Thousands celebrate Wakefield’s conservation legacy at WallFest 26
Thousands of people took part in a month-long Wakefield festival celebrating 200 years since Charles Waterton created his famous wall and what is widely recognised as the world’s first nature reserve.
WallFest 26 brought together community groups, charities, volunteers and residents during May for a programme of walks, talks, workshops, exhibitions, performances and family activities celebrating Waterton’s pioneering conservation work.
The festival attracted visitors from across the Wakefield district and further afield, including descendants of Charles Waterton who travelled from Australia and Switzerland to take part in the bicentenary celebrations.
Alison Buckler, trustee, said: “We hope the success of the bicentenary celebrations will encourage continued interest in preserving and promoting Charles Waterton’s remarkable legacy for future generations.”
More than 700 attendances were recorded at events where registers were kept, with the total audience estimated to have exceeded 10,000 when larger public events, exhibitions, school activities and the Party in the Park were included.
The festival featured more than 50 events exploring nature, creativity, heritage and wellbeing, with local organisations including Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, Wakefield and District u3a, Second Chance Brain Injury and Wakefield Sight Aid among those involved.
Organisers said WallFest 26 helped increase understanding of Charles Waterton, his conservation work and the significance of Waterton’s Wall. Feedback showed visitors increased their knowledge of Waterton, his pioneering work and the history of the site after attending events.
Visitors praised the quality of the talks and activities, with one describing WallFest 26 as “a fantastic event”, while another highlighted the “quality, depth and spirit of engagement with each speaker”.
Trustees were also able to showcase the preserved section of the wall and ‘The Nest’, a leisure area next to the historic structure featuring an interpretation panel and bench.
The festival also highlighted continued interest in future events exploring Charles Waterton, his wall and local natural history, with 80 per cent of respondents saying they would like to attend similar events in the future. Many suggested WallFest could become a regular event.
WallFest 26 highlighted the strong local interest in Wakefield’s conservation heritage and the role communities can play in celebrating and protecting it.