Details are emerging about the upcoming events of Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, an extensive year-long series of cultural and heritage activities set to unfold in the following year.
This celebratory year is poised to serve as a catalyst for attracting investments and enhancing the local tourism sector. Moreover, it will present the residents of Wakefield district with an opportunity to actively participate in cultural and creative endeavours, allowing them to witness the constructive impact these initiatives have on their community.
Excitingly, more aspects of the Our Year plan are now being unveiled. Among them is a prominent partnership with Trigger, renowned creators and organisers of unforgettable live shows. Notably, their revolutionary dragon puppet, The Hatchling, is scheduled to make an appearance in Wakefield, marking a significant collaboration.
Cllr Michelle Collins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport at Wakefield Council, says: “We’re extremely excited to begin to reveal the fantastic activities people can get involved with as part of the programme of culture and creativity we’re planning during 2024.
“Our Year – Wakefield District 2024 will offer something for everyone to enjoy, wherever you are. In the run-up to 2024, we’ll be working with local people to shape the celebration of our communities so that Our Year is truly inclusive and reflects our unique heritage and identity.”
Angie Bual, Creative Director of Trigger, added: “We’re thrilled to be bringing The Hatchling to Wakefield in August 2024, in celebration of Our Year and in the Chinese Year of the Dragon. This show is created with the support of partners across Wakefield and celebrates the talent and energy of the people who live there.
“Community engagement and creating opportunities for local people is a vital part of The Hatchling’s purpose, from puppeteering training to help The Hatchling take flight, to working with local community groups to be part of the August bank holiday celebrations. The Hatchling isn’t just a spectacle to witness, it’s an experience to get involved in.”
The Hatchling is just one element in a packed programme for 2024 which includes a supercharged series of festivals, exhibitions, talks and activities as well as major events from key partner organisations.
Confirmed events include the first major museum exhibition of sculptor Kim Lim’s work since 1999, featuring over 100 artworks alongside extensive archive material at The Hepworth Wakefield.
Theatre Royal Wakefield will host 11 performances of the annual musical by Wakefield Youth Music Theatre in Autumn 2024, along with workshops for socially isolated older people, learning disabled young people, Asylum Seekers and Refugees.
Finally, Yorkshire Sculpture Park has planned a vibrant exhibition by artist Jonathan Baldock. Inspired by the medieval wooden carvings at Wakefield Cathedral, Baldock’s work offers a new take on traditional craft, combining sound, scent, folk motifs, humour and mysterious characters in an exhibition entitled Touch Wood.
Cllr Collins continues: “Everyone working on Our Year is aiming to create memories that last a lifetime. Whether that’s meeting The Hatchling, participating in a community performance, or hearing an inspirational story from our communities.
“Our Year is going to be brimming with opportunities for local people to get involved with and be inspired by. We’re inviting everyone to join us on this journey. This is Our Year.”
Find out more at ouryear2024.co.uk
