Welcome to Merrie City Festival
Wakefield BID presents Merrie City Festival — a colourful celebration of creativity, community and culture taking over Wakefield city centre this August Bank Holiday.
Across four days, enjoy a packed programme of live music, dance, street performance, games, arts and crafts — plus a few surprises along the way.
Whether you’re here to explore, get involved, or just soak up the atmosphere, there’ll be something around every corner for all ages to enjoy.
What’s On
Across four packed days, Merrie City Festival will transform Wakefield into a hub of performance, creativity and fun for all ages.
🎵 Main Stage Performances
From brass bands and buskers to indie acts and choirs, enjoy live sets on our main stage in the Cathedral Precinct outside Wakefield Cathedral throughout the weekend.
Friday 22nd August
The Crows of Albion
Guys and Dolls
Kamikaze Poet
Jake Eb
Emma Cunliffe
Robin Cooper
Sound Quarry
Ali Bullivent
Jade Wright
Saturday 23rd August
Wakeylele band
Brad Jack
Morgan Jade
Just Joshin
Emma Cunliffe
Xuberdance
Speech from the Mayor of Wakefield
Sunday 24th August
Skinny Living
Littlewood
Tom Fletcher
Emma Cunliffe
Walton Singers
Monday 25th August
Gerri and the Atrix
Jake Eb
She Sings
Actung Marshall
Say Flohr
Check our Facebook page for the full performance schedule.
🛍️ Stalls
A mix of local businesses, charities, and community groups offering crafts, gifts, treats, and more.
Friday 22 August
Andrews Toys and Gifts • Braceletique • Community Foundation for Wakefield District • Colour Witch • Froglife • Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice • Heart of Yorkshire Education • Horbury Community Centre • Mikey3DMedia • My Hospital Charity • Specsavers • St Vincent Charity Shop • Wakefield Theatre Royal • Wakefield Trinity • Althams Travel
Saturday 23 August
Andrews Toys and Gifts • Community Foundation for Wakefield District • Colour Witch • Ear Art • Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice • Hays Travel • Heart of Yorkshire Education • Horbury Community Centre • Mikey3DMedia • NCMM • Specsavers • Wakefield Civic Society • Wakefield City of Sanctuary • Wakefield Trinity • Althams Travel
Sunday 24 August
Andrews Toys and Gifts • Colour Witch • Friends of Waterton Wall • Hays Travel • Heart of Yorkshire Education • Horbury Community Centre • Mikey3DMedia • WYCA Policing Crime Team • Specsavers
Monday 25 August
Andrews Toys and Gifts • Colour Witch • Friends of Waterton Wall • Hays Travel • Horbury Community Centre • Mikey3DMedia • Specsavers • St Vincent Charity Shop
🎨 Creative Workshops & Activities
Drop in and try something hands-on – from art and craft to printmaking, digging for coal and more.
Giant Fabric Mural Craft-Along
In partnership with Wool ’n Stuff — help create a magnificent, collaborative fabric mural capturing the heart and soul of Wakefield.
- Write or draw your favourite Wakefield memory or place
- Stitch, glue or craft your own design
- Kids’ craft area available
All materials provided. The Wool ’n Stuff shop will be open all weekend.
Dig for Coal & Fossils
Step into the boots of a miner at our coal sand pit:
- Discover real pieces of coal
- Find incredible 3D fossil replicas
- Learn about treasures formed millions of years ago
Circus & Bubbles
Step right up and discover your inner performer! Have a go at juggling, plate spinning, and other circus skills, or create magical giant bubbles with Joker Entertainment.
These fun, hands-on workshops are perfect for all ages and abilities, offering plenty of laughs and memorable moments.
Running Friday 22 – Sunday 24 August, 11am–3pm at WX Wakefield Exchange
Family fun & games
Bring the kids and enjoy games, challenges and playful activities in family-friendly spaces across the city.
From Connect 4, Splat the Rat, basketball and bean bag toss to giant noughts and crosses and snakes and ladders.
Find us at the main Festival area and WX.
🌆 Wider City & Fringe Highlights
All Weekend
Look back on 40 years of The Ridings @ The Ridings, Middle Mall
Jason and the Wakefield Adventure @ WX Wakefield Exchange
Drop-In Family Crafts @ WX Wakefield Exchange
Cynthia Kenny: A City Framed @ Wakefield Museum
Guys and Dolls @ Wakefield Theatre | Various Times
Friday 22 August
Jurassic Safari @ The Ridings Shopping Centre
Princesses of Trinity @ Trinity Walk
Free Face Painting @ Trinity Walk and The Riding Shopping Centre
Emotional Geographies @ The Art House
Friday Night Live @ WX Wakefield Exchange | From 6pm
Saturday 23 August
Little Hummingbird Makers Market @ The Ridings Shopping Centre
Free Face Painting @ Trinity Walk
Book signing with Daniel Sellers @ Waterstones | 2pm to 4pm
DanceXplosion @ WX Wakefield Exchange | 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm
Emotional Geographies @ The Art House
Lumen Print Family Workshop @ The Art House | Drop in any time between 10:30-12:30 and 13:30-15:30
Family Fun @ Wakefield Museum | Drop in anytime between 11:00 – 15:00
Cathedral Family Fun @ Wakefield Cathedral | Between 11:00 – 15:00
Country Music Festival @ Black Horse Wakefield | From 2pm
Sunday 24 August
DanceXplosion @ WX Wakefield Exchange | 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm
Live Music by Matt Yates @ The Ridings | 11am – 2pm
Monday 25 August
The Colour Witch will be joining us at the Merrie City Festival with her magical Witch’s Hat Tipi. Expect book readings from The Adventures of Rayne-Beau Soul Ranger, immersive colour sensory sessions, creative workshops, and much more.
Hosting something in your venue during the festival? Email info@wakefieldbid.co.uk to be included in the live Fringe schedule.
🛍 Explore Local Businesses
Wander the city centre and discover Wakefield’s fantastic independent shops, cafés and market stalls.
🎉 Surprise Moments
Keep your eyes peeled – not everything is in the programme…
Follow @WakefieldBID and @EyUpWakefield or check back here for updates.
