| Where: | Wakefield, Yorkshire at the Cathedral Precinct |
| When: | Weekend in late February |
| Time: | 10am - 4pm |
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 2025 the festival should run from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd February.
There are plenty of other food options for rhubarb refuseniks – rhubarb consumption is not compulsory (but the Rhuby cheese is delicious!!).
From the organisers in 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
The event is also extended to Sunday 26th February 2012.
Many thanks for the update – I’ve amended my article on the festival accordingly!
Averil
Could anyone tell me if the rhubarb festival in Wakefield is on this may bank holiday – 23rd of May please .
Hi Michelle,
Sorry for the late reply – been away for the weekend visiting various events! As it says on the website, (under “when” and Helpful Hints) the Rhubarb Festival takes place in February every year so never on in May.
Best wishes,
Averil
Just spoke to Wakefield council – date for 2014 is friday 21st Feb to sunday 23rd… Keep up the grand work!
Thanks Martin – I’ve just put the dates for 2014 up on the site so ta for the info!
Averil
I went to the rhubarb festival today (Fri 21st) having never been to Wakefield or the festival before. I had hoped to also go on one of the forced rhubarb growing tours but couldn’t as the times I could have gone were already booked up, though on Oldroyd’s website there are a several days and times including evening tours, so it is worth checking.
Yellow signs are up to direct drivers for parking for the festival. I got completely lost
I ended up in car park at a very reasonable £2.50p for the day.
the festival is held around the cathedral precinct and as is nice to visit a different place for the shops and I took my time getting there. Light green,pink and red balloons indicate the festival entrances
I was met by a man dressed as a stick of rhubarb and it just got better.
lots of street food,italian,polish, thai.
honey, preserves,olives, cheeses, cooked meats, handmade baking, all types of rhubarby type pies and the famous rhuby cheese.
there is something for everyone including things for kids to do. the street musicians and stilt walkers were good. the marquee for cookery demonstrations was packed.I spent a fortune and came away happy. I would recommend this for everyone.
people with mobility difficulties may find the stalls outside the cathedral a bit tricky as there are some steps.
Sounds like it was well worth a visit again this year – we went in 2013 and were particularly impressed by the rhuby cheese (yum!)
Averil
I’m wanting to know the dates and times for the rhubarb festival in Wakefield and if it’s on this bank holiday 23rd may -25th of May
What times are the cookery demonstrations in the marquee please on the Saturay and Sunday?
Hi Shirley,
So far I’ve found references to 11.30 and 2.30 at the Hepworth Wakefield – on the Saturday. Follow the link to https://www.experiencewakefield.co.uk/events/thedms.aspx?dms=3&venue=1990439&msg=Rhubarb+Fringe+Events&hasimage=L&festival=4031&events=1&feature=1569&pvieflag=E and you’ll get all the details!
Best wishes,
Averil