This year’s Summer FunFest brought a wave of excitement to the district’s markets, offering free events and activities for people of all ages. From thrilling circus experiences to an out-of-this-world planetarium, families flocked to various markets throughout Wakefield, Castleford, Pontefract, South Elmsall, and Ossett, taking part in a wide range of fun activities.
Traders across the district have reported a significant boost in footfall, and the lively events have created a great atmosphere in the markets, benefiting both local businesses and visitors alike.
A summer of fun across the district’s markets
The Summer FunFest turned the district’s markets into buzzing hubs of entertainment and joy. Throughout the summer, the markets in Wakefield, Castleford, Pontefract, South Elmsall, and Ossett hosted a variety of exciting activities. These events brought hundreds of people to the markets, and local families made the most of the free entertainment on offer.
Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, expressed his delight at seeing the markets so lively, saying,
“It’s been brilliant to see our markets buzzing over the summer holidays with lots of families having so much fun. Footfall to each event has been great, over 450 people attended the free crazy golf session in Ossett!”
With events like crazy golf, pirate-themed adventures, and even a dinosaur hunt, there was something to capture the imagination of every child and family in attendance.
Activities and events that brought communities together
The fun-filled summer featured a wide range of activities tailored for children, young people, and adults. The diverse selection of events included Olympic-themed dance and gymnastics workshops, karate sessions, and interactive games. Children were able to step into the world of the circus, becoming acrobats and jugglers for a day, while others enjoyed a dinosaur-themed adventure.
The summer festivities culminated in the final “Seeing Stars” event, which took place at Castleford Market. This immersive experience gave hundreds of young people the chance to explore the solar system inside a giant planetarium, complete with interactive VR exhibits. The event made full use of the newly refurbished indoor market space, providing a fitting finale to a summer of fun.
Boosting local business and community spirit
In addition to the entertainment, the Summer FunFest had a positive impact on local businesses. The increased footfall brought a surge of activity to the district’s markets, with traders reporting a boost in sales. The carnival-like atmosphere throughout the summer brought life to the markets, transforming them into vibrant spaces where communities could come together and enjoy quality time with their families.
As Cllr Graham noted, the markets play an important role in fostering community spirit:
“It just shows how important our markets are as a space to bring communities together, and I know that the traders have seen a boost to their businesses too.”
International flavours and giant garden games
A highlight of the bank holiday weekend was the return of the district’s highly acclaimed international food market, bringing a wide array of flavours and cuisines to locals. Alongside the culinary delights, families enjoyed giant garden games, providing fun for all ages, and the return of the popular crazy golf.
The international food market is always a crowd favourite, and its return to the district during Summer FunFest was met with great enthusiasm from locals and visitors alike. Whether sampling exotic dishes or playing oversized board games, there was something to entertain everyone during the long weekend.
A successful investment in the district’s markets
The success of the Summer FunFest followed a significant £6.4 million investment into the district’s markets. This funding has helped modernise and revitalise the markets, making them more attractive to both shoppers and traders. The markets now feature improved facilities and new event spaces, such as the one used for the “Seeing Stars” event in Castleford Market.
This investment highlights the district’s commitment to supporting local businesses while creating engaging community spaces. With a renewed focus on offering more than just a place to shop, the markets have become vibrant community hubs where locals can connect, explore, and have fun.
Future events at the district’s markets
Looking ahead, there are plenty of exciting events planned for the district’s markets. To stay up-to-date on upcoming activities, families can follow Wakefield District Markets on social media. Regular updates can be found on Facebook (/WakefieldDistrictMarkets) and Instagram (@wakefield_markets), ensuring no one misses out on the fun.
The Summer FunFest has proven just how popular and important these events are for local communities, and future events promise to build on this success. From food markets to interactive experiences, the district’s markets are quickly becoming central to community life in Wakefield and the surrounding areas.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Wakefield District Markets, the Summer FunFest was a huge success, leaving families with fond memories of a summer filled with fun, laughter, and excitement.
Key highlights of Summer FunFest 2023:
- Over 450 people participated in the free crazy golf session in Ossett.
- Pirate-themed days, circus experiences, and dinosaur hunts were a big hit with children.
- The bank holiday weekend saw the return of the international food market alongside giant garden games.
- Hundreds of young people experienced a virtual space journey at Castleford Market’s “Seeing Stars” event.
- The £6.4 million investment in the district’s markets has boosted both community engagement and local businesses.
As the district looks forward to future events, this summer’s activities have set a new standard for family-friendly fun at the local markets.
