Event Applications

Apply to trade or provide services at Wakefield Council's major events and festivals.

Festivals & Events Applications Scoring Framework

We’ve made some improvements to how we score applications from traders and mobile street food vendors across our event markets programme. Each application form will include a clear breakdown of the scores available; you can also download the full framework below to help your application shine.

Top tips to boost your application:

• Show off your creativity – we love stalls that are eye-catching and fit the theme of our events.
• Focus on quality – whether it’s your products, food, or presentation, high standards really stand out.
• Be clear and detailed – tell us what makes your offer unique and why it’s a great fit for our event.
• Support sustainability – we value eco-friendly practices and local sourcing.

🔗 Festivals & Events Applications Scoring Framework

Rhubarb Festival 2026

Applications to trade at the Rhubarb Festival for 2026 closed in December 2025.

Please sign up for the mailing list below to be informed of any future opportunities.

Castleford Roman Festival

Castleford Roman Festival, Castleford Town Centre | Saturday 20 May 2026, 10am – 4:30pm

2026 will see the return of Castleford’s Roman Festival. The Roman Festival aims to showcase the heritage of the town and encourage residents and the wider public to learn more about the historic Roman town. The festival will feature street entertainment, an archaeology dig site, a theatre show, guided tours and encampment stalls demonstrating Roman activities such as metal work, toys, games and more, as well as local partners hosting a range of Roman-themed activities.

Roman Gods and Goddesses

Creative Commission

The Wakefield Council Festivals and Major Events team is seeking an artist or group to deliver a free, drop‑in “make and take” craft workshop for Castleford Roman Festival, to help families understand more about Castleford’s Roman heritage. The activity should deliver a fun, accessible and high-quality workshop that is able to be delivered to approximately 200-300 people.

  • Application deadline: Friday 13 March

🔗 Creative Commission Full Details and Application.

Wakefield Armed Forces Day 2026

Wakefield Armed Forces Day, Pontefract Park | Saturday 4 July 2026, 10am – 4:30pm

Wakefield Armed Forces Day is a free, family-friendly event celebrating and honouring the contributions and sacrifices of both serving and veteran members of the armed forces, as well as the broader services of military personnel.

If you have any questions, please contact the Armed Forces Day Team: afd@wakefield.gov.uk

Armed Forces Day 2026 - Military, Blue Light & Cadet

This application form is aimed at military, blue light and cadet organisations looking to raise awareness, connect with visitors at the event and provide an up-close look at the capabilities and traditions of the armed forces.

  • Applications Close on Sunday 12th April 2026 at 11:45pm.
  • Applicants notified by Monday 20th April 2026.

🔗 Military, Blue Light & Cadet Application Form.

Armed Forces Day 2026 - Community Group & Charity Application

This application form is aimed at charities, local organisations, and community groups looking to raise awareness for their organisation or cause, and provide an opportunity for you to connect with visitors at events.

  • Applications Close on Sunday 12th April 2026 at 11:45pm.
  • Applicants notified by Monday 20th April 2026.

🔗 Community Group & Charity Application Form

Armed Forces Day 2026 - Mobile Bar Application

This application form is aimed at mobile bar operators who can provide a full bar setup, including, but not limited to structure, equipment and staffing. There will be one sole operator appointed to the event.

Application coming soon. Subscribe to the mailing list to be notified when the application opens.

Armed Forces Day 2026 - Trader Application

This application form is aimed at traders who sell a variety of goods such as food, drinks, crafts, gifts and more. There will be multiple traders appointed to the event. If you sell alcohol, this may only be for consumption off site (bottled etc.).

Application coming soon. Subscribe to the mailing list to be notified when the application opens.

Armed Forces Day 2026 - Food & Drink Vendor Application (no alcohol provision)

This application form is aimed at mobile food and drink operators who serve a wide range of hot and cold food and drinks. There will be a range of vendors appointed to the event. This application is not for vendors who serve alcohol.

Application coming soon. Subscribe to the mailing list to be notified when the application opens.

Pontefract Liquorice Festival

Pontefract Liquorice Festival, Pontefract Town Centre | Sunday 12 July 2026, 10am – 4pm

Pontefract Liquorice Festival is a much-loved annual festival celebrating the town’s unique connection to the cultivation of liquorice. A specialist market fills the historic marketplace, showcasing some of the region’s finest local produce – many offering a distinctive liquorice twist.

The festival features vibrant street entertainment and a wide range of family‑friendly activities, including funfair rides, creative craft workshops and face painting, alongside a colourful liquorice-inspired parade sponsored by HARIBO.

Local cafés, bars, and restaurants also take part in the Liquorice Festival Trail, serving an enticing selection of liquorice‑inspired treats – from pastries and cakes to smoothies and cocktails – encouraging visitors to explore the town.

The event attracts an estimated 5,000-10,000 visitors throughout the day.

People in colourful costumes performing in the Pontefract Liquorice Parade

Pontefract Liquorice Festival - Community

Community groups are invited to apply to take part in the liquorice‑themed parade at Pontefract Liquorice Festival. All ages and abilities welcome. Create handmade props, celebrate Pontefract’s heritage, and join a vibrant community performance.

  • Application deadline: Friday 27 March
  • Notification of outcome: Friday 10 April

🔗 Community Performance Callout Full Brief and Application Details.

Artist & Workshop Facilitator Creative Commission Opportunity

The Wakefield Council Festivals and Major Events team is seeking an artist or group to deliver drop‑in “make and take” craft workshops for Pontefract Liquorice Festival, creating bright, accessible artworks for display. Workshops should celebrate liquorice heritage and engage all ages.

  • Application deadline: Friday 27 March
  • Notification of outcome: Friday 10 April

🔗 Artist and Workshop Facilitator Full Details and Application.

Mailing List

Subscribe to Wakefield Council Events’ mailing list to be notified when event applications go live.

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