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From markets at The Hepworth Wakefield to glow-in-the-dark creative activities at The Art House – this year’s Light Up Festival has a whole host of Fringe activity to enjoy!
Fringe @ Wakefield Library
Christmas Craft Activities
Saturday 22 November, 10am-11:30am
Stop by Wakefield Library for their christmas craft activites, aimed at families with children aged 3-10 yrs.
Fringe @ The Art House
The Art House Late: Light Up!
Friday 21 November, 4pm-8pm
Saturday 22 November, 9.30am-8pm
Sunday 23 November, 11am-4pm
Watch The Art House come alive after dark as part of Wakefield’s Light Up Festival. Across three days you can expect extended evening openings filled with creativity, colour, and celebration for all.
Bring the family for free glow-in-the-dark creative activities in our Light Lab perfect for all ages, and discover our brand-new project The Public Dream by Emma Bolland in our Main Gallery and the festive exhibition, Makers Wonderland – a magical showcase of handcrafted gifts and seasonal treasures by Yorkshire artists and makers.
Our Coffee House will be serving up warming winter drinks, glowing cocktails, and festive treats, creating the perfect spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Whether you’re dropping by after work, making a night of it with friends, or exploring the festival with the kids, there’s something for everyone.
A vibrant evening of art, light, and community – free entry, all welcome!
Fringe @ The Hepworth Wakefield
Opening Party & Festive Market Preview
Friday 21 November, 7pm-10pm
The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November, 10am – 5pm
£2.50 in advance / £3.50 on the day / FREE for under 18s
Start your Christmas shopping and discover over 75 independent makers at The Hepworth Wakefield Festive Market. Stalls will be selling everything from ceramics, food and drink, homeware, jewellery, prints, stationery, textiles and more.
Playing with Fire: Edmund de Waal & Axel Salto
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November, 10am – 5pm
FREE for Wakefield District residents and under 18s
In partnership with CLAY Museum of Ceramic Art, Denmark and Kunstsilo, Norway, The Hepworth Wakefield bring Playing with Fire: Edmund de Waal and Axel Salto to the UK in November 2025.
Kira Freije: Unspeak the Chorus
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November, 10am – 5pm
FREE for Wakefield District residents and under 18s
The first major solo exhibition of Kira Freije’s (b. 1985, London) work in the UK will be presented at The Hepworth Wakefield this autumn – coinciding with Light Up Wakefield!
Fringe @ Trinity Walk
Santa’s Grotto
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November, 11am-3pm
Trinity Walk’s FREE Santa’s Grotto will be open during Light Up Wakefield with their ‘Trinch’ also out and about causing mayhem!
Fringe @ The National Coal Mining Museum for England
Light Up Festival
Saturday 22 November, 10am-6:30pm
Join NCMME for performances, music, and a spectacular projection created by children and young people from across the district. Make your own lantern and join in with the unmissable community lantern parade. Plus, don’t forget to enjoy some tasty festive treats in the Museum Café.
Light Up Wakefield is organised by Wakefield Council