Sheffield: Happy (Picture: Getty)

Sheffield is the happiest city in the UK, according to a new survey.

Here are ten reasons why the steel city beat off competition from Edinburgh, Brighton and Cardiff to take the crown.

10. It’s a sweet city

Bertie Bassett: Happy (Picture: File)

The Bassett’s confectionery mascot may be in semi-retirement, but the fact remains he is a man made entirely from Liquorice Allsorts. Who wears a top hat. And he’s from Sheffield.


9. It hits the right notes

Joe Elliot: Happy (Picture: Reuters)

A city that birthed Def Leppard, the Arctic Monkeys, two Cockers (Joe and Jarvis), not to mention Pulp, can rest easy in that its musical heritage is assured.



8. It has an amazing theatre

Ronnie O’Sullivan: Happy (Picture: Getty)

As well as playing host to the most important event in professional snooker, the Crucible, which seats just 980 people, is a local treasure due to its intimate setting. If anyone knows whether Arthur Miller’s play of the same name has been performed here, let us know.

7. It isn’t Chesterfield

Chesterfield: Not Sheffield (Picture: File)

Sheffield, you know what we’re talking about (sorry Chesterfield; so do you).

6. ‘Guns don’t kill people, people kill people. And monkeys do too… if they have a gun. ‘

Eddie Izzard: Happy (Picture: Getty)

It was at the city’s university that Eddie Izzard decided to jack in the accountancy and try his hand at a bit of comedy. Good call, as they say.

5. You may know that Sean Bean is from there

Sean Bean: Winter is… happy (Picture: AP)

And here’s why he’s on the list.

4. Robin Hood

Robin Hood: Happy (Picture: File)

You may associate the man who stole from the rich to give to the poor with Nottingham, but Robin of Loxley actually hails from Sheffield. This same spirit still holds true, with 72 per cent of people from Sheffield getting that warm glow from doing good deeds for others.

3. Getting better with age

Michael Palin: Happy (Picture: EPA)

More people in Sheffield feel good about themselves at the age of 55-plus than anybody else. Which we salute.

2. Point in question

The Fully Monty: Very happy (Picture: File)

How many other UK cities can say they have an undying link to the feelgood movie of 1997?

1. Jessica Ennis

Jessica Ennis: Happy (Picture: Reuters)

Last summer may feel an age away already, but the entire world still remember the exploits of Sheffield-born Olympic heroine Jessica Ennis CBE.

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