Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on July 28th, 2026
•This summer, families in the Wakefield district can look forward to six weeks of exciting activities as part of the Summer FunFest 2026. Running from 25 July to 29 August, this initiative, organised by Wakefield Council, aims to bring communities together and provide free entertainment for children of all ages.
Exciting Activities for Everyone
The Summer FunFest promises a wide variety of activities designed to keep families entertained throughout the school holidays. Some of the highlights include:
Dinosaur-themed days featuring walkabout dinosaurs
Circus workshops where kids can learn some fun new skills
Giant games that the whole family can enjoy
Space-themed adventures that spark imagination
Face painting for those who want to transform into their favourite characters
Creative crafts to unleash artistic talents
Family movie screenings for a relaxing end to a fun day
These activities aim not only to entertain but also to encourage families to explore their local markets and support independent businesses.
Markets Across the District
Events will be hosted at various locations, making it easy for families to participate. The markets involved include:
Castleford
Wakefield
Pontefract
Ossett
South Elmsall
Each market will feature its own unique schedule of events, ensuring that there is always something happening nearby. For those interested in a specific location, the full programme of events is available on the Wakefield Council website at www.wakefield.gov.uk/summerfunfest.
Community Spirit and Local Businesses
Andrew Wakefield, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing, Skills and Business Growth, expressed enthusiasm about the event:
"With a packed programme of free activities throughout the school holidays, we're encouraging families to visit their local market, enjoy a day out and discover the fantastic businesses that make our town centres unique."
The Summer FunFest provides a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services while creating a lively atmosphere in the town centres.