Experience Wakefield

01/03/2025

Control pads at the ready as the biggest free games event comes to WX Wakefield later this month!

🕹️ Play exciting modern and retro console games
👾 Try brand new games from 40 indie developers across Yorkshire and the North
🎮 Join free game design workshops - design a character and see it in a real game!
🧸 Shop for merch including games, toys, books, plushies and more

Whether you're a gaming veteran or just curious about the industry, there's something for everyone at this free two-day extravaganza!

📅 Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 March, 10am - 6:30pm

A games weekend featuring exciting modern and retro console games, old-school arcade games and brand-new games developed by local companies.

28/02/2025

Help shape the future of heritage in the Wakefield district!

Whether you're part of a small local history group or larger heritage organisation, Wakefield Council's Culture & Heritage team want your input.

Take part in free workshops in March and April. Book your place: ow.ly/mgKs50UWUSi

27/02/2025

National Lottery Open Week is returning Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 March 2025! National Lottery Open Week is a way for National Lottery funded venues to say thank you to the players for the £30 million raised for National Lottery Good Causes every week, by offering free entry, discounts and special offers to anyone who presents a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard. Here's what you can get up to in the Wakefield district:

✨ Nostell NT: Free entry from 15 - 23 March.

✨ RSPB Fairburn Ings and St Aidan's: Free entry from 15 - 23 March.

✨ Yorkshire Sculpture Park: Free entry from 18 - 23 March.

✨ Featherstone Rovers: Enjoy a cream scone, cup of tea and a tour of the Millennium Stadium, as well as meet some of the Rovers team! Thursday 18 March, 10:30am

For more information, including how to claim the offers: lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week/offers?region=yorkshire-and-humber

26/02/2025

📽️ Calling all film buffs and travel enthusiasts! Discover the silver screen magic of West Yorkshire with ! Our stunning region has served as the backdrop for countless productions, from the historic streets of Bradford to the picturesque landscapes of Calderdale and Kirklees, and the dynamic urban settings of Leeds and Wakefield.

Want to walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters? Explore the real-life movie sets that bring your beloved stories to life! Check out our guide, created in collaboration with Visit Bradford, Visit Calderdale, Visit Leeds and Kirklees:

Discover the magic of West Yorkshire as we delve into places filmed across the region that have captivated audiences worldwide.

25/02/2025

Foodies, have you checked out all the amazing food experiences happening around Wakefield? The Rhubarb Festival may be over, but there's still plenty to get excited about!

From craft beer at Lost Cause Brewing Co 's taproom events to a unique Surrealism Supper Club at The Hepworth Wakefield, we've got something for every taste.

Coming up in April, treat yourself to an Afternoon Tea Fit For a Queen at Theatre Royal Wakefield - perfect for before or after watching Moira Buffini's fiercely funny Handbagged!

Find out more:

Savor the foodie experiences in Wakefield. Discover a world of gastronomic delights, including bread-making, coffee roasting, and more.

24/02/2025

A few pics from a record breaking Wakefield Rhubarb Festival weekend! We had a wonderful time welcoming visitors from around the country and overseas.
If you didn't manage to make it to this year's festival, don't worry, the festival will be back next year. 20-22 February 2026, pop the date in your diary now!!

23/02/2025

*ANNOUNCEMENT* - After an incredible three days that saw thousands flock to the Rhubarb Festival, the windy conditions in the city centre mean that we will be closing the market at 3pm today instead of 4pm. We apologise for the inconvenience caused but need to prioritise the safety of traders, visitors and staff. But fear not! There’s still plenty to do:

🎨Head to Wakefield Exchange for family activities, heritage displays, chef demo live streams and more: https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/wakefield-exchange-rhubarbfest/
☕ Shelter from the wind and enjoy a rhubarb treat in one of the cosy cafes taking part in this year’s Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail: https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/rhubarb-food-drink-trail/
🎊Enjoy free activities at The Art House, Wakefield Cathedral and The Hepworth Wakefield until 4pm: https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/fringe-activity-at-rhubarb-fest/
🎸 Listen to some live music at the Rhu-Bar: https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/fringe-activity-at-rhubarb-fest/

Wakefield Council

23/02/2025

It's the last day of the Rhubarb Festival - Wakefield today - but there's still plenty to do! Here's a taster:

🧑‍🍳 Chef demos from Sam Nixon and Rachel Green
🎸 Live music in the Rhu-bar courtesy of the Wakefield Music Collective
🍹 Tasty rhubarb-inspired food and drink in the restaurants, cafes and bars around the city as part of the Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail (Wakefield BID / Eyup Wakefield)
🕺 Performances from the Wakefield Morris Dancers outside WX Wakefield
🛋️ The Rhubarb Lounge, an enchanting space celebrating Wakefield’s most iconic vegetable!, at The Art House Wakefield
🛍️ The first House of Makers event at The Hepworth Wakefield

And of course, the all-important food and drink market!

Sunday 23 February, 10am - 4pm

Find out more:

The Rhubarb Festival is a food and drink festival in Wakefield, Yorkshire, with chef demos, food and drink market, kids' activities and more!

21/02/2025

21/02/2025

Watch incredible local talent work their magic with Yorkshire's famous pink vegetable as part of the Rhubarb Festival - Wakefield this weekend! Here's a few of the weekend's highlights:

✨ FRIDAY highlights:
- Heather Copley & Ted Newton, Farmer Copleys (12pm)
- GBBO's Karen Wright Bake (1pm)

✨ SATURDAY's treats:
- Lianna & Annie from Vanilla Bean (12pm)
- The Spicy Biker's Soneeta Bhondi (2pm)
- Special Cocktail Masterclass and Competition hosted by Wakefield BID (3pm)

✨ SUNDAY's grand finale:
- TV (and Theatre Royal Wakefield)'s Sam Nixon (3pm)
- Yorkshire Event Catering's Chris Hale (1pm)

📅 Friday 21 - Sunday 23 February, demos every hour 11am-3pm
♿ BSL interpretation available for 1pm, 2pm and 3pm demos

expwake.co/ChefDemos

Get inspired at the Rhubarb Festival's FREE Chef Demos, learn from the best and expand your culinary skills!

19/02/2025

You've made it half way through half term. Run out of ideas on how to keep the kids entertained? We've got you:

🌿 Nostell NT
📅 Daily until Sunday 23 February, 11am - 4pm
Inspired by Sabine Winn, create your very own marvellous concoction as you wander through the gardens and woodland.

⛏️ National Coal Mining Museum for England
📅 Daily until Sunday 23 February, 9:45am - 4pm
Enjoy hands-on exploration with our nature backpacks, see legends come to life and get creative with free crafts.

🐏 Lamb Feeding at Horncastle Farm
📅 Daily, sessions at 10am, 1pm and 4pm
Visit the lambing shed where you’ll prepare the bottles before meeting your chosen lamb for feeding.

For more inspiration:

There's loads happening this February Half Term in Wakefield - enjoy workshops, activity sessions, exhibitions and more!

17/02/2025

Coming up this week across Wakefield:

✨ It's time to paint the city pink with the Rhubarb Festival - Wakefield
🍔 Peddler Market returns to Tileyard North
🎉 WX Wakefield opens
🚸 Enjoy February half-term fun at Nostell NT

📸: sophie.c_boswell (via Instagram)

For more: experiencewakefield.co.uk/

15/02/2025

Join the Wakefield Music Collective for three days of incredible live music at this year’s Rhubarb Festival - Wakefield! Enjoy an array of pop, folk, country, indie, blues and rock performances from local and visiting artists.

📅 Friday 21 - Sunday 23 February
⏰ Daily performances from 11am - 4pm

Featuring talented artists like The Tinderbox Experience, CharliePadfield, Daisy Dorothy Music, Fishing For Compliments and many more!

The Wakefield Music Collective presents Rhubarb Jam! An exciting programme of live music at the Rhu-Bar as part of the Rhubarb Festival.

13/02/2025

This February half-term, Castleford Market will come alive with “United by Breaks”, a celebration of Hip Hop culture delivered by the incredible team at Hellohiphop!

Kicking off with the School Battle Championships on Saturday 15 February between Castleford Park Juniors and Half Acres Primary Academy, the following week will be packed with hip hop inspired activities, including beatboxing workshops and live graffiti art.

📅 Saturday 15 - Saturday 22 February

Find out more and book tickets for workshops:

Experience the vibrant world of Hip Hop at Castleford Market's 'United by Breaks' event. Join workshops, enjoy live performances and more!

12/02/2025

Calling all heritage groups in Wakefield! Join Wakefield Council's Culture & Heritage team for free consultation workshops about developing our district's new heritage network.

Five sessions available across March to April:
• Wednesday 5 March, 4-6pm – Pontefract Library
• Saturday 8 March, 10:30am-12:30pm – Wakefield Kirkgate Station
• Wednesday 19 March, 6:30-8:30pm – Online Session
• Thursday 27 March, 10am-12 noon – Queen's Mill, Castleford
• Thursday 3 April, 10am-12 noon – South Elmsall Library

Register here: ow.ly/mgKs50UWUSi

11/02/2025

The Rhubarb Festival is the place to be for a full weekend of FREE family fun with street entertainment, activities and workshops!

Enjoy performances from the Wakefield Morris Dancers, and keep a look out for Ruby Rhubarb, Ruby & Barb and the Rhubarb Fairy.

For those wanting to get in on the action, head to WX Wakefield and have a go at free rhubarb-themed family workshops, including making your own bath bomb!

📅 Friday 21 - Sunday 23 February

The Rhubarb Festival is back with non-stop street entertainment and free workshops for the entire family to enjoy - including Ruby Rhubarb!

10/02/2025

The Hepworth Wakefield is celebrating Miffy’s 70th birthday and the publication of a new book, Miffy and the Artists by Dick Bruna (Thames & Hudson), which is exclusively available to buy from The Hepworth Wakefield shop from Monday 17 February until Thursday 27 March 2025.

Miffy and the Artists, a joyful introduction to art for young children, features Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture Mother and Child – one of the most popular works in Wakefield’s art collection. The sculpture is on display in The Hepworth Wakefield's Still Lives exhibition until Sunday 23 February.

Miffy needs no introduction – she’s one of the best-loved bunnies in the world. Created by Dutch graphic designer Dick Bruna in 1955, Miffy will mark her 70th birthday in 2025. To celebrate, Thames & Hudson will publish Miffy and the Artists – a delightful portrayal of the art that inspired Bruna’s own work and that continues to inspire the next generation of artists.

Miffy and the Artists features Bruna’s bold illustrations in combination with iconic artworks by Barbara Hepworth, Frida Kahlo, Yayoi Kusama, Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol, among others. Using clever pairings of Bruna’s Miffy illustrations with these well-loved works of art, the book neatly captures the essence of each work. Combining a simple statement about each artist with questions that encourage children to look more closely at the artwork on the page, Miffy and the Artists is a warm welcome into the world of art for young children and their families.

Find out how we're celebrating Barbara Hepworth and Miffy during February half-term at https://hepworthwakefield.org/news/the-hepworth-wakefield-celebrates-miffys-70th-birthday/

The Hepworth Wakefield is a charity and shop purchases support the gallery's mission to create exceptional art experiences that enhance everyone’s lives.

Illustration Dick Bruna © copyright Mercis bv, 1953-2025.

09/02/2025

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this February?

From dazzling pantomime costumes to fascinating medieval creatures, we've got everything you need to make this break unforgettable! Check out our family guide for all the best activities.

expwake.co/FebHalfTerm

Pontefract Museum | National Coal Mining Museum for England | Wakefield Museum | Theatre Royal Wakefield | Pontefract Castle (official) | Horncastle Farm | Castleford Museum | Rhubarb Festival - Wakefield | Nostell NT | Wakefield District Markets | The Hepworth Wakefield | The Brick Box | Diggerland | Blacker Hall Farm Shop | Junction 32 | RBT Video

There's loads happening this February Half Term in Wakefield - enjoy workshops, activity sessions, exhibitions and more!