The What's On and Visitor Information page for the Wakefield District. We’re Experience Wakefield, and we’re the Tourism Team at Wakefield Council.
We are really passionate about the Wakefield district – and about letting visitors and local people alike know all about the great things to see and do here. We work closely with cultural partners across the district (including popular venues like The Hepworth and Yorkshire Sculpture Park, plus smaller, less well-known destinations), as well as businesses (including cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops
, hotels and more) to make sure we’re shouting about all the amazing things Wakefield has to offer – from show stopping events and festivals to quirky independent shopping experiences, delicious food and drink and everything in between. Basically, all the brilliant stuff that makes up our fabric as a fantastic place to live, work, study and visit. If you’re here, chances are you love Wakefield and want to talk to our visitors, too. Whether you’ve got a quirky new B&B you want us to list, a tourism event you want us to help promote, get in touch.
Celebrate Eid in the Park with PennyAppeal at Thornes Park Wakefield this weekend!
⚽ Have a go at five a side football
🥙 Indulge in delicious food
🏰 See how high you can bounce on the bouncy castle
🎤 Enjoy live music and entertainment
And much more!
Saturday 29 June, 12pm - 4pm
expwake.co/EidInThePark
It’s summer, and that means one thing: outdoor music!
Grab your glow sticks, your sunglasses and your wellies (it is Britain after all!) as we round up all the brightest and best music festivals, open-air concerts and performances happening across the Wakefield district.
expwake.co/OutdoorMusic
Ponte Rocks Music Festival | Wakefield Music Collective | Pontefract Castle (official) | Normanton Town Council | Pontefract Racecourse | Clarence Park Festival | Farmer Copleys | YonderEvents | Queen's Mill Castleford | Friarwood Festival
Find the best outdoor music this summer in Wakefield! From music festivals to open-air concerts, enjoy the district's vibrant music scene.
Get ready for a day of celebration and gratitude at Wakefield Armed Forces Day! This free family fun day has something for everyone, but here are some of the highlights:
🎖 The Veterans Parade
🪂 An incredible free fall parachute display
🎺 Live music from The Yorkshire Military Band & Corps of Drums
🥙 A wide selection of tasty food and drink
🐕 Police dog trials from Fireside K9
With free entry and parking, Wakefield Armed Forces Day offers something for everyone - see you there!
Saturday 29 June, 10am - 4:30pm
Pontefract Park
Enjoy Wakefield Armed Forces Day in Pontefract Park! Save the date for Saturday 29 June 2024 and salute our forces.
We might not have had the best weather for picnics, but in honour of International Picnic Day today check out our guide of the best spots to unfurl your picnic blanket and savour al fresco delights with friends and family.
We’ve pulled together a list of some of the most picnic-friendly spots around the district, so pack your wicker basket, gather your favourite nibbles, and get ready to explore these delightful picnicking gems - and keep these in mind for when summer finally arrives!
expwake.co/Picnic
RSPB Fairburn Ings and St Aidan's | Anglers Country Park | Pugneys Country Park | Nostell NT | Sandal Castle (official) | Pontefract Castle (official)
Wakefield has some great picnic spots on offer for you explore this summer. We've pulled together some of our favourites.
Did you know that this week is ? We're lucky in the Wakefield district to have two fantastic independent bookshops - Darling Reads in Horbury and Walton Herbs & Books on the Lane in Walton. Darling Reads' offers for the week include:
🎒 A free tote bag when you spend £20
🎒📔 A free tote bag and mystery book when you spend over £50
📗 A voucher for a £5 Book Token with any purchase
🐝 Books on the Lane are offering a FREE pot of marjoram (worth £5) when you purchase a copy of "The Good Bee" book, by Urban Bees Ltd
Head over to Darling Reads and Books of the Lane to stock up on new reads this .
Experience the deep-rooted connection between brass bands and coal mining at the lively Bold as Brass contest this weekend!
Organised by Brass Bands England, it showcases top marching bands and contests at the historic National Coal Mining Museum for England, celebrating this quintessential British cultural pairing.
Each band, drawn from the best bands across the North England, will perform a 6 minute march across the National Coal Mining Museum site and a 20-minute set at Hope Pit. The judges will assess them on the quality of their music and uniquely on how entertaining they are.
Saturday 15 June
11am - 5pm
Come and celebrate the association between brass bands and coal mining with a marching bands and entertaining contest at Bold as Brass!
Calling all photographers of Horbury!
The Cricketers Beerhouse are creating a new Horbury pub map, and they need your help to make it truly special. If you're an amateur photographer in Horbury, submit your best portrait-oriented photo that captures the essence of the village. The winning shot will be featured prominently on the map, with credit given to the photographer.
All the details here:
beerhouses.co.uk/horbury-photo-competition/
Calling all music fans - Pontefract Castle (official) has got two very exciting events coming up that you're sure to love!
🎻✨ On Saturday 29 June, experience Proms at the Castle - a magical evening of classical music against the spectacular backdrop of the castle ruins. Bring your picnic blankets and baskets, and settle in for a spellbinding performance by the talented West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra. As the sun sets, let the moving melodies transport you to another era. And don't miss the grand finale - a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the night sky!
🎤🎶 But the enchantment doesn't stop there! On Sunday 30 June, get ready to be swept away by Musicals at the Castle. Sing along to your favourite show tunes and iconic numbers from beloved musicals. Whether you're a fan of classic hits or contemporary favourites, this event promises to be a melodious extravaganza.
Tickets are still available, but book quickly!
Experience an action-packed weekend in Pontefract! The Pontefract Big Weekend from 29-30 June is filled with festivities and exciting events.
Calling all food lovers -get ready to embark on a mouth watering adventure at the Castleford Continental Street Food Market!
Located at Carlton Street in Castleford, this event brings together a variety of mouth-watering cuisines from around the world. From savoury to sweet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come hungry and leave happy at this foodie paradise.
Wednesday 12 - Saturday 15 June
Experience culinary delights at the Castleford Continental Street Food Market. Satisfy your cravings in a vibrant and tasty event.
Don't miss your chance to see the iconic murder mystery The Mousetrap when it comes to the Theatre Royal Wakefield next week.
Agatha Christie's ingenious whodunit has been enthralling audiences in London's West End for 70 years, and keeping millions of people from every corner of the globe on the edge of their seats. Could you be next?
10 - 15 June
expwake.co/Mousetrap
Calling all wheel enthusiasts - get ready for WheelFest, a car meeting like no other in Pontefract this Saturday!
More than just cars, WheelFest celebrates anything with wheels - vintage, classic, American, performance, custom, emergency vehicles, personal pride and joys, commercial trucks, agricultural machinery, bikes, scooters - even model railways!
You'll also find a stage with non-stop entertainment, kids' rides and stalls galore selling all sorts of goodies, and in honour of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, Ropergate will transform into a 1940s zone with exhibits and entertainment taking you back in time.
Rev your engines and roll on over to Pontefract for WheelFest from Pontefract Civic Society this Saturday!
WheelFest is a car meeting with a difference - it's anything with a wheel including classic cars, bikes and even model railways!
There are a host of fantastic community galas taking place across our lovely district from Wrenthorpe to Ackworth, with live music, family friendly activities, delicious food and much more!
So what are you waiting for? Save the dates and join your friends and neighbours at your local gala.
🎉 Ackworth Gala, Saturday 22 June
🎉 Wrenthorpe Gala, Saturday 29 June
🎉 Featherstone Gala, Saturday 6 July
🎉 Altofts Sumer Gala, Sunday 7 July
🎉 Portobello Gala, Saturday 17 August
🎉 Normanton Gala Weekend, Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 September
It’s Our Year…to spend time with our communities! Explore the upcoming community galas taking place as part of Our Year 2024.
The sweetest day of the year is nearly here - the Pontefract Liquorice Festival returns on Sunday 14 July!
This confectionary celebration is a delicious day out for the whole family, packed with liquorice-themed fun. Get ready to immerse yourself in Pontefract's legendary liquorice heritage:
🍬 Explore the special market stalls brimming with liquorice goodies
🍭 Feast on delectable street food
🎤 Enjoy live entertainment from top local acts
🤹 Keep an eye out for Lucy Liquorice and other walkabout performers
The kids are covered too with the all-new Kids' Zone on Corn Market - crafts, face painting, workshops, and more!
Make sure you stick around for the HARIBO-themed parades taking place at 11:30am and 2:30pm on Corn Market, with an extra performance at 1:30pm at Pontefract Castle (official).
📅 Sunday 14 July, 10am - 4pm
Pontefract Liquorice Festival returns! Expect live music, non-stop family entertainment and the all-important food and drink market!
Castleford is here! Come on down and take part in some amazing activities across the day - including a Roman Market, street performances, a Roman guided walking tour, object handling, food and drink trail and lots more!
We're here all day until 4pm, come and see us! 🗡⚱️
Located in the heart of West Yorkshire, the historic market town of Pontefract is home to the picturesque ruins of one of England’s most important castles (once known as “The Key To The North”) as well as a brace of beautiful parks, some outstanding examples of Georgian architecture, and a whole host of independent boutiques and coffee shops.
The historic market town has an action-packed weekend planned from 29-30 June - and you can win two fantastic prizes to help you enjoy it!
We're giving one lucky winner the opportunity to have two fantastic Pontefract Experiences:
🎶 Two tickets to this year's Proms at Pontefract Castle (official)
🍰 A voucher for afternoon tea for two at Farmer Copleys
Click below to find out more!
expwake.co/PontefractCompetition
Don't miss the powerful play Without Malice or Ill Will at the National Coal Mining Museum for England!
In 2019, retired police officer Geoff Marsh delivers more than just a talk about his career. He takes us on a poignant journey, revealing how one pivotal decision changed the course of his life forever, intertwining his experiences as a miner and a cop.
This thought-provoking performance delves into a momentous year that shaped Geoff, his community and their collective history. Praised for its "superb writing" where "every line matters," this play is a must-see.
Friday 7 & Saturday 8 June
Discover the story of Geoff Marsh, a retired police officer, and how one decision changed his life forever in Without Malice or Ill Will.
This Saturday head to Lagentium (that's Castleford to you and me) and celebrate the town's Roman heritage at Castleford Roman Festival! This vibrant festival has something for everyone:
🚶♂️ Embark on a guided tour of Castleford
🪓 Witness skilled carpenters at work
🎲 Test your skills at classic Roman games
👛 Have a go at purse making, or design your own laurel wreath
🥗 Indulge in tasty food on the Castleford Roman Festival Food & Drink Trail
📖 Meet author Jacquie Rogers and hear about her Quintus Valerius Roman Britain mysteries - the latest one opens in Castleford!
Saturday 1 June, 10am - 4pm
Come to Castleford Roman Festival on Saturday 1 June 2024 and experience workshops, activities, a Roman market, centurion walkabouts and more!
Experience art like never before at The Hepworth Wakefield with Art Fund. Try cutting-edge EEG headsets that visualise the impact of art on your brainwaves in real-time 3D.
Watch in awe as the gallery's collection stimulates your mind, translating your brainwaves into a captivating display. A must-see for art enthusiasts!
Friday 31 May & Saturday 1 June
Experience the mesmerising impact of art on your brainwaves in real time at The Hepworth Wakefield with Art Fund.
Get ready for a truly unique shopping experience at Wakefield Cathedral this half term!
Step into a wonderland of handcrafted treasures as local exhibitors showcase their exquisite array of gifts and crafts, from handmade jewellery to beautiful home décor.
Get creative with hands-on workshops to make your own mini-macramé plant holder or terrarium. And don't miss the chance to meet the majestic birds of prey from Wise Owl Bird of Prey Rescue!
Friday 31 May
10am - 3pm
Join Wakefield Cathedral for their Spring Fair! Featuring a delightful mix of local exhibitors, crafts, workshops, and more.
There is just ONE WEEK to go until BAFTA-award winning TV presenter, George Webster's talk at Wakefield Cathedral!
George will be talking about his life and career, reading from his beloved children's books, doing a Q&A session and book signing.
There are still tickets left, so don't miss out on this awesome talk - tickets are just £5 (free for 16 and under!)
Book now: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/wakefield-council/t-lnzyrrn
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during the May half-term break? We've got you covered with this ultimate guide to the top family-friendly events and activities happening across the Wakefield district!
🦉 Purchase unique gift and crafts, and meet a real bird of prey at Wakefield Cathedral's Spring Fair.
📜 Investigate hieroglyphs at Wakefield Museum.
🐝 Follow the wildflowers and pollinators trail at Nostell NT.
🖊 Learn to write like a Roman at Castleford Museum.
Check out the full details in our guide and start planning your Wakefield adventures today:
From Romans to Rapunzel and creative workshops aplenty, there's lots of fun for kids and families in Wakefield this half-term!
Indulge in history and let your taste buds time travel with the Castleford Roman Festival Food & Drink Trail! Venues across the town centre will be offering delicious roman-inspired items to delight your taste buds throughout the festival, giving you a chance to discover (or rediscover!) some of your favourite independent bars, restaurants and cafes.
Here's what's on the menu:
🍔🧁 Flavours Castleford – Gladiator’s Grilled Cheese, Caesar’s Chicken Salad, Colosseum Wedges, Olympian Olive Oil Cake & Lost Empire Brownie
🧁 Judy's Cafe – Roman Cupcakes
🧁 Schofields the deli Castleford – Ancient Roman Cake (Torta Antica Roma), Roman Cupcakes & Honey & Nut Cheesecake
🍔 Thieves Market – Caesar Salad, Emperor Burger, Little Lagentium and Emperor’s Heir Burger.
🍸 Yorkshire Craft Beers – Lagentium Centurion Soldier’s Pale Ale
Join us for the very first Castleford Roman Festival Food and Drink Trail!
Did you know we have a business enewsletter for the tourism and hospitality sector? You do now!
It's full of news, latest opportunities, a major event round-up, business support contacts and lots more.
So if you run or work for a tourism, leisure or hospitality business, sign up at expwake.co/BizNews
And read the latest issue below!
Welcome to the Experience Wakefield business enewsletter! Find out the latest news and opportunities, take a sneak peek at The Hatchling and lots more.
If you have a little person (or a big person!) who love tractors, tele handlers, diggers and wagons then the Big Machine Weekend at Blacker Hall Farm Shop is for you!
Come along and take a closer look at the amazing machines uses to run the farm, hop onboard for a photo op and imagine what it’d be like to be a Blacker Hall farmer!
You can also meet the farm animals on the little farmers trail whist you’re there.
Saturday 25 - Monday 27 May
If you have a little person who love tractors, tele handlers, diggers and wagons then Blacker Hall Farm's Big Machine Weekend is for you!
Step into history at the Pontefract Heritage Community Showcase. Witness engaging displays, listen to enlightening talks and more.
🎶 Journey through 150 years of musical excellence with Pontefract Choral Society, including a timeline of unforgettable performances
🎨 Immerse yourself in the rich intertwined history of local mining and rugby league with Featherstone Rovers Foundation
🏛️ Join Pontefract Civic Society from 1pm onwards as they shed light on their invaluable work curating Pontefract's Heritage Open Days events
Friday 17 May
Pontefract Library
11am - 4pm
Talks between 1pm and 2pm
Come along to this free drop-in Pontefract Heritage Community Showcase event to see displays, talks and have inspiring conversations.
Explore the finest mixology spots in Wakefield with our new guide - just in time for World Cocktail Day today!
From hidden speakeasies to buzzing hotspots, these venues are shaking up some seriously creative and delicious craft cocktails. Whether you crave classics or Instagram-worthy concoctions, we've got you covered.
Cheers!
expwake.co/BestCocktailsInWakefield
The Priory Wakefield | The Mad Ox | Robatary | ChapterRooms | KRAFT Wakefield | RBT Video | The Twisted Tree | The Golden Pineapple | Iron Dram
Cosmopolitans in Castleford, Pina Colada's in Pontefract and Whiskey Sours in Wakefield, discover the best cocktail bars across the district.
Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during the May half-term break? We've got you covered with this ultimate guide to the top family-friendly events and activities happening across the Wakefield district!
🏛️ Step back in time at Castleford Roman Festival, with interactive demos, crafts and even an archaeological dig!
📚 Meet the inspiring George Webster, BAFTA-winning CBeebies presenter, as he shares his remarkable story at Wakefield Cathedral.
🕰️ Explore Pontefract Museum's Victorian history through a treasure hunt and clock-making workshop.
🎪 Get ready for an explosion of fun at Paulo's Circus at Farmer Copleys, with acrobats, clowns, and plenty of laughter!
Check out the full details in our guide and start planning your Wakefield adventures today:
From Romans to Rapunzel and creative workshops aplenty, there's lots of fun for kids and families in Wakefield this half-term!
Embark on a journey through time exploring Horbury's fascinating heritage through captivating displays, enlightening talks, and inspiring conversations at the Horbury Heritage Community Showcase.
🌳 Discover the incredible work of Horbury Heritage Trust as they unveil their exciting project to transform the community-owned Green Park, Horbury
🖼️ Step into the past with Horbury Village - MyHorbury as they showcase the People's Museum in the Library
📸 Join The Friends of Horbury Library from 1pm as they delve into the Horbury Community Archive, boasting over 1,500 photographs
🧑 Chat with knowledgeable staff from Wakefield Museums & Castles, who will be on hand to answer all your burning questions about their historic sites and collections
Wednesday 15 May
Horbury Library
12-4pm
Talks between 1pm and 2pm
Come along to this free drop-in Horbury Heritage Community Showcase event to see displays, talks and have inspiring conversations.
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It's just 2 days to go until #RomanFest! Head to Castelford this Saturday for guided tours of the town's roman heritage, a brand-new food and drink trail, historical Roman market and loads more!
We were invited to see the exciting new developments at @watertonparkhotel. Wonderful to see The Extraordinary Life of Charles Waterton gracing the walls as part of the beautiful refurb. Great work Team Waterton Park! #englishtourismweek24 #experiencewakefield
The countdown is on! Christmas is fast approaching, and the Wakefield district’s Christmas stocking is already full of lovely things. From exciting light installations and candlelit carol concerts to festive markets and delicious food, plus some opportunities to see the all-important man in red, have yourself a merry little Christmas in Wakefield. experiencewakefield.co.uk/christmas Waterton Park Hotel | The Hepworth Wakefield | The Art House Wakefield | Yorkshire Sculpture Park | Wakefield Cathedral | Pontefract Castle (official) | Xscape Yorkshire | Gravity Active UK | Fino Pizzeria & Cicchetti | Theatre Royal Wakefield | National Coal Mining Museum for England | Nostell NT
Move over John Lewis, Experience Wakefield has entered the Christmas advert competition! We've spent the last few months creating our fantastic Christmas advert, highlighting all the best bits about our district at this time of year. It's now live on ITVX - if you see it, let us know! From winter staycations and Christmas light switch-ons, to festive markets and delicious food, plus some opportunities to see the all-important man in red, have yourself a merry little Christmas in Wakefield. experiencewakefield.co.uk/christmas
The Wakefield district is the perfect place to get your Christmas purchases sorted for everyone on your list (and a few gifts for yourself, of course…). From high street names to quirky independents, Christmas craft markets to top farm shops, we’ve got your Christmas shopping wrapped up. #ChristmasInWakefield #ChristmasShopping #ShoppingInWakefield #ExperienceWakefield #ChristmasMarkets
🎉 Exciting news! Love Exploring have just launched a brand-new mini beast trail on their augmented reality app! Get ready to explore the world of insects and bugs in a whole new way! You can bring these tiny creatures to life right before your eyes. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a fun activity with the kids, the mini beast trail is the perfect way to get outside and discover the wonders of the world around us. So what are you waiting for? Download the Love Exploring app and start your mini-beast adventure today! Take part at: 🐞 Anglers Country Park 🦋 Pugneys Country Park 🕷️ Vale Head Park, Hemsworth 🐜 Queens Park, Castleford 🦗 Newmillerdam Country Park 🐛 Pontefract Park www.wakefield.gov.uk/parks-countryside-and-outdoor-spaces/countryside-activities-and-events/love-exploring/
Want to take a look back at what fun we had in Pontefract for the Liquorice Festival on Sunday? Here you go! And for those who missed it - here’s what you missed out on! Save the date for next year’s Pontefract Liquorice Festival - Sunday 14 July 2024! #PontefractLiquoriceFestival #LiquoriceFestival #Pontefract #ExperienceWakefield #VisitPontefract @pontefractcivicsociety @rhubarb_radio @thejokerentertainment @wakefieldmuseums @klhevents
There was lots of family fun and celebrating Castleford's Roman heritage at this year's Castleford Roman Festival! 🗡 Didn't make it or want experience it all again? Save the date for next year - Saturday 1 June 2024!
That’s a wrap on Castleford #Romanfest, it’s been fun and we can’t wait to come back next year. If you missed it, visit the Experience Wakefield website to find out about this and other great events happening across the Wakefield District!
This May, Wakefield Libraries and other venues across the Wakefield district celebrated words with the return of WordFest! Over 2,500 people took part in the month-long festival, with libraries hosting over 170 free events. There was something for everyone to enjoy, from puppetry, storytelling, Makaton and music to AI digital workshops and author talks. #WordFest #MakeWordsCount | Wakefield Council | Story Trails
Coming soon: Wakefield Sculpture Trail. Take a sneak peek at the artists and their sculptures before they're unveiled in Wakefield city centre from the end of July through to September. 📹: Jonny Walton Jason Wilsher-Mills Artist | Halima Cassell | Department for Culture, Media and Sport | Arts Council England
Take a look at the all of the fun that has been happening across local libraries this May for WordFest... Want to get involved? There is still time to book your free place on an event! From puppetry, storytelling and crafts, to AI digital workshops and author talks… There truly is something for everyone to enjoy. Find out more and book your free place at expwake.co/wordfest #WordFest #MakeWordsCount.
For your next break, why not consider a Wakefield summer staycation? A district of vibrant independent towns and stunning rural scenery, all within easy striking distance of an historic cathedral city, Wakefield has plenty to offer the discerning traveller. #ExperienceWakefield #Wakefield #Staycation @watertonparkhotel @hepworthwakefield @thearthouseuk @ncmme_miningmuseum @wakefieldmuseums @trinitywalk
Looking for somewhere to grab something to eat or drink in the Wakefield district that won’t turn your four-legged friend away? This tail-wagging guide is for you! From pup-approved cafés to dog-friendly pubs, leash up your best buddy and let’s dive into this barking good adventure in Wagfield! #DogsOfWakefield #ExperienceWakefield #DogFriendlyWakefield @blondies_pontefract @the_mad_ox_bar @thedoghousecastleford @dukethegreattdane @the.townville.wiener @kenthecocker2021 #Castleford #Wakefield #Pontefract
South Elmsall, South Kirkby and Upton are three towns in the Wakefield district that are collectively known as SESKU. Former mining towns and villages, at first glance, you might think of SESKU as a quiet, tranquil place, but there’s far more to this little corner of the district than meets the eye… #SouthElmsall #SESKU #SouthKirkby #Upton #ExperienceWakefield @lunaire_lumiere #FrickleyCountryPark #South Elmsall, South Kirkby and Upton are three towns in the Wakefield district that are collectively known as SESKU. Former mining towns and villages, at first glance, you might think of SESKU as a quiet, tranquil place, but there’s far more to this little corner of the district than meets the eye… #SouthElmsall #SESKU #SouthKirkby #Upton #ExperienceWakefield @lunaire_lumiere #FrickleyCountryPark #BullcarrMires
Big on festive feasting, big on family time and big on gifting, Wakefield District Markets have got Christmas all wrapped up this year, whether it's food or presents that you're after. The crowning glory of their Christmas celebrations this year is their Winner, Winner Christmas Dinner competition, with a chance to win everything you need for a Christmas feast - including the turkey! To enter, head here: www.wakefield.gov.uk/competition
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Experience Wakefield and share photos, reviews and comments about what's on and where to visit in the Wakefield district. This page is managed by Culture Team at Wakefield Council for the promotion and sharing of cultural activity across the district. Please check all dates and times of events with the organiser before travelling to attend. Inclusion of events or places to visit does not constitute endorsement
For more information about what’s on in the Wakefield district visit www.experiencewakefield.co.uk
