Wakefield District Summer
of Culture 2010
Be a part of the Summer of
Culture
This summer, Wakefield Cultural
Partnership has organised the Summer of Culture, which has a
jam-packed calendar of exciting, inspiring and fun events across
the district. So slap on your sun tan lotion and get out and
about to discover events and opportunities on your doorstep and
further afield…
David Dagger, Wakefield Council's
Cabinet member with responsibility for culture said: “The Summer
of Culture makes me very proud of the Wakefield district. It
highlights the many and varied cultural opportunities, and shows
the dedication of the people involved. This festival is about
working together to show the best of the district and the
results are fantastic. I hope that everyone involved in the
Summer of Culture, whether organising or attending an event, has
a great time and is proud of what our district offers”.
What’s On?
Having commenced in June, and
running until September 2010, the Summer of Culture will
showcase all the brilliant activities and events that happen
across the district. From events run by small voluntary groups,
large scale festivals run by Wakefield Council, such as Seaside
in the City on 14
August, and local
Galas and Carnivals. Whatever you choose you will be guaranteed
to find entertainment and events for all the family.
Major Events Across the
district
There is a really exciting
programme of major events happening over the Summer of Culture,
including: Medieval Games at Pontefract Castle; Architecture
Walk at The Hepworth Wakefield; Celebration of the 550th
Anniversary of the Battle of Wakefield at Sandal Castle, The
Generator and the Kite Festival on Heath Common.
Get involved!
Now you know what it’s all about
get creative, get active, get involved...
Wakefield & District Summer
of Culture is now in full swing! Events have already
included Moves Dance Festival at Theatre Royal Wakefield,
Castleford Heritage Festival, Farmers Market at Market Hall
Wakefield, Miners Gala at National Coal Mining Museum,
Knottingley Music Concert, Ackworth Gala, a performance at
Wakefield Cathedral by Wakefield Youth Symphony Orchestra,
the Diva Showcase Impact Festival, Knottingley Carnival &
Osset Gala, a 1940s day in Castleford and Pontefract
Liquorice Festival.
However, there is much more
still to come! Let’s hope that the rain stays away in July
so we can enjoy drinking tea with the Mad Hatter and walking
with Bees!
To celebrate the National
Open Weekend and the countdown to the 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games. Pontefract Castle is the historical back
drop for some sporting games with a medieval twist!
24 July: Mad Hatterz Tea
Party
Visit the Orangery - one of
Wakefield's hidden cultural gems for an afternoon of free
Alice in Wonderland themed fun and adventures.
25 July: Walking with Bees
31 July: Clarence Park
Festival:
Keeping your family
entertained this summer won’t be problem in August.
Discover fossils and rocks, visit your local market and see
the sea in Wakefield city centre!
Playday is the biggest annual
play celebration in the country. On Playday each year,
thousands of children take part in free play celebrations
across the UK. At Wakefield's Playday, there will be a
range of activities including; bouncy castles, trampoline,
giant inflatable slide, arts and crafts, archery, mobile
roller-skate rink, straw bales, baby ballet and many more.
5 August: Hepworth’s City,
Hepworth’s County
A talk by Martin Wainwright,
northern editor of the Guardian and author of True North:
In Praise of England’s better half (2009) at The
Hepworth Wakefield.
7 August Fossils, Rocks
and Minerals at Anglers Country Park
12 August: The Young
Victorians at Pontefract Castle
14 August: Seaside in the
City
For one day only Wakefield
Precinct will be transformed into a seaside! With sand,
donkey rides, deck chairs, puppet shows, and children's
activities this will be a smashing day out for all the
family.
15 August: Cycle the City
at Pugneys Country Park
21 August: Garden Market
at The Market Hall Wakefield
28 August: Architecture
Walk, The Hepworth Wakefield
Lecturer in architecture, Ian
Hicklin will lead a tour of the new gallery, The Hepworth
Wakefield, designed by the internationally acclaimed British
architect David Chipperfield.
The summer is nearly over,
the leaves are turning orange, there’s a chill in the air,
but still plenty to do in the Summer of Culture.
5 September: Lock Lane
Riverside Gala
Entertainment includes boat
rides, Punch & Judy, children's rides, bouncy castle,
tombola, stalls, refreshments, maypole dancing and lots
more.
Lock Lane Welfare Garden 11am
– 4pm
2-11 September: West Side
Story: Theatre
Royal Wakefield
Wakefield Youth Music Theatre
presents West Side Story, produced by the same team that
brought you High School Musical, Boogie Nights and
Footloose.
11 September: The
Generator at Normanton Gala
Spot The Generator again and
take part in hands on activities led by Faceless and
Yorkshire Sculpture Park staff.
18 September: Rock n’ Roll
and Old King Coal at Frinkley Country Park
19 September: The Battle of
Wakefield
New theatrical piece to
mark the 550th
anniversary of the Battle of Wakefield, performed by local young
people from Yew Tree Youth Theatre. In addition there will be
other medieval performances throughout the day, including
knights in armour and falconry, as well as hands-on children’s
activities
Sandal Castle FREE
25 September: Stanley
Playground Scarecrow Festival
26 September: Kite
Festival
Come along to Heath Common
for the 9th annual Wakefield Kite Festival. Fly your kite
at this popular family event organised by Faceless. Features
spectacular professional display kites and kite making
workshops all for free, so make sure you don't miss it. The
Generator will also make another appearance!
An evening of
exhibitions, events and entertainment across the city open
to all
Want to know more?
For more information about
the events and activities mentioned, and to find a full
programme and calendar for the Summer of Culture visit
www.experiencewakefield.co.uk or call into Wakefield
Tourist Information Centre.
