Head to Wakefield this winter to celebrate the conclusion of their ‘Our Year’ events, kicking off with Light Up Wakefield from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th November 2024. Plan your visit.
There’s plenty of reason to hop on the train to Wakefield this winter, from stunning light festivals to cute craft markets.
It’s been an epic year for Wakefield. The city’s fantastic celebration of culture, Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, is about to rise to a dramatic crescendo, lighting up the region with installations, markets, street entertainment and more. The best bit? You can get there in under 20 minutes! Here’s why you should take a trip to Wakey this winter.
Watch as the city is illuminated for Light Up Wakefield
Credit: Claus Frederiksen
Light Up Wakefield is back and bigger than ever, taking over the city centre from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th November 2024. Follow the spectacular light trail, made up of stunning installations, helping you see the city in a whole new light.
Kick things off with Illuminos‘ The Timekeepers, discover analogue art with Fusion Layers, a vibrant projection piece by Fényszóró Visual, then muse on Wakefield’s coal-mining heritage with the canary-inspired Sentinel by Studio Vertigo.
Elsewhere, the awe-inspiring The Ice is Melting at the Pøules II by Båll & Brand uses actual meltwater from the ice sheet in Greenland, crude oil from Texas and extract of endangered blue cornflour to highlight the ongoing issue of global warming.
There’s plenty to see at The Hepworth Wakefield too, with a spectacular animation celebrating 100 years of surrealism, alongside family-friendly workshops. Over at the Art House, Zarah Hussain: Paradise Carpet is a brand new installation, with the venue also hosting late-night sessions.
Once you’ve wandered the trail you can shop for festive treats at the Christmas Market, before huddling away from the cold inside the cosy tipi bar, which will be serving a range of winter warmers from 12pm to 9pm daily.
Explore markets, music events & more
Credit: Andrew Benge
There are more light events across the region too, including the atmospheric Nostell Fire Garden from Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th November 2024. Watch in wonder as the rose garden is lit by 240 blazing torches in a truly dramatic display.
Head over to the National Coal Mining Museum from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th November 2024 for their Light Up event, which sees Sentinel displayed as a stunning centrepiece. There’ll also be brass band and choir performances, workshops and an underground Santa’s grotto.
Light Up takes over Yorkshire Sculpture Park for an extended period as the historic chapel is transformed into an immersive installation created by Wakefield artist Liz West. Check it out from Friday 15th November to Sunday 5th January 2024.
Over at Tileyard North, Wakefield’s hub of culture, there’s a jam-packed December lineup as they host their inaugural The 12 Dates of Christmas calendar. From Oasis tributes and Craig Charles’ Funk & Soul House Party, to Bingo Bango and Ellie Sax’s New Year’s Eve Party, there’s something for everyone.
Check out Wakefield this winter
Light Up Wakefield will take over the city centre from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th November 2024. Alongside the light trail itself, there’ll be craft activities, street entertainment, a Christmas Market and more. Catch it for free from 12pm to 9pm daily. With plenty to see and do throughout the rest of the festive season and regular trains from Leeds, it's a great choice for your winter night out.
