The spirit of Wakefield came alive at this summer’s Merrie City Festival, as live art, music, and generosity came together to support a cause close to the city’s heart.
Across the four-day festival, visitors had the chance to watch local artist Mikey3DMedia create a striking new artwork live in the city centre — capturing the energy, colour and creativity that defined this year’s celebration. The completed piece was later auctioned off, with the popular local band Skinny Living signing the artwork and helping to raise an impressive £500.
That total was then match-funded by Prosper Wakefield, bringing the final donation to £1,000. The proceeds are being donated to Wakefield Children’s Charity — a local charity providing vital support and experiences for children and young people facing disadvantage in the Wakefield district.
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, said:
“The Merrie City Festival is about celebrating everything that makes Wakefield special — its creativity, its people and its strong sense of community. Seeing art and music come together to support a local cause is exactly what this festival is about. We’re thrilled that this donation will make a real difference to young people in our city.”
Mikey 3D from Mikey3DMedia added:
“Creating this piece live at the festival was an incredible experience. The support from everyone who stopped to chat, take photos and bid at the auction means the world. To see the artwork help raise £1,000 for such an important charity is something I’ll never forget.”
Ryan Johnston from Skinny Living said:
“Wakefield is our home, and we love being part of events that bring people together. Signing the artwork and supporting this fundraiser was a real honour, and we’re proud to give back to a community that has given us so much.”
Kath Lindley, Chief Executive Prosper Wakefield, commented:
“We are incredibly grateful that so many people have come together to celebrate Wakefield and raise money to support a range of amazing children’s charities across the Wakefield district. Our local communities are facing some tough challenges at the moment, and every penny that’s raised at the Wakefield Annual Christmas Charity Lunch (organised by the Wakefield Children’s Charity and known as WACCL) goes towards making the lives of children and young people in those communities, a bit better.”
Pat Langham, Chair of Wakefield Children’s Charity, said:
“We cannot thank Wakefield BID enough for the wonderful contribution that has been made following the Merrie City Festival. All funds that are donated to the charity, go directly to support the beneficiaries that deliver positive interventions to children and young people throughout the district. These funds will make a world of difference to the charities and not-for-profits we work with.”
The Merrie City Festival will return to Wakefield in August 2026, promising even more live music, art, performances and activities celebrating the city’s heritage, present and future.
