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Wakefield’s hugely popular Rhubarb Festival returns this February

Wakefield Rhubarb Festival returns on 16-18 February with a packed programme of events for all the family.

The festival is taking place as part of Wakefield Council’s Our Year 2024, an exciting 366-day programme of cultural and heritage activity taking place across the Wakefield District.

shopping at produce stalls

The hugely popular food and drink market returns with over 50 chalets where people can sample and purchase local and regional treats.

Families can take part in workshops as well as enjoy lively street entertainment and music.

Cllr Michelle Collins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Sport said “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to our famous Wakefield Rhubarb Festival. It’s part of our exciting programme of events and celebrations to mark Our Year 2024.

Wakefield Rhubarb Festival outside food and drink market

As ever it’ll be packed with so much to do for adults and children to enjoy. We’re all set for another wonderful weekend, come and be part of our celebrations.”

Expect a whole new programme of chef demos including Wakefield’s very own Karen Wright, double BAFTA award-winning TV presenter and home chef Sam Nixon and award-winning chef Rachel Green.

Wakefield Rhubarb Festival live chef demos

During the Wakefield Rhubarb Festival weekend, Dame Ruby Rhubarb and Madame Zucchini will be providing lively entertainment. Morris dancers will perform Sunday 18 February. There will be live music programmed by Wakefield Music Collective every day from the Rhu-Bar and free family craft activities.

Fringe activities will include free face painting, crafts and workshops from Riding Shopping Centre, Wakefield Cathedral, Wakefield Museum and more.

rhu-bar marquee tent food and drinks

At the Wakefield Rhubarb Festival, bookable comedy night takes place. Join MC, Barry Dodds as he introduces comedians Alex Boardman, Don Biswas, and Angelos Epithemiou on Friday 16 February. Prepare to be rolling in the aisles as Saturday 17 February brings MC Meryl O’Rourke who will be introducing comedians Nina Gilligan, Masai Graham and headline act Lee Ridley, Britain’s Got Talent’s Lost Voice Guy.

There will also be a bookable talk as Karen Wright will take us on her journey from growing up in Featherstone and Pontefract to moving to Wakefield, her Great British Bake Off Experience and becoming an author, with all the many twists of fate in between.

Wakefield Rhubarb Festival sweets and fudge stall

The Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail is back. Wakefield restaurants and bars around the city are putting on rhubarb-themed food and drink throughout the weekend.

Wakefield Rhubarb Festival Dates, Times & Location

Friday 16th – Sunday 18th February 2024, 10 am – 5 pm

Wakefield city centre

To find out more about the Wakefield Rhubarb Festival, visit https://expwake.co/RhubarbFest


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Written by

Georgia Suggitt

14/01/2024

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