Light up events take place across Wakefield this November – save the dates for what’s on

Ad Feature by Wakefield Council
Published 20th Oct 2023, 08:06 BST
Light up your life with these illuminating experiences across Wakefield – family entertainment for all. Picture supplied (Andrew Benge).Light up your life with these illuminating experiences across Wakefield – family entertainment for all. Picture supplied (Andrew Benge).
Light up your life with these illuminating experiences across Wakefield – family entertainment for all. Picture supplied (Andrew Benge).
Light up events are taking place across Wakefield this November – here’s a round-up of what’s happening and when

The countdown is now on… Christmas is fast approaching, and the Wakefield district’s festive stocking is already full to the brim with Light Up events for all – but this promises more than just the flick of a switch.

There are events going on across the district, including light installations, interactive displays, events and light switch-ons.

Wakefield

Light up events across Wakefield – festive switch-ons and illuminating experiences galore. Picture supplied (Andrew Benge).Light up events across Wakefield – festive switch-ons and illuminating experiences galore. Picture supplied (Andrew Benge).
Light up events across Wakefield – festive switch-ons and illuminating experiences galore. Picture supplied (Andrew Benge).

The season kicks off with Light Up Wakefield, a seasonal extravaganza taking place from 17-19 November.

Explore a spectacular trail of installations and experience the city in a whole new light – prepare to be in awe as you discover immersive light experiences including LEAP, by imitating the dog, an incredible projection mapping piece which combines stunning animations and a live singer, to create a heartfelt story.

In the precinct there will be a delightful selection of crafts, gifts and treats available from local traders at the Christmas craft and gift market and you can grab a bite to eat from the street food vendors. Visitors are also invited to warm up around the fire in the tipi bar – take a drink and enjoy the live entertainment. Event partners Wakefield Cathedral, Trinity Walk and The Ridings Shopping Centre will host a programme of festive fun including face painting, street entertainment, Santa’s Grotto and more.

Bring the whole family with lots of free festive activities and entertainment from walkabout shadow shows, craft activities and a chance to even meet a real-life elf.

Light up events across Wakefield this November. Picture supplied (WWW.ROBINZAHLER.COM).Light up events across Wakefield this November. Picture supplied (WWW.ROBINZAHLER.COM).
Light up events across Wakefield this November. Picture supplied (WWW.ROBINZAHLER.COM).

Hepworth and Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Over at The Hepworth there will be more to see. Nectary is a display of six huge glowing flowers crafted from recycled materials by artist Alison Smith and scientist Dr. Chris Hassall. Visitors can interact with this light and sound installation in The Hepworth Wakefield Garden and take part in creative family activities inspired by the installation in the learning studios all weekend.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park will host magical Light Up evening events. Visit YSP’s beautiful Chapel to experience Light Organ, a joyful and interactive artwork that brings sound to life by artists Akeelah Bertram and Adam Glatherine and creative technologist Simon Fletcher. The Light Organ will be animated through performances by musician Aron Kyne with a special guest vocalist. Visit their coffee shop for warm drinks and snacks before you walk through the Park to the Chapel by torchlight for a unique experience (17 and 18 November).

Pontefract and Castleford

The Light Up festival continues across the district heading to Castleford (21 November) and Pontefract town centre (26 November) where the local community celebrate the start of the festive season with their big Christmas light switch-ons before the event heads to Pontefract Castle.

After last year’s success, Pontefract Castle Light Up will return on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 November with a 125 metre light installation which will take over this beautiful and historic site. For Peace, by artists Sedemminut, feature two-metre-tall illuminous figures whose leisurely walk subtly turns into a run at the speed of light.

Light Up Pontefract Castle will provide the opportunity to listen to live music in the fire-lit tipi bar before exploring the homemade Christmas craft market – you could even take part in an ice carving workshop.

National Coal Mining Museum

Finally, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa, and in addition to the places you’d expect to find the jolly old man, the Wakefield district has a few quirky options too. Meet big the man with the bag in his magical grotto 140 metres below the surface at the National Coal Mining Museum.

They will also be hosting their Light Up events Friday 24-26 November. Over the weekend you can enjoy pop-up activities around the site, brass band and choir performances, plus plenty of festive treats and food. Families are invited to get crafty and join in a lantern-making workshop over the weekend ready for Sunday evening’s unmissable lantern parade to close the festivities.

Dates at a glance

17 - 19 November: Wakefield City Centre Light Up

17 - 19 November: The Hepworth Wakefield Light Up

17 - 18 November: Yorkshire Sculpture Park Light Up

21 November: Castleford Light Up

24 - 26 November: National Coal Mining Museum Light Up

24 - 25 November: Pontefract Castle Light Up

26 November: Pontefract Town Centre Light Up

Details of all Light Up events are at expwake.co/LightUp

Related topics:WakefieldCastleford