Pontefract Liquorice Festival, seaside events and Castleford Roman Festival 2021 are cancelled

Pontefract Liquorice Festival, Castleford Roman Festival and the Seaside events across the district will instead return next year, bigger and better than ever before.

As the dates for the easing of lockdown measures are subject to change - this decision has been made to avoid last minute cancellation of the events.

Coun Jacquie Speight, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “It has been a really difficult decision to cancel these events but we felt it was better for all involved to make the decision now, as there is still some uncertainty ahead and the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown can be changed at any time.

“Unfortunately, large open outdoor events will be very difficult to manage if we need to maintain social distancing measures at the time and so we’re hoping to celebrate the themes of the events through activity at our libraries, museums and markets and online.

“We know that many people will be disappointed but we are planning a few additional Covid-safe events during the spring and summer, and I hope, alongside the other celebration activity, it gives everyone something to look forward to.”

‘Together and Apart’ - an exhibition of work by local artists and communities from across the Wakefield district during last year’s Covid-19 lockdown, alongside Festival of the Earth - which will play a key role in contributing to raising the awareness of the council’s commitment to tackling climate change and reducing its carbon footprint - will both take place across the district in the coming months.

More information about these two events will be announced shortly.

Residents can find out more about the Government’s roadmap, by visiting the Government website here.