Pontefract WheelFest

This will be the forth annual classic and vintage vehicle display held in the town centre. It is run by Pontefract Civic Society and is licensed by Wakefield Council, with support from their markets team and KLH Events.

This is an event with a difference, as it sits alongside the usual Saturday market, and will include at least four local charity stalls in the heart of the town centre. As it’s a Saturday, all shops, bars and cafes are open for business; there’s a 40-stall craft fair in St Giles Church, numerous other activities, plus a pop-up stage with local entertainment and live radio broadcasts Rhubarb Radio at the Buttercross. It is very much a family day with exhibits, entertainment, children’s rides and a costumed character parade. What’s more, it’s FREE to vehicle exhibitors and FREE for the public to attend.

In June 2024, there was around 80 cars, bikes, a fire engine, old police cars, vintage trucks, 'celebrity vehicles' from TV and the movies; it was amazing, the town centre was busy, and there was positive feedback from exhibitors, local businesses, the council and the public. The library had various free children's activities For 2024, they expanded the event still further using Ropergate as a 1940’s celebration zone, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day (the actual anniversary was just before the event) bringing in more military vehicles, exhibitions and music to Ropergate, alongside the car displays in other parts of town. Ropergate businesses dressed their windows in a 1940-style and welcomed visiting re-enactment groups, a second stage was run in Ropergate with 1940's entertainers. The whole event was a great success.