A year-long programme of cultural activities in Wakefield is set to kick off with a day of 24 free events.
The ‘24 in 24’ launch event on 13 January includes craft sessions, an open learning disability rugby league session, a Zumba class, and a tour of a photography exhibition at the National Coal Mining Museum.
The day’s headline act is Wakefield-born poet Ben Taylor, also known as Yorkshire Prose, who will celebrate the district’s heritage with a poem based on contributions from residents.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority has provided £800,000 towards the cost of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, with a further £500,000 from Arts Council England.
Wakefield Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, Michelle Collins, said: ‘Our Year will be an inclusive year-long celebration of our district.
‘It will provide a unique opportunity to bring our communities together and connect them to the district’s amazing cultural and creative assets and outdoor spaces, as well as showcasing what makes our communities special.
‘It will also boost visitor numbers, which will benefit our local businesses and high streets.
'And it will support our cultural and creative sector to grow, providing a lasting legacy of quality employment opportunities for local people.’
