How to Apply For The Rhubarb Festival 2026

Get the calendars ready, because one of Wakefield's most famous events is officially on the horizon. The Rhubarb Festival is set to return to Wakefield City Centre from Friday 20th February to Sunday 22nd February 2026, and the buzz is already starting. But this isn't just about delicious food and a great day out. It's also a massive opportunity for local groups to get involved. Applications are now open for any charity, community group, or local organisation that wants to be part of the action, connect with thousands of visitors, and share its story.

So, what’s the big deal with the Rhubarb Festival?

For anyone who hasn't been, the Rhubarb Festival is much more than just a tribute to the pink vegetable. It’s a huge three-day celebration that kicks off the season for food and drink festivals. In fact, it's one of the very first major events on the national calendar for 2026, putting Wakefield firmly on the map. Imagine the city centre transformed. The streets are filled with the incredible smells of street food, the sounds of live cookery demonstrations from talented chefs, and the sight of a huge speciality market selling all sorts of treats.

The festival is a well-established tradition, celebrating the district's unique history with rhubarb. Over the years, it has just kept getting bigger and better. The main festival hub is in the middle of Wakefield City Centre, but the fun doesn't stop there. The event continues to grow, with the market expanding around Union Street and WX, and a whole host of fringe activities popping up at places like the Wakefield Exchange. These 'fringe activities' are all the extra bits of fun that make the festival special – think street entertainment, live music, and maybe even workshops. It all comes together to create a fantastic atmosphere for one of the city's most popular events.

A chance for your organisation to shine

This is where it gets interesting for any local organisation with a story to tell. Being part of the Rhubarb Festival isn't just for food vendors. The organisers are specifically calling for applications from any local charity or community group looking to connect with the public. It's a brilliant platform to raise awareness for a particular cause. Picture this: a small animal rescue charity could have a stall, chat with hundreds of animal lovers, and maybe even sign up some new volunteers. Or a community group trying to fund a new playground could share its plans and collect donations. It’s a direct line to the people who live in and visit the area.

Having a presence at busy festivals like this one can make a huge difference. It’s one thing to post on social media, but it’s another to have a real-life conversation with someone who is interested in the work being done. This is the perfect chance for any organisation to explain its mission, promote its cause, and become a visible part of a massive community celebration. It's about making connections and building support in a fun, relaxed environment. The festival provides the people; the community group just needs to bring the passion.

What to know before sending in applications

Getting involved is pretty straightforward, but there are a few practical things to keep in mind before filling out the applications. The main thing for applicants to consider is their setup. Anyone applying is encouraged to bring their own gazebo structure. This gives a group its own dedicated, sheltered spot within the bustling market and street areas of the festival.

What if an organisation doesn't have one? Well, the festival team will try their best to sort something out, but it's not a guarantee. The press release makes it clear that while every effort will be made to help, securing alternative arrangements might not always be possible. So, if a group can borrow or source a gazebo structure, that’s definitely the best bet. It’s always better to be prepared. Any group with questions about this can get in touch with the organisers via email to clarify.

• Event Dates: Friday 20th Feb - Sunday 22nd Feb 2026
• Location: Wakefield City Centre, including Union Street and WX
• Focus: Celebrating rhubarb with food, drink, and entertainment

Ready to apply? here’s how

If this sounds like the perfect fit for a local cause or organisation, the next step is simple. The applications are officially open, but not forever. There's a firm deadline, so nobody should leave it until the last minute.

Applications Close: Friday 12th December, 11:59pm

To get the process started, applicants should look for the official festival page and click the apply button. The form is designed specifically for a charity or community group, so it should have all the right questions to get the necessary information. For anyone who has further queries or needs a bit more information before they apply, there is a dedicated email address to contact the festivals team: festivals@wakefield.gov.uk. This is the place to ask about anything from the gazebo structure to the specific location of stalls. Don't miss this chance to be part of one of the most exciting events in the 2026 calendar. The Rhubarb Festival is a brilliant showcase of what Wakefield has to offer, and it's an even better experience when you're right in the middle of it all.