Photo Credit: Andrew Benge
The countdown is underway for Wakefield Council’s famous Rhubarb Festival – beginning on Friday 17 February and running until Sunday 19 Feb 2023.
The highly anticipated weekend will be packed with so much to see and do, with the fabulous market – full of rhubarb treats returning this year with almost 60 chalets, that will be open from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 10am – 4pm on Sunday.
The Rhubarb Festival isn’t just about delicious food. It’s also about great entertainment and visitors will be able to see some of the best in town lined up for you this February!
Free family activities include celebrity chef demos, family activities, live music, and street entertainment.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Sport said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our celebration of our district’s most famous vegetable, with a weekend that is packed with so much to do for people of all ages. “The stage is set for some fabulous fun so make sure you don’t miss out, by coming down and taking part in this wonderful event.”
Entertainment will include Dame Ruby Rhubarb returning across the entire festival weekend. Morris dancers will perform on Saturday 18 February. The Roaming Flat Cap Brass Band will be performing throughout the day on Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February.
Live music programmed by Wakefield Music Collective will be live every day from the Rhu-Bar.
Free family activities including face painting, craft activities, storytelling, cupcake decorating and more will be available in the precinct and at Treacy Hall (next to the Cathedral) throughout the weekend.
A bookable comedy night on Friday 17 February, will see MC Liam Pickford joined by Danny Deegan, Stephanie Laing and Stephen Bailey. On Saturday 18 February, don’t miss Rob Rouse, Pete Selwood and The Chase’s very own Paul Sinha.
Enjoy non-stop fringe activity including crafts at Wakefield Cathedral on Friday 17 February, free activities and talks with the gardener in residence at The Art House on Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February, and free face painting at The Ridings on Sunday 19 February, plus much more.
Chef demos will take place every day from 11am – 3pm curated by Yorkshire Food Guide, with these demonstrations signed by a British Sign Language interpreter.
Friday 17 February
11am – Karen Wright (Great British Bake Off)
12 noon – Chef Rü (MasterChef finalist)
1pm – Bobby Geetha (Great British Menu)
2pm – Chef Rü (MasterChef finalist)
Saturday 18 February
11am – TÊT
12 noon- Crystelle Pereira (Great British Bake Off 2021 finalist)
1pm – Heather Copley (Farmer Copleys)
2pm – Crystelle Pereira (Great British Bake Off 2021 finalist)
Sunday 19 February
11am – Karen Wright (Great British Bake Off)
12 noon – Alexandra Vaughan (Crows Rest)
1pm – Chris Hale
2pm – Liam Duffy (IRIS)
The Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail will run alongside the festival to encourage visitors to explore venues across the city centre. As many as 25 venues will be taking part including cafes, bars and restaurants
Maps will be available at the festival showcasing all the participating venues and their mouth-watering rhubarb-themed offering.
Find out more information here