Sponsored blog for Wakefield Libraries
WordFest is led by Wakefield Libraries and combines the power of our spoken and written language through poetry, theatre, debate, song and creative writing with the 2022 festival theme of celebrating our science and industry.
We’ve got all the details for the events & activities that will appeal to families & children!
**Β Please note all events are pre-bookable, so please do give the library a call / email to book your place (details at the bottom of this blog) **
Words 2 Explore
π An interactive experience for families which introduces latitude & longitude through creative storytelling. Using the what3words app families will follow a story trail that leads to a library.
π§π½ All ages
𧩠Airedale, Castleford, Featherstone, Hemsworth, Ossett, Pontefract, Sandal and Wakefield Libraries (between 1st & 31st May)
The case of the phantasmagorical railway & travelling craftorium
π In this thrilling play and workshop suitable for young and old audiences alike, the crime fighting steampunk duo from an alternative Victorian Wakefield solve supernatural cases with their fantastical inventions. Join them for this steampunk crafting workshop and live performance.
π§π½ Aimed at children 7 years+
𧩠Normanton Library (7th May, 10am & 11.30am), Castleford Library (14th May, 10am & 12pm), Pugneys Country Park (21st May, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm), Wakefield Library (28th May, 10am & 12pm), Pontefract Library (30th May, 10am & 12pm)
Zero Gravity Lunar Library
π A VR and PC experience inspired by a mobile library van rebuilt as a Moon-orbiting space shuttle. Explore the cabin, photo exhibition and films and play a game to plant a flag on the moon.
π§π½ Aimed at children 8 years+
𧩠Airedale Library (9th May, 3pm), Stanley Library (24th May, 10.30am), South Elmsall Library (24th May, 3pm), Pontefract Library (28th May, 12pm), Wakefield Library (31st May, 2.30pm)
The Quest for the Missing Element with Story Trails
π The magical world has stopped turning. And itβs all because the elements are missing! Join Newt-on and Pan β the enchanted worldβs most amazing magicalists β as they go on a quest to find the missing elements in this explosive, interactive show. Experience the wonder of science and learn about experiments that you can do at home!
π§π½ Aimed at children ages 3 – 9 years
𧩠Anglers Country Park (21st May, 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm), Wakefield Library (30th May, 10am & 11am), Normanton Library (30th May, 1pm & 2pm), South Elmsall Library (1st June, 10am & 11am), Pontefract Library (1st June, 1pm & 2pm)
Industrial Stories Brought Back to Life
π Created with disabled adult performers, an interactive story exploring stories of families and the coal mining industry.
π§π½ Aimed at families with children under 5
𧩠Featherstone Library (6th May, 10am & 11am), Normanton Library (9th May, 10am & 11am), South Elmsall Library (10th May, 10am & 11am), Stanley Library (13th May, 10am & 11am)
Not Too Shoddy
π Join Mungo and Shoddy in this workshop and performance which explores Wakefieldβs textile heritage and the strong historical link to reclaimed wool and Shoddy traders. Written for children of primary school age and
their families it will be both playful and thought
provoking.
π§π½ Aimed at children ages 5 – 11 years
𧩠Ossett Library (6th May, 3.45pm), Horbury Library (7th May, 11am), Sandal Library (20th May, 3.45pm), Hemsworth Library (21st May, 11am)
Goggles & Giggles with Social I-Sing
πΒ This journey of discovery explores all the senses through hands-on science experiments, storytelling, rap and song. Built on the success of WordFest 2021βs multi-sensory storytelling and Toddler Rap sessions, the two concepts are combined into this inspiring workshop. And each child gets their own pair of goggles so they can be a scientist at home!
π§π½ Aimed at children 1 – 5 years
π§©Β 10am & 11am at each library – Stanley library (3rd May), Pontefract Library (4th May), Castleford Library (5th May), South Elmsall Library (9th May), Normanton Library (10th May), Ossett Library (11th Library), Hemsworth Library (12th May), Airedale Library (17th May), Sandal Library (18th May), Featherstone Library (19th May), Wakefield Library (24th May), Horbury Library (26th May)
Mataton Storytimes
π Bring your littles ones to Wakefield Libraries across the district for fun, social story sessions featuring Makaton rhymes and signs. Take part in our WordFest Makaton challenge with our rhyme and sign of the week. We’ll be singing & signing Five Little Ducks, The Wheels on the Bus, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, Incy Wincy Spider!
π§π½ Aimed at families with children under 5
𧩠all Wakefield Libraries, click here for days & timings
Lion Learners
π Back for more animal handling fun for WordFest 2022. Make your day a little wilder with an awesome animal handling experience! Fun, friendly and informative!
π§π½ All ages
𧩠Wakefield Library (7th May, 10.30am), Pontefract Library (21st May, 10.30am), Stanley Library (28th May, 10.30am)
Love Science
π Try our family friendly Love Science Workshop and have a go at: building a solar powered buggy, making perfect slime, making light-up circuit models, looking at animal x-rays and creating your own mini science CVs
π§π½ All ages
𧩠Stanley Library (14th May, 10.30am), Wakefield Library (14th May, 1.30pm), South Elmsall Library (30th May, 10am), Hemsworth Library (30th May, 1.30pm)
Recycled Craft Sessions with Renewi
π Join our recycled craft session and create amazing crafts from everyday household waste
π§π½ All ages
𧩠Wakefield Library (30th May, 2pm)
Ilbert’s Dragon Tales
π Join Ilbert the dragon at Pontefract castle for a morning of fairy tales, fun, and hands on play. Each week help Ilbert and our storytellers bring familiar tales to life through music, props and actions, and take part in related activities, crafts and games.
π§π½ Aimed at children 2 – 5 years
𧩠Pontefract Castle (4th, 11th, 18th & 25th May, 10:30am) – book here
Booking Details for all Events & Activities
Download your copy of the WordFest brochure & activity booklet!
Childrenβs WordFest Activity Booklet
Join in with the conversation on social media by using the hashtags #WordFest and #MakeWordsCount.