Rhubarb Festival returns 16-18 February 2024

Wakefield’s famous 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 Our Year - Wakefield District 2024. The exciting 366-day programme of cultural and heritage activity is taking place across the Wakefield District.
 
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.
       

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.
 
During the festival weekend, Dame Ruby Rhubarb and Madame Zucchini will be providing lively entertainment. Morris dancers will perform on 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 Ridings Shopping Centre, Wakefield Cathedral, Wakefield Museum and more.
 
A 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 takes 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.
 
The Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail is back. Restaurants and bars around the city are putting on rhubarb themed food and drink throughout the weekend. Find out more information at https://expwake.co/RhubarbFest
 
 
Our Year – Wakefield District 2024 is a partnership celebration, led by Wakefield Council. It is a year-long programme of breathtaking spectacles, unique festivals, major events, and community-led activities that celebrate all the Wakefield district has to offer.
 
It will be a catalyst for inward investment, a boost to the visitor economy and vitally, an opportunity for people across the district to get involved in the region’s unique culture and experience the positive role creativity plays in their community.
 
For further information, follow Our Year on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.