butt, account director for Amey.

Schools have been given the green light to reopen widely from 15 June by the Director of Public Health for Sheffield. Speaking to Sheffield Live! Greg Fell said the change in advice was supported by reduction in circulation of the coronavirus, progress with test and trace measures and clarity over management of outbreaks. He warned however that further outbreaks can still be expected to occur. Azz Mohammed reports.