Wildcat Kittens End of Year Show

Come to Ossett Town Hall on Friday, December 9 and enjoy an evening of entertainment from Wakefield Wildcat’s junior cheerleaders – as they stage the Wildcat Kittens End of Year Show.
An energetic performance in a variety of dance styles including Cheerleading, Street Dance and Contemporary Jazz. Come along ready to be entertained.
Doors open at 6.30pm. For tickets contact Wakefield Wildcats on 01924 211611 or email jodietravis@wakefieldwildcats.co.uk

Fawlty Towers at Woolley Hall

Fawlty Towers, Fawlty Tower, Fawty Tower, Fawty Toer, Warty Towels, Fawlty Tower, Watery Fowls, Flay Otters, Fatty Owls, Flowery Twats, or Farty Towels.
Whatever your favourite episode of Fawlty Towers, John Cleese’s classic Seventies comedy, fans are in for a treat this December when Fawlty Towers descends on Woolley Hall.
The Fawlty Towers tribute act will entertain you and your party throughout a three course meal, offering you an evening of slapstick fun and high energy interactive comedy. After dinner entertainment will be provided by Laughlines and will include Basil and Cybil Fawlty and Manuel followed by a DJ and dancing until midnight. The event runs from 7pm and costs just £29.95 per person
To book your place call 01924 305830.

Xmas lunch with Father Christmas

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a traditional festive lunch in the splendour of Woolley Hall. From the moment you drive through our gates up to the Manor house, you’re sure to feel Christmassy.
From Monday, December 12 to Friday 16 you and your family can enjoy a festive three course meal for just £17.95 and be regaled by stories from Father Christmas.
Yes indeed! Our Victorian Father Christmas dressed in traditional colourful costume. So listen up as he recites famous yuletide stories and poems. Relax and listen to these heart warming stories by the log fire, as you enjoy festive drinks and treats.
On arrival you will be served drinks of egg nog, mead, mulled wine and nibbles, then sit down to roast beef & Yorkshire pudding, or – if you’re a veggie - Chestnut spinach and mushroom crumble. All served with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The tuck into traditional Christmas pudding and brandy sauce or lemon syllabub followed by tea and coffee with port, mince tarts, cookies and candy canes.
Or come on Sunday, December 19 for a special festive Sunday lunch.
To book your place call 01924 305830

TicketyBoo present A Kick in the Baubles

Local amateur dramatics group Tickety-Boo Theatre Company returns to Pontefract Town Hall with a special festive play called A Kick in the Baubles written written by Gordon Steel from December 1 to 3.
It should be another peaceful Christmas in the Bailey household, but chestnuts are not roasting on an open fire, and although a Silent Night would be welcome, all is not calm and all is certainly not bright.
First performed by Hull Truck Theatre Company, this is a very funny festive play that might just jingle your baubles! The Tickety-Boo Theatre Company have a great track record for delivering excellent and funny drama – so make sure you don’t miss out.
Doors open at 6.30pm and the performances begins at 7.30pm.Adult tickets £8.00 and concession tickets (Children, OAP) are £6.00. Tickets are available either online (no booking fee) via the Tickety-Boo website www.ticketybootheatre.co.uk, or by telephoning the Box Office on 01977 799740 or in person from PC Perfect computer shop opposite Pontefract Bus Station. Group discounts are also available.

Light up a Life in Wakefield

At Christmas we often wish to remember those who are special to us. We are delighted then, to be working with Wakefield Hospice who invites you to honour a loved one who may have passed away or be absent during the Christmas season.
You can celebrate the memory of your loved ones or honour someone special in your life by sponsoring a light on our tree of lights, which will be illuminated at our dedication ceremonies on the Thursday, December 1 at Wakefield Town Hall.
This is a new service being held on the steps of the Town Hall on Wood Street which will be closed to traffic during the service. The service will start at 6pm and last approximately half an hour. Please note that there will be very limited seating available at this service.
A further two services will be held at Wakefield Cathedral on Sunday, December 4 at 2.00pm and 5.00pm. For every name sponsored, Wakefield Hospice will send you a personalised card (cards will be issued after Remembrance Sunday). Each name will also appear in Wakefield Hospice’s book of Christmas blessings, which will be available to view at the Cathedral dedication services and will remain in the Cathedral until twelfth night.
For further information visit the Wakefield Hospice Website.

Wakefield District lights up for Christmas

Wakefield’s festive celebrations officially begin on Thursday, November 17 when the city’s Christmas lights will be switched on.
The Xmas light up will coincide with a Victorian market and other entertainments - last year we had live entertainment from St Ignatius Primary School Choir, Wakefield Wildcats cheerleaders, Music 4 Kids, Dimensions Dance Troupe and the Bevox Choir.
We’ve got a major programme of exciting events right across the district which will help us all celebrate the start of Christmas. We have special markets and a range of exciting activities, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t miss Wakefield’s festive celebrations for all the family to enjoy. The lights will be switched on at 6pm with a programme of live entertainment on offer in the City Centre from 4pm.
On Saturday, the Wakefield Victorian Market comes to the town where shoppers can enjoy delicious festive food, live music and entertainment while browsing the many colourful stalls in the City Centre. Friendly traders dressed in Victorian costume will be on hand to help you find that special Christmas gift!
And don’t forget the Christmas illuminations in Pontefract, Castleford and Ossett. On Monday, November 21 at 6.30pm Castleford will put on its Christmas lights with lots of entertainment for all the family, including fairground rides, stalls, music and much more.
On Tuesday, November 22, the switch will be tripped in Castleford on 6.30pm and there will be a programme of live entertainment, children’s rides and a festive market available from 4.30pm in the Town Centre.
Finally in Ossett, on Saturday, November 26 come and celebrate Christmas in Ossett Town Centre where a variety of events will guarantee to get you into the festive spirit, these include a Victorian Market, fairground rides, entertainers, donkey rides and Santa’s grotto inside the Town Hall.

Ossett Wakefield Hospice Autumn Fayre

Next weekend on Saturday, November 12 Wakefield Hospice Ossett Fund Raising Group host their annual Autumn Fayre at Ossett Town Hall.
Entry to the fayre is free and visitors will have access to a variety of stalls including tombola, lucky dip, cakes, toys, books etc.
There will also be a raffle and refreshments will be available. And, of course, it is all for a good cause – Wakefield Hospice.

A secret garden perfect for a fairytale wedding

A hidden gem is how anyone who has been fortunate enough to discover Woolley Hall would describe it.
Set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland and Italian-inspired gardens, Woolley Hall is a grand 17th century mansion located on the border of West and South Yorkshire.
The house is an example of early Jacobean architecture, built in 1635, and its picturesque surroundings make a perfect backdrop for wedding photography.
With the help of the events team at Woolley Hall, brides and grooms can create a truly bespoke country house wedding day and evening reception which is completely exclusive to the wedding party.
Licensed to conduct civil weddings and partnerships, Woolley Hall offers a beautiful setting for couples to exchange their vows.
Brides can prepare for their big day in the elegant bridal suite which is available to the couple throughout the day whenever a quiet retreat from the celebrations is needed.
The official ceremony takes place in the romantic Music Room which overlooks the house’s gardens and so called because of the grand piano which occupies the room. Up to 80 guests can be seated in this room.
After the ceremony, guests can explore the house and its grounds before retreating to the elegant dining room, a magnificent space overlooking the Italian gardens for a wedding breakfast.
And, you have the option of hosting and unforgettable house party, as you and your friends and family occupy the entire historic house for your evening celebrations. Dance to a traditional band or disco in the Boardroom, relax in the Library and Lounge or simply enjoy the evening breeze as the sun sets on your fairytale day.
The grounds are also the perfect setting to host a marquee reception, ideal for a spring or summer wedding.
Woolley Hall original belonged to the Woodrove (or Woodroffe) family who sold it to the Wentworth family in 1559.
Woolley Hall, which is situated between Wakefield and Barnsley, was renovated around 1800 by architect sir Jeffry Wyatville, who was employed by George IV to remodel Windsor Castle.
Wyattville specialised in period restorations and additions to historic mansions which included, amongst many others, Chatsworth House and Longleat House.
Woolley Hall was eventually sold by the Wentworth family in 1947.  In 1952 it began a new life as a residential college and today this beautiful house and surrounding 20 acres of grounds is under the ownership of Wakefield Council – which may explain why this stunning building has often been overlooked by those who are looking for a special venue for their big day. There is a dedicated team at Woolley Hall who can make sure you have a perfect country house wedding and take care of your every request, contact them on 01924 305830 or at: eventsandfunctions@wakefield.gov.uk

By Guest Blogger Gemma Ryder

It’s fright night at Woolley Hall

This weekend on Sunday, October 30, why not head down to Woolley Hall to celebrate Halloween with your family and children?
Hear some spooky tales from our resident Victorian story teller or join in the Woolley Hall Ghost Walk.
At 5.30 join us in the Woolley Hall Music Room where spooky children’s ghost stories will be told by our Victorian story teller. Children can then join in a pumpkin hunt in the hall and grounds. Fancy dress optional and prizes awarded to the scariest costume.
This event runs from 5.30pm to 7.00pm and tickets cost just £5.00. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event has proved very popular in the pas so advance bookings are advised.
Later at 8.00pm we will be hosting Fright Night with a ghost walk accompanied by ghost stories of Woolley Hall. This 17th Century Manor House has many tales to tell from its distant past of lovers tragedies to its more recent history of student Ouija Board games leading to an exorcism. Defiantly not for the faint hearted.
Runs from 8.00pm to 10.00pm and includes a pie and pea supper - all for just £12.50. Pre-booking is essential and it’s advised you bring a torch and sturdy footwear. Suitable for over 15s.

Get crafty this Christmas

Christmas might seem a long way away but if you want to stock up on some unusual and original Christmas gifts or buy some materials to make you own head over the Christmas Craft Fair at Ossett Town Hall on Saturday, October 29.
There is no entrance fee and you will get access to a wide range of stalls selling all sorts of festive goodies. The doors open from 10am to 1.30pm.

Chimes Restaurant Christmas Lunches

Did you know that Wakefield Town Hall has its very own restaurant? If not come down and enjoy a special Christmas lunch with friends and colleagues throughout December.
Join us in the elegant Victorian Chimes Bar & Restaurant for a sumptuous three course lunch with all the festive trimmings. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit with friends and work mates.
Enjoy either a traditional roast turkey, chipolata sausage, stuffing and roast gravy, tuna steak with lime & chilli salsa or, if you are a veggie, broccoli & cream cheese bake. All of the above served with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Followed by traditional Christmas pudding and brandy sauce, chocolate & orange tear drop torte or Baileys and toffee cheesecake and tea, coffee and mince pies
All for just £10.95 per person!
Call 01924 305830 to book your place. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Some wedding pictures from Woolley Hall

Ossett hosts weekend of music

This weekend - on Friday, October 14 and Saturday. October 15 - you can come down to Ossett Town Hall to hear The Elizabethans’ Chorus host an evening of music and laughter with some adult humour, including songs from the 50’s and 60’s. Doors Open at 6:45pm and the performance will start at 7:15pm.
Tickets are available from Cakes and Favours, Town End, Ossett or Ticket Secretary 01924 263618.
Meanwhile, at the end of the month (Friday, October 28), fans of The Rolling Stones are in for a real treat when tribute band Its Only Rock and Roll take to the stage as part of their UK tour.
The show features the music from every period of The Rolling Stones’ 50 year career including tunes such as ‘Not Fade Away’ to ‘Paint it Black’ from ‘Satisfaction’ to Little Red Rooster’ and all the hits and more are featured in this great show.
Doors Open at 7:00pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are £13 and are available from the Box Office at Ossett Town Hall (01924 302999) or Ella Coffee Shop (07592 015047)

Come and see us at The Ridings this weekend

The Wakefield venues team will be at The Riding Shopping Centre in Wakefield this weekend (15th to 16th October) to show off our wonderful wedding venues.
There will also be an opportunity for a sneak preview our new wedding brochure – watch the slide show above - which showcases wedding venues like Woolley Hall and the town halls of Wakefield, Pontefract, Ossett and Castleford Civic Centre.
As well as managing some great wedding venues in Wakefield, our team also provides a full-wedding co-ordination services brining you the best deals on specialist wedding suppliers from florists to photographers.
We can even arrange a special wedding marquee at Woolley Hall for your big day; get the best hotel deals for you and your guests reserving places for friends and family; and sort out your luxury bridal cars.
More than 30 of the region’s top suppliers will be on hand at The Ridings offering everything you need to make your wedding magical.
The Real Radio patrol team will also be at The Ridings and there's a chance to win £1,000 worth of wedding rings, courtesy of Beaverbrooks on both days.
For further information about our special wedding service call 01924 305830 or email eventsandfunctions@wakefield.gov.uk

Hold your Xmas party at Wakefield Town Hall

You might think it’s a little early to be thinking about Christmas but you need to get your skates on now if you’re planning a Christmas party for you company.
If you are organizing a Xmas do you’ll be delighted to learn that Wakefield Town Hall is opening its doors this Christmas to companies looking for a special venue in which to hold their festive celebrations.
There is no finer choice for your company to run your Christmas party than Wakefield Town Hall, a prestigious grade I listed venue of immense character and charm.
With its majestic Victorian architecture, this splendidly elegant and truly unique venue, with its comprehensive suite of staterooms and Old Court Room, is an outstanding choice for your wedding or celebration.
Wakefield Town Hall is the ideal venue to add a touch of prestige and style to your company Christmas celebrations and a great excuse for staff to dress up to the occasion.
Our experienced team offer flexibility and attention to detail to ensure that your event exceeds your expectations at all times.
The Traditional Christmas Party Nights at Wakefield Town Hall, offer an evening of fantastic food, fun and festive cheer. On arrival party-goers will be offered drink, enjoy a three-course course meal and then dance the night away in the magnificent Kingswood Suite “
The Town Hall can take bookings for more than 50 people and will receive two complimentary bottles of house wine per table if the booking is confirmed by October 31, 2011
Parties will run from 7.00pm to midnight and cost just £29.95 per person. For further information call 01924 305830 or email eventsandfunctions@wakefield.gov.uk

Get on the soul train to Castleford

Get in to the groove at Castleford Civic Centre this Saturday evening (October 8) when we premier leage DJs Nigel Brown, Ian Gee and Robert Smith spin some of the classic dance music.
The Northern Soul and Motown Evening has a huge following across the north England and attract music enthusiasts from across the district.
The Castleford Civic Centre is a great venue too with a balcony overlooking the massive wooden sprung dance floor - you’ll be dancing the night away.
Tickets are £7.00 and are available from Wakefield Tourist Information Centre or call 0845 6018353.

It's music night in Ossett this Saturday

Wakefield Hospice Ossett Fund Raising Group is hosting their third annual concert, with performances by the West Yorkshire Police Band and Skelmanthorpe Male Voice Choir this Saturday (October 8).

So if you enjoy some traditional Yorkshire musical entertainment  do come along to Ossett Town Hall – the doors open at six and the performance will begin at 7.30pm.

And, more importantly, you will be supporting a great Yorkshire charity in Wakefield Hospice.

Tickets are £8.00 and are available at Ossett Tyre House, W Man dress shop, Pretty Things Dress shop and Special Thought card shop.

A busy September for Wakefield Venues

It’s been a busy September for the Wakefield’s lovely venues and attractions with several events and conferences being hosted at Wakefield Town Hall, Woolley Hall and Ossett Town Hall.
The month started with a major Migraine Conference at Wakefield Town Hall where leading medics came together with Migraine Action to celebrate Migraine Awareness Week (which ran from Sunday, September 4).
Professor Amir Al-Din, who has been leading the headache service at the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust for the past 17 years, gave a presentation on Understanding and Managing Migraine. Meanwhile, Dr Andrew Dowson, chairman of Migraine Action's Medical Advisory Board and director of headache services at King's College Hospital, London, discussed preventative treatments and gave updates on the latest migraine research.
There where also a number of workshops including sessions on managing chronic daily headache and Botox® as a treatment for chronic migraine. On Saturday 10, September there was also an open session for the public when people suffering from migraines could get advice on managing the condition which was held at Wakefield Town Hall.

Celebrating National Heritage Day at Ossett Town Hall

On the same day Wakefield and Ossett celebrated National Heritage Day. At Wakefield Town Hall visitors enjoyed a one hour tour led by Darren Byford, Vice-President of Wakefield Civic Society.
This grand tour took visitors to places within this grade I listed Town Hall, where the public never go including the prison cells, underground passages, closed off stairwells as well as the magnificent state rooms.
If you have never explored the delights of this Victorian building with its neo classical architecture then we are happy to arrange an organised tour or an informal visit.  The newly refurbished Chimes café bar and restaurant is a hidden gem in the City of Wakefield.  Sensitively restored on the third floor of the Town Hall, it provides not only a perfect place to have lunch with panoramic view over the city, it also offers the ideal location to have a wedding ceremony or discrete dinner party for up to 30 guests. For further information email us at: eventsandfinctions@wakefield.gov.uk
Also celebrating National Heritage Day the Ossett Civic Society held heritage tours of Ossett Town Hall in association. The Tour included the Old Council Chamber, the Mayor’s Parlour, Old Court House and the magnificent Assembly Hall. Visitors where also able to explore the Town Hall at their leisure and admire the theatre organ, grand portraits and the recently restored furniture.
The Town Hall also participated in the Ossett Scarecrow Festival, organised by Ossett Town Centre Partnership, to promote the Town Hall as a wedding venue with a bride and groom scarecrow.  Nearly 50 scarecrows were positioned in and around Ossett town centre with fabulous prizes and great activity for all the family throughout the day!

Horbury Victoria Brass Band in action at Ossett Town Hall

Meanwhile, on Friday the town hall played host to the Horbury Victoria Brass Band when guests enjoyed an evening of musical entertainment in association with Horbury and Ossett Phoenix Rotary Club.
Performances and the audience applause filled the magnificent Assembly Hall showcasing the venue as a hot spot for live entertainment and enjoyment.
Finally, it’s been a very busy month for Woolley Hall. On the evening of Wednesday, September 7 we hosted an open house when we opened our doors to the public to promote its autumn season of events.
These include Halloween Ghost tour, an autumn wedding fair and Christmas lunches. Visitors were able to explore the house and ornate gardens whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of wine and canapés or enjoy a taster at laser clay pigeon shooting on the lawn.
Close to heritage week, the event was a great success particularly with local historians and former residents of Woolley Hall in its days as a residential college.  Visitors also included people the Wentworth Castle Trust from Stanborough, Barnsley where the male line of the same family - The Wentworth’s - is still associated with Stainborough and Wentworth-Woodhouse in Rotherham. If you’ve never head of Wentworth-Woodhouse, it just happens to be famous for having the largest façade of any county house in England.
A presentation is being held at Wenthorth Castle on November 24 to talk about the family connections between the three houses in Yorkshire, visit their website here.

Business networking at Woolley Hall

On the same day Woolley Hall hosted the Business Network, which brings together a wide range of local businesses who meet monthly to network and promote their services within the Wakefield district. Woolley Hall is hoping to continue is relationship with the group into 2012 hosting more lunch events.
The County Manor is an ideal location to get away from the office environment and relax in 20 acres of idyllic surroundings, enjoy the decadence of fine dining and traditional Yorkshire food, then work it all off with an enjoyable round of play golf at Woolley Golf Course adjacent. If you would like to host your business network event at Woolley Hall please contact us at eventsandfunctions@wakefield.gov.uk.
Finally, we were proud to open up Woolley Hall and its grounds to the Wakefield Hospice Annual Sponsored Walk. With more than 200 walkers enjoying routes of  between five, ten, 15 or, for the really hardy, 20 miles.  An exhausting but enjoyable way to visit the many bridle paths and official walks in the area surrounding Woolley Hall, one of the many benefits of a venue in the heart of the countryside.  Take a chance on a fine day, put on your walking boots and explore what this area has to offer, then pop into Woolley Hall for lunch or a cream tea.  It is advisable to pre-book lunch to avoid disappointment.

Open day at Woolley Hall

Woolley Hall is opening its doors next week on September 8 to members of the public and local businesses to show case the historic building as a venue for weddings, business conferences and events.
The open day, organised by Wakefield Council’s Events and Functions, will give visitors a taste of the quality events which can be hosted at Woolley Hall. Visitors will get a chance to sample food and wine and witness the Hall’s top quality customer service.
Cllr Graham Stokes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for corporate services, said: "Woolley Hall is one of Wakefield’s best kept secrets. Many visitors are just happy to stroll around the gardens without realising that that the hall itself is an excellent venue with a full range of conference facilities which cater for all needs from weddings to business conferences.
"The hall also has a long tradition of delivering a friendly, personal service and the staff are very proud of their flexible approach and attention to detail."
Woolley Hall is the perfect setting for a wedding and reception as it stands in more than 20 acres of lush parkland and formal Italian gardens which are ideal for photographs. It is also approved for civil marriages.
The hall provides a full range of facilities which cater for all needs, including a well appointed hall with seating for up to 150 along with numerous other rooms for smaller private parties for groups of between five and 80 people and several conference rooms.
The present Woolley Hall is an example of early Jacobean architecture. It was built 1635 and was later renovated around 1800 by architect sir Jeffry Wyatville, who was employed by George IV to remodel Windsor Castle, Chatsworth House and Longleat.
For further information about the open day at Woolley Hall and to book a place, email eventsandfunctions@wakefield.gov.uk or telephone 01924 305830

By Lisa Hewitt

Welcome to our blog

Welcome to our blog - one of many ways the Venues and Events team at Wakefield Council is using to communicate with our customers and partners and colleagues.
Wakefield has a wide range of conferencing and event venues, most of them unique. The area is well placed with excellent rail and road links and a choice of facilities to suit every need from meetings to full conferences. Our venues are ideal for family celebrations, weddings and business conferences. Why not marry surrounded by 18th Century splendour at Woolley Hall or hold a business conference at Pontefract Town Hall.
This blog provides the Venues and Events team with a platform to tell you about new developments at our venues, special offers, community events... in fact, anything that takes our fancy. As always we would welcome your comments so don’t be shy!
Weblogs, or blogs, are rapidly becoming a critical part of corporate communications strategies. More than 100 million blogs exist already, and as a company that prides itself on innovation we are keen to embrace all forms of communication. So you can now keep up to date on what’s happening at Wakefield’s venues and our events by subscribing to our RSS feed (click on the little orange icon in your brower) – you can also follow us on Twitter and Linkedin.

There will be a number of  authors writing for our blog and will including:
Lisa Savage - Events & Functions Manager
Lisa Casey - Events & Functions Co-ordinator
Lisa Hewitt -  Events & Functions Co-ordinator
The Team at GREEN Communications

Our Blogging Policy
It is our policy to review all comments before publishing them, partly to reduce the possibility of spam comments and partly to ensure comments are in line with our list of blogger ethics below. These are based on recognised corporate blogging guidelines and code of ethics:
1.    We will tell the truth. We will acknowledge and correct any mistakes promptly.
2.    We will not delete comments unless they are spam, off-topic, or defamatory.
3.    We will reply to comments when appropriate as promptly as possible.
4.    We will link to online references and original source materials directly.
5.    We will disagree with other opinions respectfully.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is managed on behalf of Wakefield Venue and Events by GREEN Communications.

By Wakefield Venues