Love2B, Sheffield 9-17 February 2008

It may have been cold outside but temperatures soared in Sheffield during February as the Steel City revealed its heart of gold.

The Love2B festival painted the town a romantic shade of red during nine sizzling days and nights of city-wide celebration that also raised thousands of pounds for charity. Over 100 events showed off why Sheffield is the most passionate place on the planet.

The city's famous sporting fervour was represented by athletics golden girl Dame Kelly Holmes who gave a lecture in Sheffield Hallam' Pennine Theatre and talked about her fond feelings for the city. The University also reinforced Sheffield's love affair with culture by screening the northern premiere of Breda Beban's internationally acclaimed film, The Most Beautiful Woman in Gucha.

Other events included a Valentine's Fair; a bachelor auction in aid of St Luke's Hospice; a chance to cuddle up with lambs at Whirlow Hall Farm; a Wall of Love at the City Library where romantics penned literary love notes for their sweethearts; and city-based sex entrepreneur Julia Gash offered lessons in love at her famed lingerie store.

Love 2B in Sheffield, coordinated by Sheffield Hallam University, would like to thank the sponsors - the First Group, Meadowhall, Crystal Peaks, Westfield Health, The Moor, Chamber of Commerce, Creative Sheffield, Yorkshire South, Sheffield City Council and Halliwells - and all supporters and participants who made Love2B 2008 Sheffield red hot this February.