Join the Rhubarbarian gathering – The Wakefield Rhubarb Festival, a tribute to the city’s renowned vegetable, is set to dazzle the city in pink from February 16-18, 2024. As one of the earliest food and drink festivals of the year, it’s poised to kick off the season with flair!
Discover over 50 stalls at the essential food and drink market, offering a chance to taste and buy local and regional specialties. You’ll find a range of products, including top-quality gins, jams, pickles, cheeses, baked items, and much more!
The Rhubarb Festival is a family-friendly event, complete with a variety of workshops and a plethora of activities for children, complemented by vibrant street performances. Look forward to an exciting new lineup of chef demonstrations and the opportunity to enhance your cooking expertise.
Enjoy a night filled with humor at the Rhu-bar Comedy Night on Friday and Saturday, featuring the comedic talents of Angelos Epithemiou and Lost Voice Guy, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent. Prepare for an evening bursting with laughter!
Additionally, immerse yourself in the Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail throughout the city. This trail highlights local restaurants and bars presenting rhubarb-themed cuisine and beverages all weekend long.
Wakefield Rhubarb Festival 2024: A Celebration of Local Flavours and Fun
Event Overview
- Dates and Times: February 16-18, 2024 (Friday and Saturday: 10am – 5pm, Sunday: 10am – 4pm).
- Location: Wakefield City Center, with multiple zones for activities and markets.
- Features: Specialty food and drink market with over 50 chalets, live street entertainment, music, family fun workshops, and chef demonstrations.
Accessibility and Convenience
- Flat Precinct: Easily navigable area with minimal steps and inclines.
- Accessible Facilities Map: Google Maps Link.
- Accessible Toilets: Available at the festival site and in nearby shopping centers.
Specific Locations
- The Bull Ring: Marquee for cookery demos and Rhu-BAR area.
- Northgate & Kirkgate: Market stalls and food vendors (note on cathedral steps access).
- The Ridings Shopping Centre: Shopping, rest spaces, quiet cafes, and accessible facilities.
- Trinity Walk: Additional shopping and dining options, rest spaces, and accessible facilities.
- Wakefield Museum & Library: Rhubarb-themed activities and quiet rest space.
Assistance and Safety
- Staff and Security: Easily identifiable, available for assistance.
- Medical Facilities: On-site medical tent and staff for emergencies.
- Assistance Dogs: Welcome in all areas, including cookery demo marquee (recognized assistance dogs only).
Event Accessibility
- BSL Interpreters: Available at cookery demos (schedule to be announced).
- Changing Places: Locations provided with ‘What 3 Words’ for easy finding.
- Trinity Walk Shopping Centre ///begin.short.loans
- Wakefield Museum ///nails.labels.muddy
- The Ridings Shopping Centre ///elaborate.pump.lowest
Parking and Travel
- Disabled Parking: Available at The Ridings and Trinity Walk Shopping Centres.
- Public Transport: Accessible by bus and train, with details on the festival’s ‘Getting Here’ page.
General Information
- Event Nature: Non-ticketed, open to the public.
- Crowd Management: Breakout areas available for rest; quieter times typically on Sunday.
- Nearby Quiet Area: The Ridings Shopping Centre for food, drink, and rest.
Contact and Feedback
- Email for Queries: festivals@wakefield.gov.uk
- Feedback Welcome: Suggestions for improving access provisions are encouraged.
This festival is a highlight of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, a year-long celebration of culture and creativity within the Wakefield District.
