Our Year Programme 2 - July-December 2024 (Doorstep Discoveries)

Doorstep Discoveries Jul - Dec 2024

WHAT’S INSIDE Dear residents and visitors, Building on Brilliance 4 Our Year is now in full swing! As the days grow Moments of Wonder: Summer 9 warmer, I do hope you’ve had a chance to experience Moving Festival 16 some of it already and are planning to enjoy a lot more! Our festivals programme continues, bigger and better Nurture & Nourish 20 than ever before, so join me as we celebrate Pontefract The Hatchling 22 Liquorice Festival and Light Up, but also incredible moments of wonder with The Hatchling in August! Crossings & Gateways 24 Our Heritage, Our Stories 26 Keep your eyes wide open as art and cultural experiences pop up all over the district and listen out Moments of Wonder: Winter 30 as stories about the places we call home are shared and our heritage celebrated. Stay active by exploring Key to the North 37 new parts of our district and visit all your favourite Culture in our Community 38 attractions who are hosting a full programme of exhibitions, workshops, concerts and activities Our Year to Volunteer 42 throughout the second half of the year. Our Sponsors 43 This edition of Doorstep Discoveries will take us all the way through summer to Halloween and Christmas, To find out about all the and as we wrap up Our Year, I truly hope you will have amazing things happening all taken a chance to experience something new – right on across Our Year, follow us at: your doorstep. I can’t wait to see you there! Best wishes, ouryear2024.co.uk Cllr Michelle Collins @OurYear2024 All information correct at time of publication, please check ahead before travelling. Some events may require booking.

BUILDING ON BRILLIANCE Igshaan Adams EXHIBITIONS SPOTLIGHT 22 Jun - 3 Nov 2024 The Hepworth Wakefield welcomes South African artist Igshaan Adams‘s Sunil Gupta: Lovers: Ten Years On & large-scale tapestries accompanied by Lovers, Revisited - The Art House ‘cloud installations’ - sculptures made 15 Jun - 31 Aug 2024 from wire and beads that resemble erupting dust clouds. 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Sunil Gupta’s significant project Lovers: Carol Douglas – Actually I Can Ten Years On. The internationally 13 Jul - 27 Oct 2024 renowned photographer first began the Yorkshire Sculpture Park will present a series in 1984 to reframe the lives of body of work by York-based painter gay couples and challenge commercial Carol Douglas who paints with acrylics, stereotypes in visual culture. Lovers, applying it with rollers rather than the Revisited premieres new portraits made traditional paint brush, building up layer in collaboration with artist, and Gupta’s after layer in a palette of warm greys, husband, Charan Singh. browns and mustards. Ronald Moody: Sculpting Life 22 Jun - 3 Nov 2024 Jamaican-born sculptor Ronald Moody is one of the most significant artists of the 20th century and this exhibition brings over 50 of his sculptures from the 1930s onwards to The Hepworth Wakefield. © Jules Lister Igshaan Adams, Jaime-Lee, Dustin, 2023. Courtesy of the artist. © Mario Todeschini 4 BUILDING ON BRILLIANCE

Bijan Amini-Alavijeh, Harmony is Central detail. © Emily Ryalls Elisabeth Frink: Natural Connection The Disabled Photographers’ Society 20 Jul 2024 - 23 Feb 2025 5 Sep - 19 Oct 2024 This exhibition is drawn from the The Art House are delighted to be Yorkshire Sculpture Park collection: once again hosting The Disabled bronzes, plasters and works on paper in Photographers’ Society’s (DPS) annual The Weston Gallery share different photography competition exhibition, aspects of Frink’s exceptional output as which celebrates the member’s work well as insight into her process. and will feature the winning photographers, selected by a panel of Bijan Amini-Alavijeh: A Glimmer judges that range from breath-taking 31 Aug - 26 Oct 2024 skylines to stunning nature shots. The Art House presents Wakefield- Babeworld: No Sleep Just Clouds based Bijan Amini-Alavijeh‘s work 14 Sep - 26 Oct 2024 which is informed by Medieval English and Persian art and architecture to The Art House welcomes No Sleep create installations. His brutal Just Clouds, an immersive installation, sculptural forms will be presented in accompanied by an ambient contrast with his use of light, casting soundtrack, exploring how shadows in the gallery to create a neurodivergent people experience space of slow viewing, thoughtfulness creative spaces as audiences, and adornment. participants and artists. BUILDING ON BRILLIANCE 5

Sarah Kirby Louise Giovanelli 9 Nov 2024 - 22 Feb 2025 23 Nov 2024 - 27 Apr 2025 Sarah Kirby is a linocut printmaker Louise Giovanelli is a Manchester- based in Leicester. Throughout 2024 based artist who is known for her Kirby will be visiting the Yorkshire large-scale paintings that capture Sculpture Park to document her short-lived and sensual moments favourite walking routes and landmarks. using beautifully crafted textures and She will be drawing and taking vivid colour. Giovanelli will be creating photographs, discovering different a new body of work for this solo species of trees, and finding new views, exhibition at The Hepworth from which she will create a new body Wakefield. of work inspired by the unique features Forbidden Territories: 100 Years of of the Park. All works will be for sale. Surreal Landscapes Zarah Hussain: Paradise Carpet 23 Nov 2024 - 27 Apr 2025 16 Nov 2024 - Feb 2025 This major exhibition at The Hepworth The Art House is delighted to Wakefield marks 100 years of announce its winter exhibition, by the surrealism and will include paintings, British Muslim artist Zarah Hussain, photographs and sculptures by artists which combines a stunning fusion of including Salvador Dalí, Man Ray and animation, immersive light projections Lee Miller. and bold colourful artworks. Hope in Wakefield @ Pontefract Library Artwalk Wakefield 10 Jul - 22 Aug 2024 Throughout the year Artwalk is Wakefield's bi-monthly An exhibition of banners produced by evening celebrating art, performance, Two Destination Language, local music, heritage and socialising. It is a creators, refugees and asylum seekers. collaboration between local artists and The banners express the theme of venues in Wakefield City Centre, co- hope bringing together people from ordinated by a new community-led the district and those from afar. forum. artwalkwakefield.org Upcoming Artwalk dates: 31 Jul 2024, 25 Sep 2024 and 27 Nov 2024.. 6 BUILDING ON BRILLIANCE

OCTOBER HALF TERM SUMMER FUN IN THE SUN Summer Holidays – Helping Hands If Pictures Could Talk 23 Jul - 1 Sep 2024 26 Oct - 3 Nov 2024 Join the National Coal Mining Museum Hear striking stories and be inspired for England to discover how by the National Coal Mining Museum communities pulled together during the for England’s art collection to tell your Miners’ Strike. Enjoy sunshine at the own stories with a series of fun and beach and explore the great outdoors in insightful activities over the half term. a fun-filled programme of events Half Term Club - The Art House throughout the summer holidays. 30 Oct - 1 Nov 2024 Outdoor Sculpture Building: Come Get messy at the Art Club at The Art Rain Come Shine House. This Half Term Art Club for Tuesdays in summer holidays 23, 30 children aged 7-11 is designed to help Jul & 6, 13, 20, 27 Aug 2024 budding young creatives develop Immerse yourself in an imaginative artistic skills. The Art House provide world of sculpture making. Work and opportunities for them to work in play together using lots of different professional Maker Spaces and work types of objects and materials to build alongside teaching artists. sculptures inspired by artworks at Visit the-arthouse.org.uk for more Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Stack, information and to book your spot. balance, join and design. Always outside, come rain, come shine. Summer of Play at Nostell 20 Jul - 2 Sep 2024 Dive into playtime at National Trust Nostell this summer. Get creative with free games, crafts and activities for the whole family to get involved in – from the littlest adventurer to the grown-up kids at heart. Bring a picnic and play all day long with games on the grass in front of the house throughout the school holidays or head into Joiner’s Wood for wild play and den building. NCMME © JMA Photography BUILDING ON BRILLIANCE 7

Black Dyke Band Concert THE SOUND OF MUSIC 9 Nov 2024, 7pm Following their victory at the Yorkshire Regional Brass band Championships, Rock Hard Revolt Youth Arts Festival Black Dyke Band will be bringing their 6 Jul 2024, 10am - 5pm high-calibre brass band performances A free and fun activity-filled day for all to Wakefield Cathedral for a the family at the National Coal Mining memorable evening of exceptional Museum! Enjoy live music and theatre music. Tickets £18-£20 available via performances, craft workshops for all the Events page of the cathedral ages, circus skills and drop-in website: wakefieldcathedral.org.uk activities, interactive events, food and drink and more! ncm.org.uk KT‘s Rhythm and Blues Festival 2024 15 - 17 Nov 2024 Evita STUDIO OF SANCTUARY This popular festival was resurrected 21 - 31 Aug 2024 last year and returns even bigger and Wakefield Youth Music Theatre present WEEKLY CRAFTS better this year! Bringing a range of the breathtaking musical Evita. The blues styles to pubs in Wakefield from award-winning musical features such country and folk blues, to blues rock memorable songs as Buenos Aires and and rhythm and blues. Something for the unforgettable Don’t Cry For Me everyone in these afternoon and Argentina. Catch the incredibly talented evening sessions spanning pubs such young cast in this Theatre Royal as The Red Shed, Polka Hop and Luis Wakefield production for the first time Bar at Fernandes Brewery. Keep an ever! theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk eye on themusiccollective.co.uk nearer the time for further details. Grimethorpe Colliery Band 21 Sep 2024 See the world-famous Grimethorpe Colliery Band perform at National Coal Mining Museum for England. Enjoy the unmistakeable sound of brass band favourites and more in this unmissable performance. ncm.org.uk Youth Arts Festival. © JMA Photography 8 BUILDING ON BRILLIANCE

MOMENTS OF WONDER A Grand Day Out Come experience A Grand Day Out, Wakefield’s summer festival on tour! Join us in August as we bring A Grand Day Out to various locations across the district. Expect full days of FREE family fun including a giant sandpit, face painting and seaside activities that will bring that beach cheer. Liquorice Shoots, Pontefract Test your putting skills with crazy golf, 13 Jul 2024, 10am - 4pm build a sand castle in the giant sand free community warm-up event to A pit and enjoy seaside craft activities. the Liquorice Festival, which follows Join The Hepworth Wakefield learning on Sunday. Free to the public. There team for outdoor creative play. Stack, will be stalls (including food), kids build, experiment, draw and play with rides, an outdoor artisan craft fair and activities inspired by artworks in the a pop up stage with entertainment all gallery. day showcasing local performers. Castleford: 2 & 3 Aug, 10am - 4pm Liquorice Festival in Valley Gardens Wakefield City Centre: 9 & 10 Aug, 14 Jul 2024, 11am - 4pm 10am - 4pm Head over to Pontefract‘s Friarwood South Elmsall Town Council Social Valley Gardens for a Family Gala Day Centre Westfield Lane Recreation with activities for children, food and Park: 16 & 17 Aug, 10am - 4pm drink. Free admission but some activities such as donkey rides and bouncy castle will be charged. MOMENTS OF WONDER 9

Pontefract Liquorice Festival Cornmarket featuring exciting workshops, face painting, crafts and Sun 14 Jul 2024 much more. And make sure you stick The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is around for the parade; it’ll be allsorts back – and what a sweet treat it is! of fun! Get ready for a confectionary-themed bonanza celebrating Pontefract’s The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is historic link with liquorice. sponsored by HARIBO. Indulge in the delicious street food and market – with stalls offering liquorice themed products! Enjoy the stage entertainment from community acts and top local talent, and watch out for the walkabout entertainment – can you spot Lucy Liquorice? Bringing the whole family? Kids will love the all-new kids’ zone on

Accelerate 2024 Farmtrax @ Farmer Copleys 8 Aug 2024, 9am - 4pm 27 Jul 2024, 12pm - 9pm Northern Monkey Tuning and Farmer Immerse yourself in the ultimate Copleys are teaming up, to bring you a tribute extravaganza featuring five day of supercars, modified cars, vans, world-class acts, set against the bikes, inclusive competitions, automobile picturesque backdrop of Farmer themes stalls, music, awards plus and Copleys. Escape the ordinary and dive more! £15 per car, so bring your friends into a musical journey where the and family! vibrant energy of the live performances meets the farm! Wakefield Pride Booking essential. 11 Aug 2024, 10am - 8pm Dino Walk @Trinity Walk Wakefield Pride marks its 20th Thursday, Friday & Saturday‘s anniversary, so it's going to be extra throughout the summer holidays special! As the Parade kicks off at During recent excavations at Trinity midday, it's not just about having fun; Walk, scientists discovered fossilized it's about showing support for LGBT+ dinosaur bones. rights and highlighting the amazing They are working on creating new work done by local councils, businesses, species, tentatively named charities, and community groups. Walkersaurus-Rex, and aim to grow The Parade leads to the main festival three dinosaurs. Experts expect one stage where beloved Pride favourites adult and two baby dinosaurs to be will perform once again. You'll also find ready by summer. If all goes well, the stalls from charities and local Trinity Animal Control (TAC) Team will businesses, giving you the chance to escort the dinosaurs for public support the community and discover viewing! something new. Printing for Pride - Free drop-in workshop 10 Aug 2024, 10:30am - 3pm Head over to The Art House for a family-friendly screen printing workshop to make your own colourful printed flag or small banner in preparation for Wakefield Pride. MOMENTS OF WONDER 11

OUR YEAR TO GRAB A SHOW overwhelming evidence that we’re a despicable race of selfish parasites. Longlisted for the Kenneth Branagh Award. Booking essential at Natalie Bellingham - Look After Your redladder.co.uk/whatson Knees @ CAPA College 4 Jul 2024, 7pm A Midsummer Night’s Dream Look After Your Knees is a new solo 26 Jul 2024, 7pm performance by theatre maker, Join internationally renowned theatre performer and physical comedian group The HandleBards for a hilarious, Natalie Bellingham, about the pain and high-octane outdoor production of beauty of growing older, connecting and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s unravelling, holding on and letting go. Dream at Pontefract Castle. Booking This performance uses comedy, essential at bit.ly/PCEventsTickets storytelling and movement to celebrate being human in all its banality, sprinkled Romeo and Juliet with joy and ridiculousness. 28 Aug 2024, 7pm Booking essential at Join award winning theatre group ouryear24.com/LookAfter Illyria for a passionate, poetic, and gripping outdoor production of Me For You by Red Ladder Theatre Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet at Company Pontefract Castle. Queen‘s Mill: 17 Jul 2024 This outdoor performance will be The Cluntergate Centre: 27 Jul 2024 presented as Shakespeare intended Despite Holly knowing that human- (without amplification). Booking beings have screwed the planet she’s essential at bit.ly/PCEventsTickets still desperate to have a baby of her own and, in a bid to reverse global-warming, has joined Extinction Rebellion. If only her girlfriend would join too and help save the human race! But are we worth saving? A play about love in the face of 12 MOMENTS OF WONDER

Party in the Park OUR YEAR TO HAVE FUN ON OUR DOORSTEP 20 Jul 2024, 12pm - 5pm Castleford Male Voice Choir and the Featherstone Annual Town Gala Friends of Queen’s Park are hosting a 6 Jul 2024, 11am - 4pm fundraising event with entertainment provided by local choirs and music Each year Featherstone Town Council groups. Free admission, children’s hold a family friendly gala with a activities and refreshments at Queen’s parade starting at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Park. High School and coming through the Town finishing up at Purston Park. Clarence Park Festival Includes various community groups, 27 - 28 Jul 2024, 12pm - 9pm stilt walkers and a marching band! Yorkshires longest running free Altofts Summer Gala festival is 32 years old this year. 7 Jul 2024, 11am - 4pm Hosting 22 bands of local, national, and international status. All genres Head over to The Brig Altofts for an from indie, folk, rock and hip hop to opportunity for the community to soul, funk, metal and jazz. Clarence come together and see what goes on Unleashed Festival is set in the in the village with a variety of stalls beautiful Clarence Park. Expect a bar children’s activities. and food vendors or bring your own Party @ Haw Hill Park picnic if you wish! There will be craft 13 Jul 2024, 4pm - 9:30pm workshops, face painting, clothes stalls and more. No booking required. Join the festivities at Normanton’s Haw Hill Park for a fantastic community music festival! Embrace the talent of local performers and relish in the electrifying tribute acts. Get ready to dance, sing, and create unforgettable memories. Indulge in delectable treats from our catering units or bring a picnic! © John Jowett MOMENTS OF WONDER 13

Horbury Civic Society - Picnic in the Love 2 Act - Arts and Culture Day Park 2024 24 Aug 2024, 10am - 2pm 4 Aug 2024, 1pm-5pm Head over to the Phoenix Centre in A ‘walk-to’ one day event in Carr Alverthorpe for a day celebrating their Lodge Park, Horbury, with music and 10 year anniversary with the local activities for young children. A community. Enjoy five free workshops celebration of Horbury’s largest public for families offering the chance to learn green space for the entire family! new skills in poem writing, rap writing/learning, singing, paper blue Glasshoughton and Redhill plaque making, paper crafting, drama Environment Action Team (GREAT) - and keyring making. Annual Fun Day Ackworth PramFest 4 Aug 2024, 1pm 25 Aug 2024 Join in the fun and celebrate GREAT’s The Ackworth PramFest is a charity annual fun day for their 20th event with a pram race starting at anniversary at Redhill Avenue Carr Bridge and ending at the cricket Recreation Ground in Castleford. club where you'll find stalls, games, Friarwood Festival rides and live music. 10 Aug 2024, 2pm - 8pm Head over to Pontefract’s Friarwood Valley Gardens for a music festival featuring local popular music performers and bands, food and drink, and children's activities! Book at ouryear24.com/Friarwood Portobello Community Forum - Portobello Gala 17 Aug 2024, 10am - 4pm © Ian Moore Enjoy a vibrant celebration of Pontefract Calligraphers community and cultural diversity, 7 Sep 2024, 10am - 2pm bringing together residents of all backgrounds for a day brimming with Pontefract Library will host a sports, creativity, activity and calligraphy taster session to meet the entertainment at Castle Grove Park. group and learn some new skills. Free, no booking required. 14 MOMENTS OF WONDER

YORKSHIRE DAY Family Fun - Yorkshire Day 1 Aug 2024, 10am - 3pm Make your way to Wakefield Cathedral for another day of free crafts and activities for all ages in the cathedral nave. All are welcome and there is no need to book. Featherstone Male Voice Choir - Yorkshire Day @ Friarwood Valley Pontefract and District Choral Gardens Celebration Event 1 Aug 2024, 11am - 4pm 7 Sep 2024, 2:30pm - 5pm Enjoy a family gala day with activities Enjoy a celebration of choral and for children, food and drink. Free community singing at Pontefract admission but some activities such as Town Hall. Invited choirs and singing donkey rides and bouncy castle will be groups will have two 10-15 minute charged. slots where they can showcase themselves and perform songs of their choice during Heritage Open Days! Normanton Gala @ Haw Hill Park 14 - 15 Sep 2024 Come one, come all, and celebrate in style at Normanton's 60th Annual Gala Weekend. Witness the grandeur of a vibrant parade, marching through the streets of Normanton, leading to an exhilarating extravaganza at the park. Enjoy an array of delightful stalls, exciting attractions, and thrilling fairground rides, as well as fireworks on Saturday night. MOMENTS OF WONDER 15

Embark on an exciting outdoor adventure in the Wakefield THE MOVING FESTIVAL District with our selection of over 25 free walks offered each week. Get ready to move and groove for Our Year! Whether you’re looking to The Moving Festival 2024 is here to turn the improve your fitness with our Wakefield District into a year-long playground Nordic Walks or prefer a more of movement and excitement! leisurely pace with our health No matter your age or fitness level, The Moving walks, we have an option for Festival 2024 has something extraordinary in everyone. Welcoming participants store for you. Our mission is simple but of all ages and abilities, our walks powerful: we're all about promoting the joy of foster a sense of community and active living and building strong, vibrant well-being. Discover your nearest communities. It's time to celebrate 366 days of walking group by visiting movement, and you're invited! www.wakefield.gov.uk/walking

OUR YEAR TO GET MOVING Inclusive Movement Festival Sep 2024 The Inclusive Movement Festival aims to promote, develop, and improve the Sunset Yoga at the Castle disability and mixed-ability sports and 15 Aug 2024, 6pm - 10pm physical activity opportunities in the district. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy a beautiful evening of soul flow yoga, As well as daily events throughout the live music and chill out sessions at the month, there will be two fun days majestic yet serene Pontefract Castle running at Thornes Park Stadium on this summer. A refreshment bar will 7 September from 11am to 2pm and be available to end the evening in at Featherstone Sports Complex on style. This event is suitable for people the 14 and 15, from 11am to 2pm. Try of all abilities. Event run in partnership sports and activities through taster with Yonder Events. Book at: sessions or watch demonstrations to ouryear24.com/SunsetYoga see whether you want to give an activity a go! Yoga and Sound Bath Relaxation: ouryear24.com/MovingFestival Leilah Babirye 27 July & 31 Aug 2024, 9am - 11am Head over to Yorkshire Sculpture Park for a yoga practice in the Chapel, surrounded by Leilah Babirye's exhibition Obumu (Unity). Enjoy a breath-led, physical practice followed by a deep relaxation session, accompanied by the soothing vibrations of sound. Afterwards enjoy a delicious, nourishing breakfast and warm drinks. Free with YSP entry ticket, 18 and under go free. THE MOVING FESTIVAL 17

GET ON YOUR BIKE GET OUTDOORS Wakefield District Cycle Forum – Holiday Wednesdays 24 Jul - 28 Aug 2024 Liquorice Heritage Trail Walk Bring your bike and join the 14 Jul 2024, 11:30am Wakefield District Cycle Forum Pontefract Civic Society will deliver a guided on the grass in front of tour around Pontefract, telling the history of National Trust Nostell’s house how liquorice was an important part of the every Wednesday in the town and its community. Starting point at summer school holidays. These Pontefract Castle, free, no booking required. free, volunteer led events include cycle skills courses, Secrets of Seckar bicycle safety and health 28 Jul 2024, 10am - 12pm checks, basic maintenance Join the Countryside Officers for a wander classes as well as advice stalls: around Seckar Wood to discover its ouryear24.com/Moving interesting history and how this beautiful Site of Special Scientific Interest is managed for The Big WoW Ride – Pugneys wildlife. £3, book at 01924 860280. Country Park 4 Aug 2024, 10am - 3pm Horseracing @ Pontefract Races Join the Big Wonders of Until 21 Oct 2024 Wakefield Bike Ride. There will Pontefract Races offers a great day out in the be 7 different ride distances to fresh air. They have a variety of theme days, enable everyone to find a ride including the return of their live music and that’s suitable for them. So, if beer festival evening (19 July), Ladies Day as you’ve never been to Sandal glitz and glamour hits Ponte Carlo (7 August) Castle, Heath, Nostell or and the season finale (21 October). Newmillerdam now is the time Visit pontefract-races.co.uk to book. to join a fully supported ride, led by an experienced ride leader Panto Trail- oh no it‘s not!! 1 Dec 2024 from Wakefield District Cycle Celebrate the festive season on the Christmas Forum. Find out more at: panto trail as we ask you to help us find the ouryear24.com/M oving and lost pantomime characters. Find out more at: book at: ourye ar24.com/Moving [email protected] 18 THE MOVING FESTIVAL

ummer Fun at Anglers Country Park: S OUR YEAR TO GO TO THE PARK 31 Jul 2024, 10:30am - 12:30pm Discovering pond creatures: Join our atery fun activity morning with pond w Evening Nature Walk in dipping and making crafty creatures! Newmillerdam £2 per child. 17 Nov 2024 14 Aug 2 024, 10:30am - 12:30pm Meet in the main car park at Mini-beast magic: Family fun session Newmillerdam Country Park and hunting for mini-beasts , followed by a craft join an evening nature walk. No activity in the visitor centre. £2 per child. dogs please. Bring a torch. 28 Oct 2 024, 10am - 11am £3 per person. Build a bat box: Bats need homes too! Come and make a bat box to take home or All events on this page can be leave for one of our Countryside sites. booked by calling: £5 per box. 01924 860280 THE MOVING FESTIVAL 19

Can’t make it to an Our Year NURTURE & NOURISH gardening event but still want to join in? You can easily “grow your own” something pink! Our Year is bringing food-themed events to 2024 with a chance for Add a delicious crunch to your summer communities to celebrate, enjoy salad with delicious radishes: entertainment and learn more about Sow the seed thinly straight into different cultures. the ground (make sure there are no lumps or stones) or into a large The Big Family Picnic plant pot filled with compost. 14 Jul 2024, 10am - 3pm Sprinkle onto the soil, then cover with more soil (about 1.5cm). Bring a picnic and blanket to Firm down gently and water. Pontefract Castle! Explore this historic Keep moist and you will start to site and enjoy family activities see the seeds appear after about 7 including giant garden games, crafts, days. Your radishes will be ready to sand play and more. Let your eat in about 4 to 6 weeks. imagination run wild with the library’s storytelling! If flowers are more your thing, try sowing some cosmos seeds: Peddler Market @ Tileyard North Firstly, prepare your soil (seeds 16/17 Aug, 18/19 Oct & 20/21 Dec always like fine soil/compost) and Expect one of the country’s leading sow either straight into the garden street food events, with award- or a large pot. winning cuisine, independent craft Sow the seeds about 5 cm apart drinks, live music and entertainment. and 1 inch deep. Keep them moist and wait for the seedlings to appear. Thin them out if there are too many as they like room to grow. You can leave them in the garden (bees love them) or use then as cut flowers in your home. 20 NURTURE & NOURISH

The Sunflower Field @ Farmer Copleys 1 Aug - 1 Sep 2024 Farmer Copleys have grown loads of sunflowers of different varieties and your entry includes 3 stems to take home. There are loads of photo ops too, perfect to grab some fantastic pictures! NEW for 2024, take a trip on the pollinator path through the field. Pumpkin Competition & Autumnal Crafts 30 Oct 2024, 12pm - 3pm St George's Community Centre are hosting their first ever pumpkin competition! Grab a free pumpkin to take home and decorate, before returning it to be entered into a competition to win a spook-tacular prize! Enjoy free crafts and refreshments. Open Gardens in Walton 7 Jul 2024 Nature Explorers @ RSPB Fairburn Ings Enthusiastic village gardeners will open Dates and times across the year their gardens to visitors and share their Children aged 5-12 are invited to swap ideas and experiences. There will be screen time for green time! From building stalls in many of the gardens, a bug hotels to discovering what lurks children's competition and face painting. after dark, there's something for There will also be live music and everyone! refreshments in various venues around ouryear24.com/FairburnEvents the village. Harvest Celebration South Asian Mela 5 Oct 2024 11 Aug 2024 All are welcome to a very special Celebrating modern and traditional event at Wakefield Cathedral, in Asian culture with food and activities at collaboration with Nurture and Agbrigg Park, this fun event is for Nourish as part of Our Year 2024. For everyone! fans of fun and food! NURTURE & NOURISH 21

Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug 2024 THE HATCHLING Witness an incredible outdoor theatrical performance on August bank holiday weekend as part of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024. The Hatchling is created by the award-winning creative team at Trigger, working with experts in puppetry, kites and immersive theatre. With a wingspan of over 20 metres, The Hatchling is the world’s largest human operated puppet to fly. Join us this summer for a magical adventure never to be forgotten! © Damien Pudner

© Dom Moore takes flight over Pugneys Country Park on Sunday evening following an YEAR YEAR afternoon of festival fun at the park. OUR OUR With over 20 community groups and 300 participants from across the TO WONDER Wakefield district taking part, expect a TO WONDER few surprises along the way as sports Don’t miss out on this INCREDIBLE clubs, choirs, craft groups, dancers, free family-friendly outdoor event... performers, young people and more welcome The Hatchling to Wakefield. Standing taller than a double decker bus, this magnificent creature will 23-24 Aug 2024 – Wakefield City undergo a theatrical metamorphosis in Centre Wakefield city-centre. Hatching from 25 Aug 2024 – Pugneys Country an egg at Wakefield Cathedral, the Park dragon will build herself a nest and explore the city centre on Friday and Find out more including information on Saturday with a series of events accessibility and the park and ride: prepared especially for her majestic visit. The weekend will culminate with a breath-taking finale, as The Hatchling THE HATCHLING 23

CROSSINGS & GATEWAYS FITZWILLIAM STATION SPOTLIGHT Crossings & Gateways is delivering a programme of murals A new public artwork is to be created on the and sculptures within footbridge at Fitzwilliam Station. Led by the communities across the district, Friends of Fitzwilliam Station and supported building on our legacy of public by Wakefield Council’s Culture Grants as art to help transform our places part of Our Year. and celebrate our unique heritage, Artist led creative workshops generated the as well as looking to the future. artwork designs for the bridge, including The programme is delivered in workshops in local schools, as well as in the partnership with local people and community. groups, representing the themes The research, original art works and and subjects which matter to community designs will be digitally collaged them, using the district as a to create the final artwork, due to be installed canvas to showcase our in Summer 2024! A celebration event will be creativity. held in August 2024 for all involved. Keep an The programme of public art is eye on the Our Year website for details. being revealed throughout the year and will help transform and uplift development sites through a series of vibrant murals on hoardings produced by local artists. Find out more at ouryear24.com/CandG 24 CROSSINGS & GATEWAYS

CREATIVITY IN SANDAL Art at the Castle: Healthy Hedgerows 11 Jul - 30 Sep 2024 Experience a stunning art installation at Sandal Castle by artist Aprille McShane. The artwork was inspired Pit to the Pitch by the hedgerows around Sandal Castle and designs by pupils from The Featherstone Rovers Foundation two local primary schools. The unveiled a brand new piece of artwork, artwork is the culmination of the created by local artist and lifelong Healthy Hedgerows Project and Rovers supporter, Phillip Hollinworth. involved the children planting over The project, funded by Wakefield 200 native saplings with the help of Council’s Culture Grants, tied together The Woodland Trust to learn about Featherstone’s two strong cultural how important hedgerows are in cornerstones of mining and Rugby supporting local wildlife and tackling League. climate change. The Horbury Tapestry, Then and Now Sandal Library Mural The tapestry, created by the talented See local artist Beth Morgan’s new stitchers of Horbury 20 years ago, is mural at Sandal Library! Situated in beautifully displayed in Horbury Library. the children’s garden, the mural is Through an Our Year Culture Grant the designed to be interactive, allowing library, alongside One to One children to find and discover the Development Trust, will create an online, creatures living amongst the flowers. interactive gallery of the piece, its backstory and techniques. As part of the digitisation project, Friends of Horbury Library will launch an appeal on 20 July calling for submissions of pictures which capture Horbury life today. The library is particularly interested in younger contributors, and is hoping to create a photographic montage which will form a modern response to the tapestry. CROSSINGS & GATEWAYS 25

“In 1940 Isaak Donner and his partner, OUR HERITAGE, OUR STORIES Frank Myers, set up the Wakefield Shirt Company to produce quality men’s shirts. In June, Our Heritage, Our Stories Partnering with Dr Rex Whinfield in the celebrated the district’s textile 1950s, the company developed the heritage with a series of exhibitions world's first shirt made from Terylene, and events. later known as polyester. By the 1960s we Wakefield is well known for its started advertising our shirts alongside the textile industries with a proud blockbuster films. heritage of wool selling, going back By the late 1980s, we employed over to medieval times. Emerging from 1,500 people across six factories, the shadow of World War II, Double exporting over 3 million shirts annually to Two Shirts began to literally change more than 40 countries. the fabric of men’s fashion. In 2013, my son John and I had the honour Double Two is a family business, of receiving the Queen's Award for started when Isaak Donner, an Enterprise - International Trade by Her Austrian-Jewish entrepreneur Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham escaping persecution in Nazi Palace.“ Germany, found himself with his family in Wakefield in 1940. Whether you’ve worn the shirts, worked at the factory or saw the adverts on the TV, Isaak’s son and current chairman of Double Two is woven into the story of Double Two, Richard Donner tells us Wakefield. his story: Seeing Double Exhibition @ Wakefield Museum Until 24 May 2025 Explore the enduring legacy of a local business that changed the face of fashion in Seeing Double: The Story of Double Two Shirts. 26 OUR HERITAGE, OUR STORIES

Heritage @Wakefield Cathedral Tower Tour: 26 Oct 2024, 11am Climb the ancient steps and experience the best views of Wakefield from its oldest and tallest building! See the bells up close and in action. 13yrs and above. Free Guided Tours: Experience 900 years of history, art and architecture with a free guided tour of Wakefield Cathedral's magnificent interior. 18 Jul, 15 Aug, 9 Sep, 17 Oct, 21 Nov, 19 Dec - 10am Castleford Museum Community A Passion for Tradition: Keeping Cases: Performance Traditional Building Skills Alive 30 Jul 2024 - 25 July 2025 17 Oct 2024 Castleford Museum Community Head to Wakefield Town Hall for a Cases are shining a spotlight on star talk by Vicky Flintoff, Lee Gillard and performers. Family-friendly, interactive Keith Langton: How do we ensure that displays explore the theme of we have people with the skills to build, performance in all its forms, from repair and maintain traditional theatrical and musical, to artistic and properties? Booking essential at sporting. Castleford has a proud ouryear24.com/TraditionalBuilding performing heritage, be it prowess on Oh Yes It Is! : 75 Years of the St Giles the rugby league field, star-studded with St Mary's Pantomime Society galas or scene-stealing creative flair. 18 Nov 2024 - 15 Nov 2025 See how Castleford Academy’s girls’ teams are leading the way for The St Giles with St Mary’s Pantomime women’s rugby league. Discover the Society has been making people laugh quirky story of Castleford’s unique for 75 years. To celebrate this Reight Neet Aht, an annual marbles anniversary Pontefract Museum joined contest held in the town from 1936- up with the Society to put on a show! 1958. Be transported to a distant time Find out what goes into putting on a and far off lands with artist and spectacular panto, and enjoy the theatre designer, Albert Wainwright. sparkle of the costumes from previous And so much more! memorable performances. OUR HERITAGE, OUR STORIES 27

National Coal Mining Museum 14 - 15 Se p 2024 HERITAGE OPEN DAYS See the museum come to life with Living History performances and tours Theatre Royal Wakefield of the Screens Building (usually off 8 Sep 2024, 10am - 5pm limits!). See machinery demos and Celebrate the 130th Anniversary of our much more over the weekend beautiful Grade II* listed Theatre Royal celebrating the heritage of mining. Wakefield with events taking place Catapult Challenge @ Pontefract throughout the day including Castle performances from local talent, an 7 Sep 2024 exhibition highlighting the theatre’s fascinating history, family friendly Calling all problem solvers and activities and the chance to share your budding engineers! Learn about the stories and memories of the building. You siege engines that took on many can also book a tour allowing you to medieval castles. Test and experiment explore parts of the Theatre that are not with angles and materials to make the normally open to the public. Book at best design. Can you knock down the ouryear24.com/TheatreTour mini castle walls? 10am-12pm and 1- 3pm, free, no booking required. Mapping Wakefield: A History of Our City From Above 14 Sep 2024, 10am - 4pm Explore Wakefield’s history in maps and see our city from a unique historical angle. Hosted by West Yorkshire History Centre in partnership with Wakefield Historical Society in its centenary year, take a peek behind the scenes at the archives and learn about the recent conservation of the rare 1851 Town Plan. The day will include talks, tours and an exhibition of maps and building plans. Free, no booking required. 28 OUR HERITAGE, OUR STORIES

Pontefract Discovers 6 - 15 Sep 2024 Enjoy a Pontefract Civic Society curated Heritage Open Days programme of tours, talks and walks, plus some entertainment in the town and surrounding area. Check Facebook @pontefractcivic for the full programme. Behind the Secents at the West Heritage for Youth Week Yorkshire History Centre 23 - 26 Jul 2024 12 Sep 2024, 10am - 3.30pm Get hands-on with history through a Ever wondered what goes on inside week of immersive workshops at the West Yorkshire History Centre. Pontefract Castle! From an escape Find out during Heritage Open Days as room in a real dungeon, to baking bread they take you behind the scenes into in the medieval-style oven, these the conservation studio and strong activities have been designed with and rooms which are packed with archive for teenagers. Bring the castle’s treasures from across the county. Free medieval past back to life in the with limited spaces. Book at company of like-minded young people. ouryear24.com/BehindTheScenes Book at ouryear24.com/CastleTickets. Chantry Chapel 7, 8, 14 & 15 Sep 2024, 10am - 4pm Have you ever seen a chapel that’s built on the side of a bridge? Head to Wakefield’s very own Chantry Chapel and discover this unusual building for yourself during Heritage Open Days. Heritage Open Day @ National Trust Nostell 6 & 7 Sep 2024, 11am - 5pm Nostell are inviting all visitors to see inside the house and gardens for free as part of their Heritage Open Days! OUR HERITAGE, OUR STORIES 29

Halloween Party in South Kirkby: HALLOWEEN The South Kirkby & Moorthorpe Town Council are throwing a party and you’re all invited! Prizes will be It‘s Our Year to get spooky and the given to the best dressed so get Wakefield District has loads in store your costumes ready! 26 Oct, this October! 4-7pm, The Grove Hall, Farmer Copley's Pumpkin Stockingate. Festival: Meet the Green Witch, Witches and Wizards: Get wicked Pumpkin King and all the other this half term with Witches and autumnal characters, pick your Wizards October activities at perfect pumpkin and enjoy some Pontefract Castle. Make fun themed delicious food stalls, photo crafts, mix magical potions and take opportunities and loads more part in some witchy outdoor entertainment for the entire family! festivities. It’ll be spooktacular! 28 Sep - 31 Oct, booking required. There will also be SEND sessions Pumpkin trail at Nostell: Get your for families who require a more stomping boots on and head into relaxed atmosphere. These are to be the gardens for an adventure. booked in advance at Take part in the Halloween trail ouryear24.com/CastleTickets. and find a host of spooky and 30 Oct - 2 Nov, Pontefract Castle. quirky painted pumpkins along the way. There will also be fun games and challenges to complete and free crafts in the Orangery. The trail is free but standard admission applies. Under 5s are free. 26 Oct - 3 Nov 2024 Halloween in Normanton: Embrace the enchantment of the bewitching season in Haw Hill Park with delightful activities perfect for the whole family. Don your most creative costumes, as a thrilling fancy dress competition awaits! 29 Oct 2024, 10am-2pm. 30 MOMENTS OF WONDER - WINTER

LIGHT UP 2024 - OUR YEAR TO SHINE Light Up 2024 7 - 30 Nov 2024 It’s back! Light Up returns this year as part of Our Year 2024 with a series of events lighting up the district to coincide with the start of the festive season. by commissioned originally was Gods the of Ship Absolutely Cultured. © Heinrich & Palmer MOMENTS OF WONDER - WINTER 31

The Ice is Melting at the Pøules II Light Up - National Trust Nostell Light Up Wakefield 7-9 Nov 2024 15 - 17 Nov 2024 See Nostell lit up like never before. Light Up Wakefield returns with 3 days of Visit the house for a late-night tour light installations, craft activities, Christmas and see a brand new art installation market, street entertainment and more. by AndNow in the Rose Garden Incredible light art will include The Ice is created in collaboration with local Melting at the Pøules II, a projection communities. highlighting the ongoing issue of global warming, and The Timekeepers by Light Up - The Hepworth Wakefield Illuminos, a celebration of Wakefield’s 15 - 17 Nov 2024 heritage, culture and arts through a unique Wrap up warm and enjoy light projection mapping piece and soundscape installations in The Hepworth on County Hall. Wakefield Garden – plus family activities in the galleries and learning Walk through Sentinel by Studio Vertigo, studios throughout the day. an immersive artwork whose sweeping curves are inspired by the wings of a Light Up - Yorkshire Sculpture Park canary, drawing on Wakefield’s coal 15 Nov 2024 - 5 Jan 2025 mining heritage, and enjoy Ships of the Step inside the immersive installation Gods, a beautiful piece inspired by the bringing joyful colour to Yorkshire Norse myth of Skidbladnir. Sculpture Park this winter with Our This event is sponsored by YPO. Colour Reflection by Liz West. Find out more at ouryear24.com/LightUp 32 MOMENTS OF WONDER - WINTER

Light Up - National Coal Mining Museum for England 22 - 24 Nov 2024 Expect a jam-packed Christmas launch weekend as the Museum comes to life with a stunning light show including a show-stopping centrepiece, ‘Sentinel’, inspired by coal mining’s canaries. Enjoy plenty of pop-up activities including Sunday’s unmissable lantern parade. The Art House Late - Light Up 2024 YEAR 15 & 16 Nov 2024 YEAR OUR OUR Join The Art House for your chance to view a new light and projection exhibition by Zarah Hussain after hours, alongside many exciting TO BE FESTIVE TO BE FESTIVE activities for Light Up. Expect neon henna, body art painting and glow in Santa Underground @ NCMME the dark family activities. You will have 23 Nov - 22 Dec 2024 the opportunity to shop the Makers Santa is back! Travel 140m underground Wonderland, and have a warming to join Santa in his unique and winter drink or a glowing cocktail. Free atmospheric underground grotto at the entry, no booking required. National Coal Mining Museum where he will be waiting to meet you. Good More Light Up events: children will receive a present and Light Up continues across the district certificate while naughty ones will get to kickstart the festive period. coal… Book at ncm.org.uk/santa Castleford - 19 Nov 2024 Winter Craft Market @ The Art House Pontefract - 24 Nov 2024 2 Nov 2024, 10am - 5pm Ossett - 30 Nov 2024 The free, jam-packed day will showcase There will also be Christmas light the best of Yorkshire’s independent switch ons across the district: makers and small business owners. Not South Elmsall - 20 Nov 2024 only that, talented Studio Holders will be Ackworth - 29 Nov 2024 taking part and opening their doors for Normanton - 29 Nov 2024 Open Studios! MOMENTS OF WONDER - WINTER 33

Christmas @ Nostell Christmas @ Farmer Copleys 2 Dec 2024 - 5 Jan 2025* Dates & times across Nov-Dec 2024 Experience a magical meet-up with Santa‘s Grotto returns with the big Father Christmas as you visit the man himself making his way to the house to see it twinkle with thousands farm throughout December. Christmas of fairy lights. Explore rooms filled in the Hayloft also returns from 9-24 with treasures, festive music, and Dec. Head over for a browse of all the trimmings. Stretch your legs with a beautiful decorations and then pop winter walk around the gardens, into the café for a mulled wine and stunning lakes and extensive parkland. fresh mince pie. Finally, support local No booking required to see Father creatives at the Craft and Artisan Christmas but normal admissions Festive Makers Market in the Orchard apply. *(excl. 24, 25, 26 December) Marquee. Full dates and bookings at farmercopleys.co.uk/annual-events Christmas Crafts @ Anglers Country Park Christmas with the Liquorice Singers 8 Dec 2024, 10.30am - 12pm 5 Dec 2024 Make a rustic reindeer or snowman - Join the Pontefract Civic Society for a Work together as a family to create a concert with audience participation at unique decoration to take home! £5 the King’s Croft Hotel! per family, book at 01924 860280. 34 MOMENTS OF WONDER - WINTER

The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market 23 - 24 Nov & 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2024 Start your Christmas shopping and support over 60 independent makers each weekend when The Hepworth Wakefield’s popular Festive Market returns this winter – plus family activities, street food and FREE exhibition entry for Wakefield District Forever After Christmas Gift & Craft residents. Fair 2024 @ Nostell 31 Nov - 1 Dec 2024 A Christmas Carol by Chapterhouse Theatre Company Enjoy a delightful Christmas Gift & 6 Dec 2024, 7pm Craft Fair, where you can explore a diverse collection of one-of-a-kind Chapterhouse Theatre Company is handmade artisan arts and crafts proud to bring A Christmas Carol, crafted by talented local artists, Charles Dickens' timeless tale of hope designers, and makers. Booking to and redemption to Wakefield Cathedral Nostell required but admission to the this Christmas. Follow Ebenezer fair is free. Scrooge as he embarks on a journey through his past, present, and future, to Liquorice Santa @ Pontefract Museum find the true meaning of Christmas. 7 Dec 2024 Book at wakefieldcathedral.org.uk Meet a special sweet Santa in his liquorice grotto and receive a Christmas gift! There will be a range of festive fun crafts and activities around the Museum to bring you Christmas cheer. Brass in The Park - Christmas 8 Dec 2024, 1pm - 3pm Wakefield Music Collective presents a lovely afternoon of Christmas music with a local brass band at Clarence Park Bandstand. Mulled wine and mince pies served in the interval, tea and coffees from the ice cream van! MOMENTS OF WONDER - WINTER 35

© Stephen Bowler Cinderella @Theatre Royal Wakefield Thornes Park Fireworks 26 Nov 2024 - 5 Jan 2025 2 Nov 2024, from 4.30pm Wakefield's very own pantomime and There’s no denying the magic of the the godmother of them all – Cinderella. sights and sounds of fireworks This marvellous tale of rags-to-riches whizzing and bursting into dazzling is guaranteed to thrill all and bring a colour overhead! See the traditional touch of magic to your festive fireworks display at Thornes Park in celebrations in 2024. Featuring the Wakefield on Saturday 2 November. glittering sets, gorgeous costumes, The evening will feature a low-impact and glorious music you have come to firework display first, for those that know and love in Wakefield, not to don’t enjoy loud noises, before the mention gags a plenty to make you spectacular main event a little later. laugh your glass slippers off. Pop on Please note, that this display will not your glad-rags and go to the ball! feature a bonfire. Sparklers and personal fireworks are prohibited. Carols by Candlelight 13 & 20 Dec 2024, 7pm Opening Party @ The Hepworth The most popular Christmas carol Wakefield event in Wakefield, Carols by 22 Nov 2024, 7pm - 10pm Candlelight returns to Wakefield Celebrate The Hepworth Wakefield’s Cathedral for 2024, a fabulous new exhibitions and start your evening of carols and Christmas music Christmas shopping at a special with Wakefield Cathedral Choir. Festive Market preview – plus street Booking essential. food, live music and DJs. 36 MOMENTS OF WONDER - WINTER

KEY TO THE NORTH Hannah French 15 Jul 2024, Pontefract Castle, 5pm Music history is littered with both creative dynasties and lone creative figures, and we could say the same today of musical tastes and talents in our own families. But how much are we wittingly, or unwittingly the product of our ancestors? Author and Broadcaster Hannah ©Sane Seven French talks about the surprise of inheriting a copy of Handel’s Messiah that set her on a trail to trace her musical roots in the local mining villages of Allerton Bywater and Kippax. Turns out it’s something of a portkey to the past that represents so much of what she does today. Book at ouryear24.com/KTTN A Northern Renaissance? Wakefield, Revising Pevsner - the North Riding West Yorkshire and the Northern 19 Sep 2024, 7.30pm Powerhouse - Adrian Jones & Chris This talk at Wakefield Town Hall by Matthews Dr Jane Grenville OBE FSA will offer 18 Jul 2024, 7.30pm fascinating insights into how one of This talk at Wakefield Town Hall the 'go to' series of architectural guide reviews both the successes and lost books has been updated. opportunities of recent years and considers the implications of the Both of these events are run by Northern Powerhouse concept for Wakefield Civic Society and can be West Yorkshire. booked at ouryear24.com/WFDCivic KEY TO THE NORTH 37

SUMMER S’COOL CULTURE IN OUR COMMUNITY Aged 8-16? You could… create a game, produce a OUR YEAR IN SCHOOLS! podcast, make music, scribble a screenplay, In our commitment to develop cultural and creative shape a song. learning opportunities for every child and young person across Wakefield district, we are pleased to Over the summer holidays, shed light on our ambitious Our Year 2024 schools inspirational creative programme. coaches will tour the district offering FREE Through this dedicated programme, we aim to creative skills workshops. provide teachers and educators with the necessary support to integrate cultural education into the summer s'cool opens up school curriculum. opportunities for young At the centre of this are our partnerships with the minds to explore potential Yorkshire Sculpture Park and SPARK. career pathways. Yorkshire Sculpture Park, recognised for their Scan the QR expertise in career professional development, is code to discover leading the creation of a comprehensive more: programme of training for educators in Wakefield district. SPARK, Wakefield’s cultural education partnership, are working with educators in to develop a Wakefield curriculum. These resources will place a spotlight on Wakefield’s rich history and culture allowing teachers and educators to weave local heritage into their daily teaching. Find out more and email us on [email protected] 38 CULTURE IN OUR COMMUNITY

STUDIO OF SANCTUARY WEEKLY ACTIVITIES @ The Art House The Skillshare is a weekly informal peer-led creative session where people come together to share traditional crafts, with the ethos of re- use, upcycle and repair. The Art House has always embedded a culture of inclusion and welcome Summer Reading Challenge 2024 throughout the venue. They offer free, Summer Holidays 2024 weekly, drop-in events that use art, Get creative this summer with culture and creative processes to bring Wakefield Council Libraries’ all people together. Through the Summer Reading Challenge 2024, Studio of Sanctuary, local people from Marvellous Makers! different backgrounds work creatively Creativity is this year’s theme so you and learn about each other. Everyone can expect a fun packed programme is welcome along! of events to inspire young people to Traditional Needlecrafts Skillshare express themselves in creative Every Tuesday, 11am - 1pm ways, tap into a world of Embroidery & Textiles Skillshare imagination and storytelling, and - of Every Wednesday, 10am - 12pm course - to read. Children can drop into any Talk & Draw Wakefield Council Library from 6 Every Friday, 10am - 11.30am July to register for free and pick up a Crochet, Crafts and Coffee drop-in collector pack, then just choose and Every Saturday, 11am - 1pm read six books over the summer. Marvellous Makers who complete the challenge will receive a prize, certificate and a medal. There is also special challenge for children aged three and under, too! We can’t wait to get creating this summer! © The Art House CULTURE IN OUR COMMUNITY 39

Access Bursaries COMMUNITY GROUPS... Communities can also apply to receive access funding of up to £500 per group. GET INVOLVED! This can be used to help people access culture and creativity in 2024. The fund is flexible: Over 100 community rganisations across the district Helping you to offer free tickets for o have signed up to be Community your event Partners during Our Year and are Funding members of your groups to already submitting their events to access an event, activity or venue the Our Year programme. within the District, either through transport or tickets! It’s not too late to sign up! If your group would like to be part of the Deadlines are running monthly, and festivities, just send an email to groups must be Community Partners in [email protected]. order to be eligible. Get in touch! Culture Everywhere Micro Grants for communities Wakefield Council's Culture Everywhere grants are for community groups, charities and CICs in the Wakefield district. They support creative and heritage projects, events, and activities with local communities. You can apply for grants up to £1,500, with monthly application deadlines in 2024. To apply and to find helpful guidance and application resources, visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/CultureGrants 40 CULTURE IN OUR COMMUNITY

SPOTLIGHT ON UNLIMITED Let’s hear from Jo Verrent, Director of Wakefield-based Unlimited and discover how they are involved this year! Tell us about Unlimited! Unlimited are a commissioning organisation for disabled artists. We work with artists from across the UK and commissioning work globally. How can people get involved with Disabled people make up 23% of the population Unlimited? but don’t get 23% of the opportunities or Follow us on social media @weareunltd and exposure, and we are here to change that. In come and see Hope in Wakefield too! You Wakefield, there is a higher proportion of can always spot our friendly Director Jo disabled people which makes this the perfect Verrent at arts events with her blue hair, please do come and say hi! place to make our new home! How is Unlimited getting involved in Our Year? If you lead an organisation involved in the Many ways! It is a busy year for us! arts we are also leading a project, funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we are We are delivering Creativity Around the Corner – offering training and advice across West a project to engage local businesses with art. Yorkshire to improve accessibility – get in We are leading artist residencies and touch on celebrating new artworks with local [email protected] to find communities too. We are working with out more. Mohammad Barrangi and staff at NHS Mid Yorks Pinderfields Hospital, OE Electrics over in Calder This is My Year to... Park and the StreetScene team at Wakefield Really get to know my home district! I Council. moved to Agbrigg two years ago and I love it. But in 2024, with so much happening We are also leading Hope in Wakefield, a during Our Year, I want to make sure I join project working with Two Destination Language more local events and activities and Ukrainian artist Nadia Solenko. This banner- making project looks at what gives us hope, keeps us hopeful and what do to when hope is Find out more about the Creativity lost. Come and visit this beautiful and thoughtful Around the Corner project at exhibition in a library near you this summer and ouryear24.com/CATC autumn. CULTURE IN OUR COMMUNITY 41

Have you always wanted to get a bit more involved in your community? Do you love meeting new people, learning new things and trying something different? Our Year are recruiting volunteers! OUR YEAR TO VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Our Nurture and Nourish programme, as well as the Moving Festival, have loads of community-focused events throughout the year that need your help! We will also be in need of support at festivals and events! The Hatchling is going to be a huge event, and we will be needing loads of people to help out. There will be roles across the district, including stewarding, accessibility champions and more! If you want to connect into your local community, Our Year are working alongside community delivery partners to bring you volunteering opportunities in your local area. To sign up to be an Our Year volunteer, visit ouryear24.com/Volunteer Citizen Coin is coming... Citizen Coin is a brand new volunteering website and app coming soon. When you join, you earn Citizen Coins for completing volunteering activities. You can use these to get discounts in participating local shops, services and businesses. Look out for more information at www.citizencoin.uk 42 OUR YEAR TO VOLUNTEER

OUR SPONSORS Light Up Wakefield Sponsor Launch Sponsor Pontefract Liquorice Festival Sponsor LEAP CLUB MEMBERS OUR SPONSORS 43

F R E E E V E N T THE HATCHLING A DRAGON IS COMING TO WAKEFIELD! 23-25 AUGUST 2024 ouryear24.com/Hatchling thehatchling.co.uk #TheHatchling