Wakefield’s first ever Merrie City Festival has been hailed a huge success, with thousands of people joining us in the city centre across the August Bank Holiday weekend.
For four days, the city was alive with live music, street performers, creative workshops, family games, heritage activities and plenty of surprises. Every corner offered something new to discover — from bands on the main stage to hands-on craft sessions, theatre, and family fun.
Businesses across the city reported a boost in trade as festival-goers explored shops, cafés, and restaurants while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The feedback from both the public and traders has been overwhelmingly positive, showing the difference large-scale events can make in bringing people together and supporting the local economy.
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, said:
“The first ever Merrie City Festival has been an incredible success — four days packed with live music, street performers, creative workshops, family games and brilliant surprises that really brought our city centre to life. Thousands turned out to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend in Wakefield, and the buzz across our businesses was fantastic to see. At Wakefield BID, our job is to make the city centre vibrant, welcoming and prosperous, and this festival showed exactly what can be achieved when we all come together. We are delighted to confirm the Merrie City Festival will return next year.”
The festival is part of Wakefield BID’s mission to create a vibrant, welcoming and prosperous city centre, delivering events that not only entertain but also strengthen our community and showcase everything Wakefield has to offer.
We’re already looking forward to bringing the Merrie City Festival back next year — and making it even bigger and better.
