The Red Shed to celebrate 60 years as a Socialist club
Wakefield Labour Club, an unpretentious wooden hut, tucked away on a little-used city street, celebrates its 60th anniversary in September.
Throughout this special year, the committee has committed to organising a diverse programme of 60 different events, in addition to commissioning one anniversary beer each month from local breweries.
The club, known to all as The Red Shed, due to its socialist allegiances and vibrant paint job, has played a part in the political and social life of the city and its inhabitants ever since it was first erected on Vicarage Street in 1966.
The building, a former army or possibly an RAF hut, was bought for around £400 from a firm in Brighouse. Newspaper reports at the time said the total cost, including fitting it out, came to some £3,000.
Turning it from an old hut to a functioning club was carried out by a hardworking team of club members in time for the 1966 May elections. The official launch, though, didn’t take place until September 24, when MP and labour minister Alice Bacon did the honours.
In the intervening years, the club and its members have lived through and supported workers’ struggles around the world.
The first formal meeting of Wakefield CND took place in the club in the 1960s, and it was the hub of the Wakefield Miners’ Support Group during the 1984-85 strike when hundreds of food parcels were distributed to striking miners and their families each week.
For the 50th anniversary, a book was curated by Ian Clayton: The Red Shed - Fifty Years a Socialist Club.
It was made up of the collected reminiscences of those people associated with the club throughout its history and is a fascinating read.
The Red Shed was also where the young Mark Thomas, a student at Bretton Hall College in the 1980s, sharpened his wit and developed his political conscience.
Now an acclaimed comedian, author and political activist, Mark performed his first stand-up routines at the club.
For the 50th anniversary, he put together a show - its central theme was what The Red Shed means to the men and women who frequent it.
The club clearly still means a lot to him and, during the past 40 years, he’s continued to visit regularly from his home in London.
Political and social groups meet there: Darby and Joan, Socialist History Group, Labour Party ward and trade union meetings, among others.
It hosts a successful East Meets West Beer Festival each year and is the meeting point for the annual Banners Held High event. There are quizzes, discos, open mic nights and music sessions.
It’s also recently become a stage of the Wakefield Art Walk due to the curated wall of photographs. Last year, it was the Miners’ Strike; for 2026, the theme is Women of the Working Class.
The club has won multiple CAMRA awards for its beer and always has an ever-changing selection of real ales.
Club president Matthew Hallas said: “Last year, our involvement in the Rhubarb Festival, the Blues Festival, and our continued support for Banners Held High helped put The Red Shed firmly on the map.
"It’s been great to see the club not just hosting events, but taking an active role in Wakefield’s wider cultural life.
And the best part is that we’re not slowing down. We’re looking forward to building on all of this in 2026 - our 60th year.
"That’s something special. Not many places manage to stay true to their values for this long.
"We’ll be celebrating throughout the year, and I hope everyone will be part of it. It’s a chance to honour the history, the people, and the spirit that have kept The Red Shed going."