A Complete Guide to Food, Demos, and Family Fun to Sweeten Your February at the Rhubarb Festival

February can feel a bit quiet after the festive season, but in Wakefield, things are about to get excitingly pink. That’s right, the city is getting ready for its annual celebration of its most famous export: rhubarb. The Wakefield Rhubarb Festival is making its return, promising a massive, family-friendly event that turns the entire city centre into a celebration of this brilliant pink vegetable. From Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd February, the streets will be buzzing with activity, fantastic food and drink, and a brilliant atmosphere that brings people in from all over. It’s more than just a food festival; it’s a full-on cultural event that shows off the best of Wakefield.

So, what’s on at this year's festival?

Get ready for a packed weekend. The main action for this vibrant event is happening around the Cathedral Precinct and the WX Wakefield Exchange, but the fun spreads right across the city. It’s a proper family-friendly festival with something for everyone, whether you’re a massive foodie, looking for a day out with the kids, or just want to soak up some live music and local culture. The entire event is a brilliant showcase for Wakefield.

Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, is clearly excited about what’s in store for the city.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our family-friendly event that celebrates our famous pink vegetable,” she said. “There is so much to see and do. With chef demonstrations, live music, craft activities and a range of delicious rhubarb-themed products at the food and drink market and across our city centre businesses taking part in the Rhubarb Trail. So, pop the dates in your diary and be part of this wonderful event which people come from across the world to experience.”

The legendary food and drink market

Let's be honest, the star of the show is the legendary food and drink market. With over 50 chalets popping up, it’s a proper feast for the senses. Imagine wandering through stalls piled high with delicious local produce, with the sweet smell of rhubarb crumble and pies in the air. Traders will be offering everything from rhubarb gin and beer to jams, cakes, and even rhubarb-infused savoury treats. It’s the perfect place to stock up on goodies or just grab a tasty bite to eat while you explore. This market is a huge part of the festival experience, celebrating amazing food and drink from the region. The market is open from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday, so there’s plenty of time to get your rhubarb fix.

• Friday 20 February: 10am - 5pm

• Saturday 21 February: 10am - 5pm

• Sunday 22 February: 10am - 4pm

Live music, chef demonstrations and dazzling art

This festival is about much more than just shopping. The Wakefield Exchange is a central hub for entertainment and creativity. Inside The Factory at WX, a whole new programme of chef demonstrations will be taking place. It's a fantastic chance to see talented local chefs in action, like Soneet Bhondi from The Spicy Biker, Heather Copley from Farmer Copleys, and Ben Hall from The Pizza Yard. They’ll be sharing tips and tricks, and probably cooking up some amazing rhubarb-themed dishes. Also at the Wakefield Exchange, visitors can check out Rebarbara by Fényszóró Visual, a dazzling psychedelic projection artwork inspired by, you guessed it, rhubarb. It sounds like a pretty cool, immersive experience. And for the music lovers, there’s plenty of live music to enjoy. The Rhu-Bar on the Bull Ring, with a line-up programmed by Wakefield Music Collective, will be showcasing a mix of local pop, folk, and rock artists every single day. So you can grab a drink and enjoy some brilliant tunes from talented rock artists and more.

Fun for all the family across the city

Keeping the little ones entertained is sorted. This is a genuinely family-friendly event with loads of free activities. At the Wakefield Exchange, there will be brilliant craft activities and free face painting to get everyone in the festival spirit. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Wandering through the city, you’ll bump into some fantastic street entertainment. Keep an eye out for characters like Ruby Rhubarb, Ruby & Barb, and even the Rhubarb Fairy. These performers bring a sense of fun and magic to the streets of Wakefield, making the whole city feel like part of the celebration. On top of that, fringe activities are happening at venues across the city, including The Art House, Wakefield Museum and The Hepworth Wakefield, so there’s always something new to see and do. These craft activities are designed to be fun for all ages.

Explore Wakefield with the rhubarb food and drink trail

To make sure the celebration of the famous pink vegetable reaches every corner of the city, the Rhubarb Food and Drink Trail is back. In partnership with Wakefield BID, local restaurants and bars across the city get in on the action. Throughout the festival weekend, these places will be putting on special rhubarb-themed food and drink. It’s a brilliant way to explore Wakefield’s fantastic hospitality scene. One minute you could be trying a rhubarb cocktail in a cool bar, and the next you could be tucking into a special rhubarb-inspired dessert in one of the city's best restaurants. The trail encourages visitors to explore different parts of the city and discover new favourite spots. It’s a real testament to how the whole community, from independent bars to established restaurants, gets behind this unique Wakefield festival.