Wakefield’s Rhubarb Festival returns this February

Rhubarbarians assemble - Wakefield's Rhubarb Festival returns for 2023

Wakefield prepares to paint the city pink with their 15th annual Rhubarb Festival, returning to celebrate the city’s heritage February 17-19.

From the famous food & drink market and street entertainment to family workshops, live music and comedy nights – there is something for everyone at this year’s festival.

Whether you have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying, a love of all things savoury or even want to try a new tipple, the all-important food and drink market is the place to be. With over 60 chalets, visitors can look forward to sampling and purchasing a wide range of local and regional delights. From the finest gins, cheese and chutney to yummy pastries and baked goods, expect a wide range of top-quality food on offer.

A highlight of the festival is always the chef demos and this year’s programme, curated by Yorkshire Food Guide, will be no different. Learn from the best and expand your own culinary skills as Crystelle Pereira (Great British Bake Off finalist 2021); Radha Kaushal-Bolland (MasterChef finalist 2022), Bobby Geetha (BBC’s Great British Menu), Wakefield’s very own Karen Wright (Great British Bake Off) and more will be hitting up the kitchen and showcasing their best rhubarb-inspired recipes.

Wakefield’s celebration of its most famous vegetable returns to paint the city pink from 17-19 February 2023

A programme of workshops, street entertainment and live music co-ordinated by Wakefield Music Collective will keep the whole family entertained. Be Amazing Arts will be delivering face painting, craft activities, rhubarb-themed storytelling and performing arts sessions whilst Dame Ruby Rhubarb, Morris dancers and Flat Cap Brass band will be hitting the city centre streets to keep spirits high.

After the success of its debut in 2022, the Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail is back to showcase the incredible restaurants and bars that the city of Wakefield hosts. Visitors will be encouraged to extend their stay and follow the trail to discover rhubarb cocktails, pastries and dishes from local bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Wakefield Council’s yearly festival aims to celebrate the city’s rhubarb heritage. Alongside Leeds and Bradford, Wakefield is part of the Rhubarb Triangle where rhubarb is grown in special sheds in a process known as “forcing”. Coinciding with the height of growing season, the event is one of the first food and drink festivals in the national calendar and with a three-day, jam-packed programme it promises to start things off with a bang.

Visit Wakefield Rhubarb Festival 17th-19th February 2023. Find out more at expwake.co/rhubarbfest