Wakefield’s Light Up Festival: A 2024 Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss!

Looking for a fun and festive start to the holiday season? Then the Light Up Festival in Wakefield is for you! Running 7th to 30th November 2024 this festival is going to light up the whole of Wakefield. There’ll be light trails, markets, family workshops and live performances in town centres. Here’s what’s in store.

Light Up Wakefield city centre

The festival’s centrepiece is the Light Up trail, transforming Wakefield’s city centre into a spectacular light show. From 15th to 17th November the trail will take you through a series of amazing light installations including the incredible “The Timekeepers” by local art group Illuminos. Wander through town, see unique installations and maybe stumble upon the Christmas Craft & Gift Market where you can pick up some festive treats.

Also happening: lantern-making workshops at The Art House (thanks to YPO for making this happen!) and an evening at the tipi bar with live entertainment. Plus, festival partners Trinity Walk and The Ridings Shopping Centre are bringing extra goodies like face painting, street performers and even Santa himself.

Christmas light-switch ons and markets around Wakefield

Outside of the city centre Wakefield’s surrounding towns are having their own Christmas light switch-ons. Head to Castleford on 19th November, Pontefract on 24th November and Ossett on 30th November for markets, live music and street entertainment all culminating in the big light switch-on at 5:30pm.

A great evening out for families with festive markets and food to warm you up before the lights go on.

Special light shows and art at Nostell, Hepworth and Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Thanks to Wakefield Council’s Connecting Culture Grants the Light Up Festival is spreading to the surrounding cultural hotspots. Don’t miss these special events:

• Nostell’s Fire Art Night (7th-9th November): Not a fan of fireworks? Head to Nostell for a different kind of fire show, 240 flaming torches in the gardens. Metal sculptures inspired by nature will be casting shadows all around.
• Hepworth Wakefield (15th-17th November): The gallery is marking 100 years of Surrealism with an animated projection on the building and drop-in family workshops all weekend. A chance to see art come to life in a whole new way.
• Yorkshire Sculpture Park: Visit the chapel for a colour filled light installation by local artist Liz West. “Our Colour Reflection” opens 15th November and runs until early 2025.

For more inspiration on seasonal events and scenic walks, the Yorkshire Dales guide is a helpful resource​.

Light Up at the National Coal Mining Museum

Finally, the National Coal Mining Museum is transforming with a special light show from 22nd to 24th November, where you’ll find installations inspired by coal mining’s history. Look out for “Sentinel,” a centrepiece inspired by the canaries that once kept miners safe. Families will love the Santa Underground experience, and lantern-making workshops will be running throughout the event.

Looking for more ideas to get into the Yorkshire spirit? Don’t miss the Walkshire campaign to explore more great sights in Yorkshire​.

Make this November shine bright in Wakefield

Whether you’re local to Wakefield or planning a visit, the Light Up Festival is the perfect way to kick off the festive season. With a lineup full of art, light, music, and community spirit, it’s a festival you’ll want to make part of your November traditions.