Wakefield district announces 24 hours of celebrations to kick off Our Year 2024

To mark the launch of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, Wakefield Council is hosting a 24 in 24 celebration, which will see 24 events take place on one jampacked day bringing communities together.

Taking place in every part of the Wakefield district on Saturday 13 January 2024, 24 in 24 will be a taste of what’s to come throughout Our Year’s 366-day programme of activity. The day will feature 24 free events spanning walks, exhibitions, and interactive workshops, with a special headline event taking place at Wakefield Cathedral.

As plans are revealed for 24 in 24, Cllr Michelle Collins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport at Wakefield Council, said: “Ahead of our yearlong celebration of creativity, we’re getting the party started with not one but 24 exciting events, with something for everyone to enjoy. This is a celebration of everything Our Year is about, encompassing our spirit, heritage, art and people.

Working with the National Coal Mining Museum, Ossett Brewery, Neon Workshops, Whitwood Golf Course and the Idea to Adorn in Knottingley, the events include a broad range of activities for all interests and ages. They provide a chance for residents to experience something out of the ordinary and try their hand at something new.

Events on offer include an art workshop with local artist Holly Greenwood at Pontefract Castle, an introduction to coffee roasting at Castleford Queens Mill, craft workshops at The Inscribery and an Open Learning Disability Rugby League session at Featherstone Rovers. There will also be tours and demonstrations at The Hepworth Wakefield and Grow Wakefield, as well as walks led by Horbury’s Walking Fit, a Zumba class in Thornes and a tour of Sandal Castle.

Our Year – Wakefield District 2024 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 from art, heritage, sport and music to food and drink.

It will be a catalyst for inward investment, a boost to the visitor economy and vitally, an opportunity for the people of Wakefield to get involved in the region’s unique culture and experience the positive role creativity plays in their community.

A full list of the 24 in 24 events on offer is available at ouryear24.com/24in24 with early booking recommended for events with limited spaces. The headline event will take place at Wakefield Cathedral between 1 and 3pm and booking is not required.

To find out more about the full Our Year programme head to the Experience Wakefield website.