Sound City '93

THIS is clearly Sheffield's golden age. Not only are both its teams through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, but the city also gets to host Sound City '93, which starts next Monday - a week of music-related events taking place across the city, and the follow-up to last year's successful stint in Norwich.

Sound City '93 is organised by the British Phonographic Industry, Radio 1, the Musicians Union and Sheffield City Council. There are concerts each night (see the Gig Guide opposite) and a giant clutch of talks, seminars and workshops during the day. Annie V and Angie Dee, from Kiss FM, host a workshop on DJ techniques for women; at the Sound City Jury, a panel of A&R people from the major labels will listen to tapes made by local bands and issue their verdicts; and there is even a seminar in pouting and cheek-sucking, thinly disguised as a 'Photo Studio Session', in which professional photographers will work with bands to direct their promotional material. For details of all events call the Sound City Infoline, 0891 333464 (36p per minute cheap rate, 48p peak).

The Independent is again sponsoring a series of lunchtime talks at Sound City, which take place daily between 12.30 and 2pm in the Crucible Studio Theatre. On Monday, Feargal Sharkey will talk about his new desk job as a talent scout at Polydor Records. Tuesday's speaker is Danny Kelly, the editor of the esteemed Q magazine: his topic is the extent to which record companies get to control the exposure of their pop stars in the media. And on Wednesday, Simon Napier- Bell, formerly manager of Wham] and now a management consultant, will endeavour to explain exactly what it is that pop managers do all day.

On Thursday, the broadcaster Paul Gambaccini will pose the question, 'British Music: is it still in the Premier League?' making comparisons between our own pop music and that of America. Friday's speaker is Boy George, who will recount his own experiences as a target for the tabloid press. And concluding the sessions on Saturday is the DJ John Peel, who wonders where the new talent is coming from.

After each talk, the discussion will be thrown open to the audience. Entrance is free: call or visit the Crucible Theatre Box Office (0742 769922).