Entertainment in Wakefield

If you’re looking for entertainment in this corner of the country, make your way to the Belle Vue Stadium to see Wakefield Trinity, the city’s professional rugby league team. It’s one of the founding clubs of the Northern Rugby Football Union which dates back to 1895. While it’s been half a century since The Dreadnoughts brought the premiership back to Wakefield, over the past couple of years they’ve enjoyed a period of stability in the Super League. The season runs from February through to July, and with adult tickets cost roughly £20. Take a look at our hotels in Wakefield.

When it comes to seeing a show, the Theatre Royal Wakefield on the corner of Drury Lane and Westgate is your best bet. The theatre itself dates back to 1894 and was designed by the esteemed architect Frank Matcham whose stunning theatres span the length and breadth of the country. The Theatre Royal Wakefield, with a capacity of 499, is the smallest surviving Matcham theatre. Don’t be fooled by this quaint accolade, inside this Victorian theatre is far from understated. The gilded decor, plush red seating, decadent ceiling and proscenium arch bear all the characteristics of Matcham’s finest venues and help to provide a memorable setting for a show.

You can see everything from stand-up comedy to classic drama, dance and pantomimes thanks to the theatre’s diverse programme consisting of roughly 260 performances per year. It’s in a prime location next to the Wakefield Westgate railway station, and a stone’s throw from some of our favourite places to eat in Wakefield such as Estabulo and LaLa’s Restaurant if you were wondering where to go for a pre-theatre meal. Or, if you want to grab something to drink after the curtain’s close, nearby you’ll also find places like Harry’s Bar, Fanny & Bacardi, and the Wakefield Beer Exchange, all popular choices in terms of Wakefield nightlife.

Wakefield has given us guitar bands like The Cribs, and more recently Drahla. So it should come as no surprise that there are some decent options for seeing live music during your stay in the city. Warehouse 23 on Smyth Street is the biggest of the bunch and well worth checking out as there’s always something going on, particularly on the weekends. The Hop on Bank Street has over 35 years experience in the music industry. Take a look on their website to see who’s been booked to play. It also hosts acoustic nights every Thursday, and live cover bands on Fridays and Saturdays, too.