Tributes have been paid after it was announced that Tramlines Festival director Sarah Nulty has died, aged 36.
Miss Nulty was a co-founder of the successful Sheffield festival as well as a champion of the local music scene. Her colleague Alex Deadman revealed that she passed away following a short illness, as well as paying tribute to her spirit and dedication.
“It is with great sadness that Tramlines Festival must announce that our festival director, Sarah Nulty, has passed away at the age of 36 following a brief illness,” he said in a statement. “Sarah was instrumental in the launch of Tramlines in 2009, taking on the role of festival director in 2013.
He continued: “She came to Sheffield as a student in 1999 and worked at Gatecrasher and Bed nightclub, going on to manage various venues and live events around the city.”
BREAKING: Heartbreaking news – @tramlines Festival Director Sarah Nulty, 36, has died after a short battle with cancer – an inspiration with a zest for life who championed music in the city and beyond. Sarah, your legacy will live on. God bless Gx https://t.co/ePX62DiHqc pic.twitter.com/AogWpAHPSY
— Graham Walker (@GW1962) July 2, 2018
“Sarah dedicated her whole working career to the Sheffield music industry. After nearly two-decades, this work has led to massive benefits for the city and she has been the driving force of Tramlines for many years. Her tenacity, vision and unbreakable work ethic are the reasons that the festival can celebrate its tenth anniversary.
He added: “Sarah turned her hand to every aspect of the running the event over the years, she was the life and soul of Tramlines and no job was too small, but no responsibility too great. “We would like to celebrate Sarah’s huge talent and the profound impact that she has had on the lives of so many people over the years.”
Reverend & The Makers’ Jon McClure was among the figures from the Sheffield music scene and festival circuit to share tributes to Miss Nulty.
“She was awesome and we were honoured to have worked with her on this year’s festival,” he wrote. “Sheffield has lost a good’un. Sending love and best wishes to her family and friends.”
We’re all very sad 2hear about the death of Sarah Nulty who ran @tramlines successfully for nearly a decade
She was awesome and we were honoured to have worked with her on this years festival
Sheffield has lost a good un. Sending love and best wishes to her family n friends
— Reverend&TheMakers (@Reverend_Makers) July 2, 2018
Sheffield is a great festival city, and I've been so inspired by the hugely skilled, tenacious and resourceful women who run our festivals – Sarah Nulty was one of them, a cultural leader, our city's loss. Rock on @tramlines, and rest in peace Sarah. #girlstothefront https://t.co/WNDHAOe1bc
— Melanie Iredale (@Melanie_Iredale) July 2, 2018
Think they should re-name the main stage at this years #tramlines The Sarah Nulty stage x
— Darren Hendleman (@DarrenHendleman) July 2, 2018
Heartbreaking news about the passing of Sarah Nulty.
A huge loss to the Sheffield music scene and to those of us that were honoured to have known her.
The positive message I’m reading from many online dedications is for us to #BeMoreLikeNulty, which seems like a fitting tribute. pic.twitter.com/QMZRELnzXv— Tom J Newell (@tomjnewell) July 3, 2018
Everyone needs a Sarah Nulty in their life. There’s no one else like her. No one can laugh louder and no one looks like mischief as much as she does. A total privilege to have known her all these years. Absolutely heartbroken. The world has lost a force of nature. ❤️ https://t.co/5yFgvSZoM5
— Cath Hurley (@CATHFACTORY) July 2, 2018
Saddened to hear of the passing of Sarah Nulty. It is an honour to work in the same building as her, day-in & day-out and an even bigger honour to live in the city that unites each year for the event she helped create. Amazing woman.
— Julian McFarlane (@TheMrMcFarlane) July 2, 2018
I didn't know Sarah Nulty personally, but whatever you think of Tramlines, it has been a positive thing for Sheffield these last 10 years. So respect to her. She's done more than most for my home town. RIP.#Sheffield #Tramlines @Tramlines
— D//Botterz (@OGBotterz) July 2, 2018
Sarah Nulty we applaud you. We miss your laugh. Your life. How are you not with us. Heartbroken!
— julie wilson (@Juliewilson62) July 2, 2018
We’re desvistated to hear the news of @tramlines organiser Sarah Nulty passing.
She believed in us and gave us the opportunity to play our biggest, best and most memorable gigs.
Lost for words. RIP xx
— LIBERTY SHIP (@LibertyShipBand) July 3, 2018
Devastated to hear the news of Sarah Nulty from @tramlines passing. She was a friend and always had a ear for our festival moans & groans. RIP Sarah x
— Handmade Festival (@HandmadeTotally) July 3, 2018
We're devastated to learn of Sarah Nulty's passing, a champion of Yorkshire music, art and culture. Our thoughts are with her family and everyone at @tramlines, who we know will do Sarah proud this July xx
— Deer Shed Festival (@DeerShed) July 3, 2018
A spokesman for Tramlines added: “We would like to celebrate Sarah’s huge talent and the profound impact that she has had on the lives of so many people over the years.”
Tramlines has grown from a free multi-venue festival across Sheffield city centre which attracted 35,000 people in 2009 to boasting a capacity of more than 100,000 some years later. This year’s Tramlines festival will be held at Hillsborough Park and see performances from Stereophonics, Noel Gallagher, Craig David’s TS5, De La Soul, Blossoms, Clean Bandit, Shed Seven, Mabel and many more – as well as the usual showcase of local talent. Visit here for tickets and more information.
