Wakefield Rhubarb Festival

Where: Wakefield, Yorkshire at the Cathedral Precinct
When: Weekend in late February
Time: 10am - 4pm

 

Forced Rhubarb

Wakefield was traditionally a centre of rhubarb growing and the modern foodie festival celebrates this heritage each February. The Rhubarb Triangle is the Wakefield-Leeds-Morley area in which the fruit has been grown for over 150 years; the conditions here were ideal with suitable soil, plenty of local fuel from the mines and large numbers of market gardeners. Much of it is grown in dark forcing sheds, which are a feature of the local landscape and bring in an early crop. Tours of the sheds are arranged as part of the festival (see website for full details) and the main event is the Yorkshire Market which includes cookery demonstrations, street entertainment and of course plenty of rhubarb!

Helpful Hints

In 2024 the festival ran from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th February- 2025 dates are yet to be announced.

There are plenty of other food options for rhubarb refuseniks – rhubarb consumption is not compulsory (but the Rhuby cheese is delicious!!).

From the organisers this year (2023): The all-important food and drink market returns with over 60 chalets where you can sample and purchase local and regional delights including everything from the finest gins, jams, pickles, cheese, baked goods and so much more!Families will love the array of workshops on offer and the array of children activities available throughout the weekend delivered by Be Amazing Arts. Expect face painting, craft activities, storytelling and performing arts sessions! Don’t miss a programme of music from Wakefield Music Collective, and lively street entertainment including the return of Ruby Rhubarb and Wakefield Morris Dancers.Expect a whole new programme of chef demos curated by Yorkshire Food Guide and expand your culinary skills. Learn from the best with featuring chefs from Great British Bake Off, Great British Menu, MasterChef finalists and more.Finally, extend your stay with the Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail around the city, showcasing restaurants and bars putting on rhubarb themed food and drink throughout the weekend.

Click here for the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RhubarbFestival

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