The Heritage Alliance have published an updated report on heritage’s integral relationship with the Creative Industries in England. This includes updated data about the positive economic impact of heritage locations to creative businesses, and case-studies that show the benefits of cross working across the heritage and creative industries sector. 

Heritage Creates is organised into five thematic chapters, each of which focuses on a particular aspect of the relationship between the heritage sector and the creative industries, including:

• Heritage as a Host
• Heritage as a Muse
• Heritage as a Creative Practice
• Innovative Partnerships
• Inclusive Partnerships

Wakefield Local Studies is delighted to announce that one of their volunteers, Stella, has been awarded the inaugural Alice Lock memorial prize for local studies volunteer of the year. She received the award at the CILIP Library and Information Association local studies group conference in Manchester on 7 April. The award was given in recognition of Stella’s outstanding dedication and commitment over many years.  

Stella is an indispensable part of the Local Studies team at Wakefield Local Studies Library, where she has volunteered to host a full day drop-in session every Monday for the last 15 years. Prior to this Stella volunteered at Flanshaw Library. In addition to this, she undertakes remote research requests for local family history society members from all over the world and supports the monthly Wakefield Family History discussion group.

Overall, Stella has undertaken an estimated 6000 hours of volunteering and supported thousands of people with their local and family history

Children in Care time capsule buried at Pontefract Castle 

A new time capsule has been buried at Pontefract Castle by the Children in Care Council, working with Wakefield Museums and Castles, as part of the ‘We Are…’ project.

‘We Are…’ is an invitation to listen, understand and stand together with young people from the care-experienced community in Wakefield District. The time capsule contains a record of the work that has been done through the project to challenge stereotypes of children in care as part of the project.

A new exhibition of artwork by young people with care experience has also been installed in Create Café at Wakefield One, which will be on display until the 16 May.

Find out more about the We Are…. project: Wakefield Museums and Castles: New display by the Children in Care Council 

Have you ever wondered about the history of your street? As part of Our Year - Wakefield District 2024, Dr Joanne Harrison of Harrison Architectural Heritage, led a community-based project researching the social and architectural heritage of Eastmoor, on the eastern side of Wakefield City.

From its roots as a small Victorian settlement, to its later expansion as a large 20th century housing estate, the project has documented many aspects of the area’s history. From plans of different Eastmoor houses from the 1840s to the 1960s, to the council housing masterplan from the early 20th century, along with memories of former residents and records from the archives that show what life was like on the estate, the project website is a fascinating resource, and a wonderful example of how everyday streets can have an important story to tell.  

The project was funded by a Wakefield Council Culture Grant.

Heritage Revival Fund

The Architectural Heritage Fund have announced a new round of grants to help groups who are looking to take on the ownership and restoration of historic buildings in their local areas. This programme will focus on regenerating historic buildings in town centre locations in England. Various grants are available, including for early-stage project viability work.  There will be four application deadlines over the next 12 months. Projects must include a change of use and/or change of ownership of the building to a community group, charity or not-for-profit organisation.  

For more information please visit the Architectural Heritage Fund website: England | The Architectural Heritage Fund 

We want to hear your heritage news!

Have you got some exciting heritage news you would like to share? If you have an article you would like us to consider for the next heritage e-news please send a short description (2 paragraphs maximum) and an image by Monday 19 May to heritage@wakefield.gov.uk 

The Friends of Waterton’s Wall Charity is thrilled to announce the upcoming Wallfest 2026, a community event designed to raise awareness and funds for the restoration of Waterton’s Wall. The festival will feature local vendors, educational talks, and guided tours of the historic site. It aims to engage both the local community and the wider public in celebrating the heritage of the wall and its ecological significance. Further details will be shared closer to the event date. 

The group are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the local community, whose involvement is crucial in helping them meet their fundraising goals and achieve their mission of preserving Waterton’s Wall. These activities allow the group to foster community involvement and raise funds to sustain their conservation initiatives. 

If you would like to find out more about the event and how you can get involved, the Friends group are holding open meetings on the 20 May and 15 July.

For more details, please contact the Friends via their website: Contact — Friends Of Waterton's Wall 

Wakefield Council are considering proposals for a new Conservation Area for Felkirk. If adopted, the new area will recognise the important heritage of the village and give better legal protection to its historic spaces.

There is a public consultation event at the Elizabethan School Room in Felkirk (next to Felkirk St Peter’s Church) on Saturday 3 May. This is an opportunity to find out more about the proposals and to share your thoughts.

The event is supported by the Felkirk Heritage Group, who will also be holding their regular monthly meeting on the same day.

Saturday 3 May -  10am-12noon. FREE drop-in event.  

The Romans are coming to Castleford on Saturday 31May! The Roman Festival, an annual free family event, celebrates the unique Roman heritage of Castleford.

The town was established as a Roman fort and important crossing point of the River Calder in the first century. After the fort was abandoned, Castleford continued as an important Roman settlement until the 4th Century, with evidence for the making of high-quality goods, including spoons and jewellery, and a Roman Bathhouse that was used for rest and recuperation.

As part of the Our Stories project, One To One Development Trust are working with the Castleford Civic Society, Castleford Heritage Trust and Wakefield Museums and Castles to create a new digital experience to showcase the Roman history of the town, focusing on the amazing archaeological collections that are on display in Castleford Museum.

During the Roman Festival you can visit Queens Mill to find out more and get a first look at the new digital platform. There are also lots of other free Roman-themed events happening throughout the town.  

Saturday 31 May, Castleford - FREE event  

Find out more about the activities happening as part of the Festival: Castleford Roman Festival | Experience Wakefield

Wakefield Museums and Castles have just installed two exciting new heritage-inspired displays in Castleford in partnership with artist, Annie Harrison, and Castleford Heritage Trust.  

In 2021-2022, Annie Harrison walked from her home in Mytholmroyd in West Yorkshire to Hull in East Yorkshire. Following the river network, the walk took her along the Calder and Aire through Wakefield, Castleford and Ferrybridge. Along the way, Annie collected plants, stories and impressions. She wrote a blog and created artworks inspired by the riverside, industrial heritage and industrial landscapes she encountered. Her route took her past Ferrybridge power station shortly before the final cooling towers were demolished. 

The exhibition charts her journey. At Castleford Museum, enjoy artworks in a variety of media inspired by the heritage of Castleford, including a beautiful ceramic piece inspired by a David Dunderdale & Co creamware jug from the museum collection that Annie saw and sketched during the Castleford leg of her walk. At Queen's Mill, admire Annie’s panoramic textile centrepiece, which traces the full river route.  

For more information about Annie’s walk, visit the Ebb and Flow project blog: Annie Harrison - Lake Lock to Castleford

Castleford Museum, from 14th April throughout 2025 and Queen’s Mill, 14th April 2025 – 9th May 2025 (Monday-Friday)