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Fun-filled programme of events and activities planned alongside new exhibition

Monday, July 28, 2025

A fun-filled programme of events and activities is taking place throughout the school summer holidays to celebrate the latest exhibition at Wakefield Exchange (WX).

‘Jason and the Wakefield Adventure’ by Wakefield-born artist Jason Wilsher-Mills is the first large-scale exhibition of work in his hometown.

Alongside the exhibition there will be workshops, tours, crafts, talks, inflatable sculpture performances from DanceExplosion and much more taking place across the district.

“Lots of people have already been enjoying Jason’s fun and colourful exhibition. And there’s still plenty of time to come along and see it for yourself.

“There’s also a huge programme of activities running throughout the summer to celebrate the exhibition and for everyone to get involved with. There really is something for everyone to enjoy.” 

Cllr Hannah Appleyard

Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport

Cllr Hannah Appleyard


Also led by local artists, informal family drop-in crafts and activities sessions will allow families to enjoy a more hands-on experience during their visit. These will take place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays during the school holidays. 

Throughout the summer you can expect a range of free accessible sessions and tours including BSL and audio description exhibition tours, relaxed opening hours and family tours for SEND.

Visit Airedale, Castleford, Hemsworth, Pontefract, Stanley and Wakefield Libraries from now until 7 September to see more of Jason's installations alongside themed books, artist-led workshops, craft activities and much more.

As part of the wider Arts Council England funded project, Jason has been commissioned to create five inflatable costume pieces to bring to life some of his fantastical characters. The inflatable costumes will be activated by members of DanceXplosion, run by performer Jodie Travis.  

The live inflatable sculpture performances will take place at various times throughout the exhibition: Sat 23 August, Sun 24 August, Sat 6 Sept at Wakefield Exchange and Monday 25 August at Wakefield Trinity Rugby Club.

A series of community days will also take place across the district with partners:

  • Thursday 31 July – Yorkshire Sculpture Park
  • Wednesday 6 August – The Hepworth Wakefield
  • Saturday 16 August – Inclusive Sports Festival at Thornes Park
  • Monday 25 August – Wakefield Trinity Rugby Club
  • Saturday 30 August – Castleford Tigers Rugby Club
  • Sunday 31 August – Featherstone Rovers Foundation 

These days will offer a mix of public fun days with artist-led workshops, sports activities, and picnic-friendly spaces, as well as smaller-scale appearances of Jason’s inflatable sculptures to bring the exhibition direct to communities. 

There’s lots more events and activities planned throughout the summer. To find out more, visit www.wxwakefield.co.uk/Whats-On/Details?event=jason-and-the-wakefield-adventure 

For more information about Jason Wilsher-Mills, visit www.jwmartist.co.uk 

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