Helios events and activities to enjoy throughout the summer

Step inside Helios at Wakefield Exchange (WX) this summer and experience a breathtaking, larger than life encounter with the Sun.

Alongside the installation, WX will present a full programme of events and activities throughout the summer. Visitors can enjoy hands on workshops, music events, wellbeing experiences and more.

FAMILY
Astronaut Training Days
Tuesday 21 July - Tuesday 25 August, £4
Astronaut Training Days are led by experienced instructors to transform children into Junior Astronauts as they race through high-energy space stations, building strength, agility, balance, and confidence along the way.

The Pop Up Planetarium 
Wednesday 22 July - Wednesday 12 August, FREE
Step inside the planetarium and be transported it space with these free sessions! This immersive experience uses stunning visuals to explore the Sun, revealing its power, beauty and role in our solar system.

Creative Drop In Sessions
Thursday 23 July - Thursday 27 August, FREE
Every Thursday during the Summer Holidays, drop-in for a different FREE family creative workshop sessions led by artists! From creating your own alien explorer or sun catcher, to sparkle tattoos and planet painting, there are workshop for everyone to enjoy.

Stories Under the Sun
Wednesday 29 July - Wednesday 26 August, £4
Blast off on an imaginative adventure with storyteller Beccy, whose magical tales explore space, the Sun and the wonders that surround us.

WELLBEING
Wakefield Chanting Group
Saturday 13 June, FREE
Wakefield Chanting Group invite you to experience the harmony, serenity, and collective spirit that chanting can bring.

Helios Age UK Session
Wednesday 1 July, FREE
An optional and free chair-based exercise under the Sun will kick off the session at 10am, followed by an opportunity to meet new friends and relax afterwards over a coffee.

SURYA Family session & 14s + Session
Thursday 23 July, £5
Manasamitra present an immersive performance inspired by Helios and the Hindu Sun Go using a combination of voice and harp. During the performance, attendees are encouraged to lie on the floor and let the sound wash over them.

Sound Bath Under the Sun
Sunday 26 July, £10
Immerse yourself in a restorative sound journey beneath the warm glow of Helios. This meditative experience features traditional sound therapy bowls and percussion instruments known for their rich, resonant tones.

Yoga Sun Salutations
Thursday 6 August, £5
As the August sun dips low and Helios glows, join a yoga class to move, breathe, and soak in the last light of the day. The perfect way to welcome the evening. All levels welcome. 

FUN UNDER THE SUN
One Earth Festival
Saturday 4 July 2026, FREE
Get creative at drop-in workshops, swap old clothes for new-to-you clothes (for free!), have a go at upcycling furniture, and enjoy theatrical performances, puppetry and sustainable fashion shows.

Skate Under the Sun: Roller Skating Workshops
Saturday 8 August, £5
Join The Skate Sanctuary for friendly and inclusive roller-skating workshops!

Rainbow Roller Disco
Saturday 8 August, £10
This is a proudly LGBTQ+ centred roller disco for everyone to enjoy in a safe and inclusive environment. Hosted in partnership with the Skate Sanctuary, our live DJ will be spinning iconic tunes under the glow of Helios!

Quantum Sauce: Superstar
Thursday 16 July, £6
Beers, brains and big laughs! Quantum Sauce puts the stand-up in the science!

Empath Under the Sun
Tuesday 18 August - Saturday 22 August, £5
This August, Empath Theatre CIC invites audiences to Under the Sun at WX, an intimate, one-hour play about identity, family, and the quiet, difficult work of finding your way back to the people you love. 

MUSIC
Caribbean Harmony: Steel Band
Saturday 13 June, FREE
Soak up the sound of the summer with calypso music that will transport you to the Caribbean!

Summer Fiesta - Gipsy Kings Tribute
Friday 24 July, FREE
Be transported to Southern Spain with the iconic sound of the Gipsy Kings, brought to life by the incredible tribute band Andalus.

Horns Of Ibiza
Friday 4 September, FREE
Horns of Ibiza deliver an iconic rendition of Ibiza anthems with a twist with their 5 piece five piece horn lineup featuring trumpet, two trombones, sax, and sousaphone.