The Rhubarb Festival returns to Wakefield from 20–22 February 2026, bringing thousands of visitors into the city centre for one of Wakefield’s biggest and most recognisable events. Celebrating Wakefield’s proud rhubarb heritage, the festival delivers a high-energy weekend of food, drink, family activity and discovery across the city.
Wakefield BID plays a central role in supporting the Rhubarb Festival – driving footfall, promoting businesses and helping to create a vibrant, city-wide experience that benefits Wakefield city centre.
Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail
Wakefield BID delivers the Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail, a flagship part of the festival that encourages visitors to explore more of Wakefield and discover the depth and quality of the city’s food and drink offer.
Businesses can take part by offering:
- Rhubarb-inspired dishes, bakes or cocktails
- Limited-edition menus or chef specials
- Tasting flights, pairings or creative food and drink experiences
All participating venues will be featured on the Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail Map, promoted both online and in print, and included in wider festival marketing and PR activity.
Deadline to take part in the Food & Drink Trail:
➡️ Thursday 1 January 2026
Live Chef Demos – Demo Tent
The Rhubarb Festival Demo Tent is one of the festival’s biggest attractions, drawing large audiences throughout the weekend. Wakefield BID is inviting businesses to take part by hosting live 60-minute Chef Demos, showcasing the talent, creativity and personality of Wakefield’s food and drink scene.
Chef Demos provide a strong platform to:
- Engage directly with festival audiences
- Demonstrate skills, techniques and produce live on stage
- Promote your venue and encourage post-festival visits
Spaces are limited and interest is expected to be high.
Deadline to register interest for a Live Chef Demo:
➡️ Thursday 1 January 2026
Rhubarb Window Display Competition & City-Wide Activity
The Rhubarb Festival is about more than food – it’s about transforming Wakefield into a vibrant, eye-catching destination.
Businesses are invited to take part in the Rhubarb Window Display Competition, helping to bring colour, creativity and festival energy to streets across the city centre. Window displays should be in place by the start of the festival on Friday 20 February 2026, ready to welcome visitors throughout the weekend.
Taking part is a great way to:
- Stand out to passing visitors
- Add to the festival atmosphere across the city
- Show creativity and pride in your business
Alongside this, Wakefield BID is keen to hear about any offers, promotions or activities you’re planning around the Rhubarb Festival or the February school holidays. Whether it’s a special offer, family-friendly activity or in-store experience, sharing your plans helps us promote what’s happening across Wakefield and encourage visitors to explore more of the city.
Deadline to share Window Display entries and wider festival or school holiday activity:
➡️ Monday 16th February 2026
What businesses will receive
Businesses taking part in the Rhubarb Festival will:
- Be included in festival marketing, PR and promotional activity
- Be featured on the Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail Map (where applicable)
- Receive posters and leaflets to promote their involvement
- Benefit from increased footfall and visibility during the festival weekend
Ready to get involved?
If you’d like to take part in the Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail, host a live 60-minute Chef Demo, enter the Rhubarb Window Display Competition, or share your festival or school holiday plans, we’d love to hear from you.
📧 Email: info@wakefieldbid.co.uk
Let’s make Rhubarb Festival 2026 bigger, bolder and busier than ever for Wakefield and its businesses.
