All you need to know about Light Up Wakefield
Abbie JenningsLight Up Wakefield returns this weekend with a light trail and illuminated parade.
Taking place on Friday and Saturday, the event will also include interactive artworks and projections across the city centre.
What can I expect to see?
The festival begins with a community light switch-on taking place on Friday at 17:30 GMT in the Cathedral Precinct. There will also be live entertainment from local performers.
This year the lights will be switched on by Wakefield Trinity stars Daryl Powell, Olly Pratt, Tom Johnstone, Jack Sinfield and Cam Smith plus mascot Daddy Cool.
On Saturday there will be a nature themed illuminated parade called 'Nature's Return', running from County Hall, through Wood Street, to Brook Street, starting at 17:30 and lasting for 30 minutes.
The parade will celebrate wildlife in Wakefield's rivers, meadows, moors and gardens.
At Wakefield Exchange, there will also be a projection of 'Building Bridges', which celebrates 70 years of friendship and partnership between Wakefield and its twin city Herne in Germany.
The light trail is open throughout, with a free map available here.
Where do I need to go?
The event takes place across Wakefield city centre, with installations set up across six locations:
- The Shed, WX Wakefield Exchange
- The Canopy, WX Wakefield Exchange
- The Bull Ring
- Cathedral Steps
- County Hall
- The Art House
Wakefield Exchange (WX) is the official Light Up Event Hub where visitors can pick up light trail maps and listen to choir performances and find street food stalls.
Limbic Cinema/Wakefield CouncilDo I need a ticket?
Light Up Wakefield is free to attend with no ticket required for the main light trail, switch-on or illuminated parade.
What about parking?
The closest accessible parking to WX Wakefield Exchange is at Trinity Walk Shopping Centre or The Ridings Shopping Centre.
Trinity Walk has 1,000 spaces, with disabled parking located on the ground floor outside Sainsbury's.
The Ridings has over 1,000 spaces, including 43 blue badge holder spaces and 22 family parking bays all with direct access into the centre.
There are also off-street and on-street car parking spaces in the city centre.
Where is the nearest public transport?
Wakefield Bus Station is approximately two minutes walk away from WX Wakefield Exchange, with details on services available from Aviva.
For anyone travelling by train, Wakefield Westgate Train Station is approximately 11 minutes walk away from WX Wakefield Exchange.
Wakefield Kirkgate Train Station is approximately 17 minutes walk away from WX Wakefield Exchange.
Abbie JenningsWhat about accessibility?
All of the accessibility information for the event can be found here.
A rainforest-themed mobile sensory bus will be available as a quiet space for all ages on Friday evening from 17:00 to 21:00.
The bus is fully staffed with low lighting and a sensory swing, and will be located at the Cathedral Precinct near Waterstones.
Wakefield Exchange has full step-free access from their entrances and a full accessible lift on the ground floor by the main bar.
They also have toilets, accessible toilet, Changing Places toilet and baby-changing facilities, with another Changing Places toilet at Trinity Walk.
Assistance dogs are welcome to all areas of the event including WX Wakefield Exchange.
Audio description has been created for some of the installations, available here.
Free British Sign Language tours will be delivered exploring the light installations, taking place at the following times:
- Friday 18:00 to 20:00
- Saturday 17:00 to 19:00
Free places can be booked here.
There will be a First Aid station based on the junction of Northgate/Westgate (near the CEX store).
Across the event there will be staff, security, first aiders and contractors available to offer assistance throughout Light Up Wakefield.
What is the weather forecast?
Cloud building a little through the day on Friday, however it will stay dry. Feeling cold with a chilly wind. Temperatures around 4C (39F) when the event begins at 17:00.
Another dry day on Saturday, but rather cloudy and breezy. Despite some brighter or sunny intervals, this will lead to a rather cold feel. Maximum temperatures 8C (46F) around lunchtime.
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