Wakefield city centre has a fresh new look, with a series of colourful lamppost banners now lining the streets. Installed by Wakefield BID, the banners are here to stay all year round – giving a vibrant welcome to everyone who visits the city.
Unveiled just ahead of Wakefield’s very first Merrie City Festival (22–25 August), the banners celebrate everything that makes Wakefield a great place to be – from eating, drinking and shopping to creativity, culture and community.
The designs were created in collaboration with Rhubarb Design House, a Wakefield-based studio. Their vision was to inject vibrancy and playfulness into the city streets, turning the banners into more than just decoration. Bold graphics, layered type and vibrant colours encourage people to slow down, take notice and see the city in new ways.
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, said:
“We wanted to create something that not only marks the start of the Merrie City Festival but continues to brighten up Wakefield throughout the year. These banners are about making people feel welcome, reminding residents of everything they can enjoy in their city, and encouraging more visitors to come and explore.”
Rhubarb Design House added:
“Our aim was to create banners that feel alive, colourful and playful – designs that not only brighten the streets but also shift perceptions of Wakefield as a city full of creativity and possibility.”
So whether you’re in Wakefield for the festival, doing a spot of shopping, or heading into the city for a night out, take a moment to look up and see how many banners you can spot. They’re here to stay – and they’re here to celebrate Wakefield.
👉 Find out more about the Merrie City Festival at merriecityfestival.co.uk
