Light Up Wakefield will take place on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November, transforming Wakefield city centre with light installations, live entertainment and a festive parade.
Light Switch-On and Entertainment
The festival begins on Friday 13 November at 5:30pm in the Cathedral Precinct with the annual Light Switch-On event. Local performers will provide live entertainment on the main stage, compered by Rhubarb Radio. The switch-on officially launches this year's nature-themed light art trail across the city centre.
Light Installations and Attractions
Visitors can explore light installations throughout Wakefield city centre, including Limbic Cinema's 'Rewild'—a magical, illuminated animation on County Hall that invites audiences to become part of the artwork.
On Saturday 14 November, the illuminated 'Nature's Return' parade will celebrate the return of wildlife to Wakefield's rivers, meadows, moors and gardens. The parade is led by a towering Mother Nature figure, with glowing creatures emerging from the darkness.
Event Hub and Activities
Wakefield Exchange (WX) will serve as the official Light Up Event Hub throughout the weekend. Visitors can pick up trail maps, enjoy street food and take part in Kaleider's interactive light art experience, 'Twist & Shine'.
More information is available at expwake.co/LightUpWakefield.
Updated 14 October 2026: The council has confirmed the Nature’s Return parade will start at County Hall at 5.30pm on Saturday 14 November.
The parade will travel through Wood Street and finish on Brook Street. It is expected to take around thirty minutes, and the council recommends Wood Street as the best place to watch.
The wider Light Up Wakefield light trail runs from 5pm to 9pm on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 November. Free trail maps will be available from the event hub at WX Wakefield Exchange.
More details are available through Light Up Wakefield’s event information.