Wakefield district's WordFest is returning this October with a programme of free events inspired by mysteries, thrillers and crime stories.
The annual celebration of words will bring activities for adults, children and families to libraries and partner venues across the district.
The programme includes author events, writing workshops, performances, games, murder mysteries and Harry Potter escape rooms.
Events across the district
- Monday 19 October, 1.30pm, Stanley Library: Black Horse Poets creative-writing workshops for people aged 12 and over.
- Monday 26 October, 2pm, Airedale Library: Time Will Tell's interactive Murder, Mystery & Mayhem whodunit activity, suitable for all ages.
- Tuesday 27 October, 3pm, Pontefract Library: Murder Most Foul creative-writing workshops for 14 to 17-year-olds, led by writer Sarah Osborne and digital artist Juliette Tracey.
- Wednesday 28 October, 2pm, National Coal Mining Museum: Tmesis Theatre's The Great Library Mystery, combining storytelling, movement, music and puppetry for families.
- Thursday 29 October, Hemsworth Library: A whodunit tabletop-game workshop with game designer Beccy from Story Trails. Check the programme for the session time.
Wakefield Council's cabinet member for Culture and Sport, Lukasz Borcz, said residents and visitors would have opportunities to explore the programme, take part and learn something new.
Agatha Christie exhibition
A free exhibition, Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery, will be displayed at Pontefract Library from 30 October 2026 to 30 January 2027.
It will then move to Wakefield Library from 5 February to 1 May 2027.
The exhibition is being brought to the district with the British Library Living Knowledge Network. It explores Christie's life, work and fictional characters, including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, while marking 50 years since her death.
Residents can check the full programme and booking arrangements on Wakefield Council's WordFest page or pick up a brochure at a local library.