Pontefract Castle Light Up

Light up events are back across the Wakefield district with a two-day event set to take place at Pontefract Castle over Friday 24th and Saturday 25th November.

A key feature of this event will be the illumination of “For Peace” an art installation by artists Sedemminut. For Peace begins with a leisurely walk that subtly turns into a run, but the run has the speed of light. Motto of the artwork: For peace, for freedom, for art!

Returning for 2023 we have the heated tipi offering a covered space for the public to get a drink and warm up alongside some live music entertainment. New for 2023 the castle will host, ice carving workshops, Homemade Christmas Craft Market & much more!

There is a hardstanding track that leads into the castle grounds, the gravelled path runs in a loop around the castle grounds however due to poor lighting and structures for the event some of this pathway will be blocked off during the event times.

Security can assist you if you need access to the pathway or need any help accessing areas on the site.

Much of the event footprint and activities are located on the castle’s Bailey (a large, grassed area). Luckily the weather has been kind to us in the past few days and this area is not too boggy and can be easily accessed.

Our friendly team of staff, security, first aiders and contractors will be on hand to offer any assistance. You can find us in either Hi-Viz or Wakefield Council uniform, look for EVENT STAFF on our backs!

Please note this is not a ticketed event and therefore we cannot confirm what the site capacity will be on the day. The crowds generally gather close to the stalls and break out areas can be found just off the precinct where benches can be found for rests. The Visitor Centre & Castle Coffee Shop will be open during the event where welfare facilities and a quiet space can be found.

Toilets – A portable disabled access toilet unit will be located on the bailey next to the Tipi however if you prefer, full accessible toilets can be found within the Visitor Centre building. Unfortunately, there is no changing places on site however, you can find the closest one at Junction 32 Shopping Centre.

Parking – The closest and most convenient disabled parking to the precinct is on Castle Garth however, to see other car parks close by click here.

Pontefract Castle Access – More information can be found on the Pontefract Castle page, please click here.

Should you need any form of medical attention please inform a member of staff or security on site where they can show you where the medical tent is located or request for a medic to come to you. We do not have any secure storage for medicines on site.

Assistance dogs (in fact all dogs…) are welcomed to all areas of the event, this must be an assistance dog that is recognised by one of the official charitable organisations as members of Assistance Dogs UK.

You can reach Pontefract Castle by bus or by train easily. Please see our Getting Here page by clicking here.

We are continually updating our access provisions for the event with updated maps etc, so please keep checking back on this page.

If you do have any queries or feel that there is anything we can improve on, we are open to suggestions!

Please feel free to contact us via festivals@wakefield.gov.uk