Local groups and creatives to receive Culture Grants

Wakefield Council has announced the latest recipients of this year’s Culture Grants.

The funding is available for Wakefield district creatives and community groups. It supports creative and heritage projects across the district to ensure communities can access culture on their doorstep.

In the latest round of funding, 16 projects will support festivals and galas, celebrate local heritage, and provide cultural experiences for local communities.

From a creative health newspaper created by Sustain Wakefield’s participants, community festivals and galas, to Featherstone Rovers and Story Trails celebrating heritage in our district, these initiatives aim to uncover and celebrate the unique and diverse identities within our community.

One of the recipients, Next Generation CIC who are hosting Wakefield Mela 2025 thanks to a Culture Grant, said: “We are delighted that Culture Grants are again supporting the Wakefield Mela. The event, on 27 July in Agbrigg, provides a wonderful opportunity for Wakefield residents to come together to enjoy and celebrate South Asian culture, including musical performances, delicious food, a bouncy castle, face painting and craft activities.”

Culture Grants provide funding for creative projects run by Wakefield communities to enhance the district’s vibrant cultural landscape. Funding opportunities range from small grants of £2,000 to large grants of up to £10,000.

Applications are now open for community groups, local artists and cultural organisations. Grants will focus on initiatives that promote community engagement through the arts, celebrate heritage, and showcase local creative talent.

Interested applicants can visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/CultureGrants to find out more. Anyone requiring further information should email culturegrants@wakefield.gov.uk.

Grant applications are open now, with deadlines throughout 2025.

The 16 Culture Grants that we are delighted to announce today are:

• Carr Gate Flowerpot and Scarecrow Festival by Carr Gate Community Association
• Castleford Party in the Park 2025 by Castleford Male Voice Choir - family fun day with bands and choir performances, donkey rides and bouncy castle for the community
• Creative Minds Community Newspaper by Sustain Wakefield - creation of a trial one-off community-driven newspaper highlighting the benefits of art in mental health and neuro inclusion
• Clarence Shockwaves (Clarence Park Festival 2025) by Wakefield Music Collective - a summer weekend event over 26 and 27 July, featuring 22 live bands, DJs, children's crafts, stalls and food and drink vendors
• Cluntergate Centre’s 10th anniversary community mosaic by Horbury Community Centre Trust
• Cultures in Harmony by One Ummah Community CIC – a cultural sharing celebration day in partnership with Age UK at The Ridings Shopping Centre, and a theatre performance at Theatre Royal Wakefield in partnership with Actual Size Theatre and Empath Theatre CIC, showcasing Sudanese cultural heritage.
• Exploring Trinity Heritage by Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation – a programme of reminiscence sessions in six local care homes exploring local rugby heritage, and family workshops for families to celebrate Trinity heritage through creative displays.
• Horbury Picnic in the Park 2025 by Horbury Civic Society - a community one-day event in Carr Lodge Park, Horbury
• Music Production Summer School by Fanfare Music – a 3-week summer music school for children aged 8-15 during the school holidays with three experienced music educators in Ossett
• Portobello Gala 2025 by Portobello Community Forum - Portobello Gala family fun day with creative arts and performances
• Once Upon a Story-Trail by Story Trails – seven heritage trail walks around the district and led during Heritage Open Days, developed in collaboration with local communities
• Rugby Boots and Mining Roots by Featherstone Rovers Foundation – a storytelling and creative heritage programme exploring the bond between mining and rugby league in Featherstone
• St Mary’s Summer Showcase 2025 by St Mary's Chequerfield Community Project - a free to access one-day community celebration day with arts and crafts, games, storytelling, and food and drink stalls
• Wakefield Mela 2025 by Next Generation CIC – a one-day cross-cultural event celebrating South Asian culture through music, arts, food and stalls
• Whitwood Celebrates by 1st Castleford Guides Whitwood Division - a celebration event for children and volunteers of the Whitwood Guides
• Wild about Woodlands by Open Country - 24 weekly creative woodland sessions in nature spots around the district, including photography, sketching, dance, and soundscape creation