Wakefield Council has announced the latest recipients of its Culture Grants for 2025, supporting a wide range of creative and heritage projects across the district.
The Culture Grants scheme helps local creatives, community groups and cultural organisations deliver events and projects that bring art, culture and local heritage to neighbourhoods throughout Wakefield. Funding ranges from small grants of £2,000 to larger awards of up to £10,000, helping communities connect through creativity and storytelling.
In the latest round, 16 new projects will receive funding. From vibrant festivals and family galas to heritage trails and creative workshops, these initiatives will celebrate the diverse identities, stories and traditions that make Wakefield unique.
Councillor Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said:
“I’m pleased to announce that we’re supporting several new projects. They are all about community engagement through a range of creative activities, including exploring our local heritage, personal stories and cultural identities. The projects celebrate and connect people from different generations and backgrounds through art and culture.”
Among the newly funded projects is Wakefield Mela 2025, organised by Next Generation CIC, which brings South Asian culture to life through music, food, crafts and family activities. Sustain Wakefield’s Creative Minds Community Newspaper will highlight the positive impact of art on mental health and neuro-inclusion. Festivals, community mosaics, music workshops, nature sessions and storytelling trails are also part of this year’s line-up.
One recipient, Next Generation CIC, 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.”
Applications for Culture Grants remain open until 14 July, with further opportunities throughout the year. Community groups, artists and cultural organisations are encouraged to apply for funding to deliver projects that inspire local pride and make culture accessible for all.
Culture Grants recipients announced today include:
- Carr Gate Flowerpot and Scarecrow Festival by Carr Gate Community Association
- Castleford Party in the Park 2025 by Castleford Male Voice Choir
- Creative Minds Community Newspaper by Sustain Wakefield
- Clarence Shockwaves (Clarence Park Festival 2025) by Wakefield Music Collective
- Cluntergate Centre’s 10th anniversary community mosaic by Horbury Community Centre Trust
- Cultures in Harmony by One Ummah Community CIC
- Exploring Trinity Heritage by Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation
- Horbury Picnic in the Park 2025 by Horbury Civic Society
- Music Production Summer School by Fanfare Music
- Portobello Gala 2025 by Portobello Community Forum
- Once Upon a Story-Trail by Story Trails
- Rugby Boots and Mining Roots by Featherstone Rovers Foundation
- St Mary’s Summer Showcase 2025 by St Mary’s Chequerfield Community Project
- Wakefield Mela 2025 by Next Generation CIC
- Whitwood Celebrates by 1st Castleford Guides Whitwood Division
- Wild about Woodlands by Open Country
These exciting projects promise to fill Wakefield with creativity, colour and community spirit throughout 2025.
