Upcycle Art CIC lights up Wakefield libraries
Families across Wakefield stepped into a world of light, imagination, and folklore during this year’s Lantern of Legends, a family-friendly storytelling and craft project by Upcycle Art CIC, presented as part of WordFest 2025 in partnership with Wakefield Libraries.
Across eight performances in local libraries, children and parents created glowing paper lanterns inspired by myths and legends from the Wakefield district.
Each session began with a live storytelling performance that brought to life tales of rivers, moons, and magical creatures, inviting families to listen, imagine, and join in the adventure.
The experience reached a powerful crescendo during a magical indoor lantern parade, where a classical-contemporary singer performed a fairy-tale-inspired song. The entire library fell silent as the singer’s captivating voice filled the space, creating a breath-taking moment that left both children and adults in awe.
Artist and project lead Ruth Agbolade said: “It was incredible to see families come together, listening, creating, and shining their lights side by side. For many, it was their first time taking part in a creative event at the library, and you could feel the excitement in the air.”
Lantern of Legends was designed to merge art, storytelling, and performance, helping families discover the joy of creativity while connecting with Wakefield’s local stories. The workshops encouraged hands-on learning, imagination, and collaboration, with each lantern becoming a small piece of art that celebrated community and hope.
The project not only brightened the half-term week but also left a lasting impact on families and artists alike. Ruth shared that the support from WordFest helped her expand her participatory arts practice, reach new audiences, and collaborate with talented performers.
“What I loved most was seeing how creativity can bring people together. Families who had never made art before were cutting, gluing, laughing, and telling stories side by side; that’s what Upcycle Art CIC is all about: making art that belongs to everyone.”
As Wakefield prepares for WordFest 2026, Lantern of Legends stands as a shining example of how creativity, storytelling, and community spirit can light up even the simplest of spaces; one lantern at a time.