But there’s still plenty to smile about in Sheffield, so we’ve put together this list of 10 of the funniest or most uplifting things about the city in an attempt to provide some much-needed cheer. From a foul-mouthed parrot to the World Water Bombing Championships and some brilliantly named streets and shops, they perfectly capture the great sense of humour, spirit of generosity and eccentricity for which the Steel City is known.
5. Greasy Chip Butty song
Football fans are known for their witty and frequently filthy chants but there can be few better examples of terrace humour than Sheffield United's anthem the Greasy Chip Butty song, belted out to the tune of John Denver's hit Annie's Song. The sentimental lyrics of the original are replaced with the lines: "You fill up my senses ike a gallon of Magnet, like a packet of Woodbines, like a good pinch of snuff, like a night out in Sheffield, like a greasy chip butty, like Sheffield United, come fill me again." It is surely the best ode to the emotional highs - and lows - of supporting your team through thick and thin Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
6. 'Happiest man in Sheffield'
Sheffield's Wardsend Cemetery is the final resting place of the 'happiest man in Sheffield' - it even says so on his headstone. Tom Wharton was a Sheffield Wednesday superfan who, according to a report in the Sheffield Mail, over a period of 46 years attended all but one of the Owls' games - only missing that one due to 'severe illness'. That same report from 1926 described him as the 'happiest man in Sheffield'. After Tom died in 1933, he was buried in an unmarked grave at Wardsend Cemetery but a fundraising campaign was launched many years later to properly honour his inspiring dedication to Sheffield Wednesday. He now has a headstone, complete with the club's crest, acknowledging his commitment to the club and the fact he was once called the 'happiest man in Sheffield'. Photo: JPIMedia
7. World Water Bombing Championships
The pool at Sheffield's Ponds Forge International Sports Centre has hosted many top national and international competitions but few made as big a splash - literally - as the World Water Bombing Championships, which were held there annually for several years. People dressed in all manner of weird and wonderful outfits before hurling themselves at the water in an attempt to make the biggest impact possible. Sadly it does not appear to have taken place in Sheffield since 2017 but, who knows, it may be revived one day. Ponds Forge did more recently host the Underwater Hockey Age Group finals in 2019. Photo: Sarah Washbourn
8. Melter Skelter
Sheffield's gritters have the serious task of keeping the city's roads clear during even the harshest winter weather, which is snow laughing matter (sorry), but the people who name the fleet of vehicles clearly have a sense of humour. The gritter names include Melter Skelter, The Gritternator and Gretta Gritta. Photo: Sheffield City Council