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X-WR-CALNAME:Pontefract Civic Society
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Pontefract Civic Society
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260910T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260910T120000
DTSTAMP:20260822T071324Z
CREATED:20260807T153630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260822T071324Z
UID:2289-1789034400-1789041600@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Talk - Pontefract Racecourse
DESCRIPTION:Approx 1 hour talk in the Paddock Dining Room\, and then approx 1 hour walk round. The talk does deal with how the sport of horse racing has evolved and working lives \nWhile not quite in the dates this free event is a prelude to the Heritage Open Day
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/talk-pontefract-racecourse/
LOCATION:Pontefract Racecourse – Paddock room\, Park\, Park Road\, \,\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 4QD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pepperpot-racecourse.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260911
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260921
DTSTAMP:20260817T155730Z
CREATED:20260508T163457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T155730Z
UID:1450-1789084800-1789948799@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Heritage Open Days
DESCRIPTION:Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture\, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year for 10 days in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage\, community and history. Stories are told\, traditions explored\, and histories brought to life. It’s offers the public a chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE. \nFrom working lives to cherished rituals\, many events will focus in on this year’s festival theme\, ‘Everyday Histories’ presented by leading family history website Findmypast. You are invited to explore the varied and often overlooked stories of ordinary working people and their daily lives. From factory floors\, workhouses and high streets to kitchens\, schools\, and community centres\, this theme shines a light on working-class voices\, local superheroes and the part-of-the-furniture places that have quietly shaped England’s heritage. \nClick on the link to found out what local events are available\, booking links and accessibility information.
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/heritage-open-days/
LOCATION:West Yorkshire
CATEGORIES:Heritage Open Days,Local event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/HODs-DPS-Wakefield-Council-plus-3mm-bleed-2026-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Pontefract Civic Society":MAILTO:events@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260911T113000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260911T133000
DTSTAMP:20260807T103336Z
CREATED:20260807T103336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T103336Z
UID:2203-1789126200-1789133400@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Walking Tour - 1300 Years of Pontefract History
DESCRIPTION:A walk around Pontefract town centre with local historian Eric Jackson\, highlighting the history of Pontefract. \nThe walk will commence at the historic Buttercross and cover various aspects of Pontefract’s history\, including the country’s first Parliamentary election using a secret ballot. The tour will also include a brief visit into the Town Hall in order to view the iconic ‘Death of Nelson’ frieze and highlight why it is located in the town.\nOf course\, this being Pontefract\, liquorice isn’t far away and the connection between liquorice and the secret ballot will be revealed! \nMeet at the Buttercross – Pre booking required \, Limited places \nThis free event is part of the Heritage Open Day
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/walking-tour-1300-years-of-pontefract-history/
LOCATION:Pontefract Town Centre\, WF8\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/buttercross-1300-years-walk.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Pontefract Civic Society":MAILTO:events@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260911T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260911T200000
DTSTAMP:20260807T102725Z
CREATED:20260807T102725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T102725Z
UID:2200-1789151400-1789156800@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Tour of Pontefract Masonic Lodge
DESCRIPTION:Ever wondered what happens in a Masonic Lodge? You are cordially invited to discover the history of the Pontefract Lodge through a guided tour and learn about the symbolism and traditions of ancient Freemasonry. \nThe first Masonic Hall in Pontefract was above Arundel’s Offices in Ropergate in 1862. In 1892\, land at the end of Ropergate was purchased for £375 to purpose build a new hall\, which was completed in 1894. The current building\, situated at the corner of Ackworth Road and Carleton Road was built around 1890 and serves as a meeting place for 7 Masonic Lodges. The inside of the Masonic Hall includes the Temple\, where Masonic meetings are held\, viewing is a unique experience. \nPre booking required \nThis free event is part of Heritage Open Day
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/tour-of-pontefract-masonic-lodge/
LOCATION:Pontefract Masonic Hall\, 1\, Ackworth Road\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 3PA\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/masonic-hall1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Pontefract Civic Society":MAILTO:events@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260912T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260912T123000
DTSTAMP:20260807T113753Z
CREATED:20260807T113753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T113753Z
UID:2214-1789209000-1789216200@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Lighting up the Past - Pontefract's hermitage and dispensary digitally rediscovered
DESCRIPTION:Join us to launch a new digital interpretation of Pontefract’s hermitage and dispensary\, including virtual reality and film. Explore a unique heritage site hidden beneath the streets of Pontefract through digital technology and story telling. \nJoin us to explore the amazing story of Pontefract’s medieval hermitage and Victorian dispensary through an exciting new digital interpretation. Created by One To One Development Trust\, with support from PDHAG\, Pontefract Civic Society\, Pontefract Archaeological Society and Wakefield Museums and Castles. \nThe new digital platform includes a virtual tour of the hermitage\, which is hidden underneath Southgate in Pontefract town centre\, and video clips of memories of the hermitage and former dispensary building above. The hermitage was hand carved into the rock beneath Pontefract in the 1300s. In the 1800s\, a new hospital building was created for the town and built on top of the entrance to the hermitage. \nThe digital hidden heritage project is part of Wakefield Council’s Our Heritage Our Stories project\, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. \nThe free event is part of Heritage Open Day \nAccessibility details\nThe event is on the first floor of the library\, in the community space. There is lift access.
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/lighting-up-the-past-pontefracts-hermitage-and-dispensary-digitally-rediscovered/
LOCATION:Pontefract Library\, Shoemarket\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 1BD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/the-hermitage-skull-and-candle-6d9e1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260912T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260912T120000
DTSTAMP:20260810T080624Z
CREATED:20260807T120008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T080624Z
UID:2228-1789210800-1789214400@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Talk : Women at War - the munition workers in WWI
DESCRIPTION:Local historian Eric Jackson relates the story of the National Shell Filling Factory Number 1\, better known as Barnbow\, especially the women that worked there and the explosion of 1916. \nThe illustrated talk describes the establishment of National Explosives and Filling Factories following the ‘Shell Crisis’ of 1915 and tells what led to the building of the Barnbow Munitions works\, what it did\, the women who worked there and how the artillery shells were manufactured and filled with explosives.\nThe central part of the talk is about the explosion of December 5th 1916 and its aftermath with the stories of some of those killed. The explosion killed 35 women and girls\, including 2 from Pontefract\, 5 from Castleford and 1 from Normanton.\nThe memorials to those killed are described\, as well as similar disasters at other explosives factories\, and the effect women’s war work had on the eventual implementation of equal suffrage.\nThe end of production in 1918\, the factory’s closure in 1918\, its eventual demolition and sale\, and the site as it is today is also described along with a comparison with the similar World War Two works at Boston Spa. \nThis free event is part of Heritage Open Day \nPre booking preferred via link or turn up on the door.
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/talk-women-at-war-the-munition-workers-in-wwi/
LOCATION:Pontefract Town Hall\, 3 Bridge Street\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 1PG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/barnbow-workers.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Pontefract Civic Society":MAILTO:events@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260912T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260912T133000
DTSTAMP:20260904T154006Z
CREATED:20260807T151523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T154006Z
UID:2286-1789216200-1789219800@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Tour: Pontefract Town Hall & Assembly Rooms
DESCRIPTION:A Grade II listed 18th century town hall built in 1785 by Bernard Hartley with the added Victorian Assembly Rooms from 1882. Join Pontefract Civic Society for a guided tour of the Town Hall including the Assembly Rooms\, Nelson Room\, and perhaps a few more nooks & crannies. \nThe Borough Magistrates operated from the Old Town Hall until the early 1900s. It was here that the count was undertaken for the country’s first parliamentary election by secret ballot. The Nelson Room also houses the last remaining plaster cast of Nelson’s death scene from Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. \nMeet in Bridge Street 5 minutes before start time. A lift is available to access the 1st floor rooms\, though for those with mobility issues there could be some steps in other areas. \nThis free event is part of the Heritage Open Day \n 
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/tour-pontefract-town-hall-assembly-rooms/
LOCATION:Pontefract Town Hall\, 3 Bridge Street\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 1PG\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/20260110_103230-Copy.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Pontefract Civic Society":MAILTO:events@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260912T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260912T153000
DTSTAMP:20260807T120435Z
CREATED:20260807T120435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T120435Z
UID:2231-1789219800-1789227000@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Pontefract’s George Fox Manuscripts Live Online Launch
DESCRIPTION:Wakefield Libraries are proud to launch a freely accessible digital edition of the George Fox manuscripts. \nThe fox manuscripts chart a unique handwritten and illustrated journey through the history of Pontefract by one of 19th century Pontefract’s most passionate local historians. \nView the rarely seen original manuscripts alongside the new digital\, fully transcribed version accessible via www.twixtairedancalder.org.uk thanks to funding from Arts Council England. Take a behind the scenes view of the digitisation process to see this unique record of Pontefract’s past brought to life. This is event is a drop in. \nThis free event is part of Heritage Open Days
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/pontefracts-george-fox-manuscripts-live-online-launch/
LOCATION:Pontefract Library\, Shoemarket\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 1BD\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/fox-vol-00100302-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260914T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260914T113000
DTSTAMP:20260906T204404Z
CREATED:20260807T121813Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260906T204404Z
UID:2238-1789381800-1789385400@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Pontefract Park Walk through the Ages
DESCRIPTION:Pontefract Park Walk – a guided walk\, by Pontefract Civic Society\, with information about its WWI & WWII connections\, the history of the park and reference to nature in the park. \nA walk inside Pontefract Racecourse circuit\, which highlights a brief history of the park (including its link with Royalty\, the castle\, horse racing and its reduction in size).\nIt considers the events and activities which took place associated with both World Wars\, and aspects of nature in Pontefract Park. \nThis event is part of Heritage Open Day \nPre booking is required via link \nAccessibility details\nMeet next to the ‘Pepperpot’/race results building (see photo)  in the Park. Meet 5 minutes prior to the commencement of the walk. \nAdditional information\nDependant upon the weather and underfoot conditions\, suitable clothes and footwear are advisable. Suitable footwear is essential for varied surfaces\, and the route is not accessible for those with mobility issues. Please meet at the ‘Pepperpot’\, 5 minutes before the start time. \n\nMax number of people: 10\nEstimated duration: 1 hour
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/pontefract-park-walk-through-the-ages/
LOCATION:Pontefract Park\, Park Road\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 4QD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pepperpot-racecourse.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Pontefract Civic Society":MAILTO:events@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T210000
DTSTAMP:20260806T061426Z
CREATED:20260508T165925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T061426Z
UID:1459-1789498800-1789506000@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Pontefract Civic Society Monthly Talk - World War II Spy from Fryston
DESCRIPTION:The Spy from Fryston – The Life and Times of Tommy Drew-Brook\nJoin Pontefract Civic Society for a fascinating talk by David Smith exploring the extraordinary life of Tommy Drew-Brook\, a man from our own local area who went on to become involved in the secret world of wartime intelligence.\nFrom his early life and service during the First World War to his work with British Security Co-ordination and the top-secret Camp X in Canada\, discover the remarkable story of a local man whose wartime activities were hidden behind a veil of secrecy.\nA fascinating story of espionage\, war and a remarkable connection to our local area.\nFree for our members or tickets are available for non members for £3 on the door at £3.96 from Eventbrite (booking fee included)
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/pontefract-civic-society-monthly-talk-world-war-ii-spy-from-fryston/
LOCATION:Pontefract Masonic Hall\, 1\, Ackworth Road\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 3PA\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Pontefract Civic Society Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/spy.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Pontefract Civic Society":MAILTO:events@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260916
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260917
DTSTAMP:20260807T124026Z
CREATED:20260807T124026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T124026Z
UID:2250-1789516800-1789603199@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Hidden Lives of Elizabeth & Joe Love: A special exhibition
DESCRIPTION:This new exhibition will be available for the first time on Wednesday 16th September in as part of a tour with commentary. This will focus on our benefactors and what they were like. \nOur benefactors were remarkable. Both were hard-working ordinary people. She was a nurse and he a miner however what made them different was their interest and knowledge about history and heritage and their passion for collecting a wide range of historical items. They didn’t go on holidays\, they didn’t own a car but they collected historical objects. Their home\, the former gatehouse to Pontefract Castle\, has a unique story of its own and they filled it with fascinating and significant objects including local Castleford Pottery\, wonderful Jacobean furniture and a magnificent extensive collection of clocks some made by a famous Pontefract clock maker. \nWhat was even more unusual was that they left this unique building and collection in trust to create a museum for the the people of Pontefract and surrounding areas. Since opening in August 2025 many visitors have had the pleasure of seeing and learning about the contents but little has been shared about them. Trustees and volunteers are continuing to extend their knowledge about this family who were such generous benefactors to the people of Pontefract. We feel sure others will be interested to hear more. \nThe planned exhibition is the first step we hope to sharing what we have learnt about Joe and Elizabeth themselves and their working lives. We intend to include oral accounts from people who knew them many now elderly but still with strong memories of Joe and Elizabeth \nTimings\n\nWednesday 16 September: 1000\, 1200\, 1400 & 1600\n\nBooking information\n\nPre-booking requirement: Pre-booking preferred\nBooking conditions: We prefer pre booked tours but will try to accommodate others who call in person.\nBooking telephone number: +441977257012\n\nAccessibility details\nUnfortunately our site is currently very difficult for anyone with mobility issues. There are several steep step areas and no lift between the 3 floors. We hope in the future to improve this. There is street parking close and several car parks within a short walking distance.
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/the-hidden-lives-of-elizabeth-joe-love-a-special-exhibition/
LOCATION:The Elizabeth Love Museum\, 6 Castle Chain\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 1QH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/eliz-love.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="The Elizabeth Love Museum":MAILTO:Contact@Elizabethlovemuseum.co.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260916T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260916T153000
DTSTAMP:20260807T122853Z
CREATED:20260807T122853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T122853Z
UID:2244-1789567200-1789572600@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Talk: A History of the Medieval Hermitage of Pontefract
DESCRIPTION:A talk on the history of the Hermitage and Oratory in Pontefract. \nA talk on the history of the Hermitage and Oratory\, a fascinating Grade 1 listed site\, it will also include an introduction on how David Wilcox’s is involved and an update on its current state. \nThis free event is part of Heritage Open Day
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/talk-a-history-of-the-medieval-hermitage-of-pontefract/
LOCATION:Pontefract Library\, Shoemarket\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 1BD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hermitage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T113000
DTSTAMP:20260903T070614Z
CREATED:20260807T150413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T070614Z
UID:2282-1789641000-1789644600@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Walk: Pontefract's Liquorice Heritage
DESCRIPTION:Join Paul Cartwright to explore the important and wonderful world of liquorice and its history in Pontefract delivered as a guided tour. \nMeet at the bandstand in the inner bailey of Pontefract Castle 5 minutes before the start time. \nThe sites of some liquorice producers remain\, though for the rest you’ll need to use your imagination for how extensive and important liquorice was in Pontefract. A map of former liquorice business locations will be provided\, and the walk will end at Pontefract Museum in the town centre. \nThis free event is part of the Heritage Open Day
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/walk-pontefracts-liquorice-heritage/
LOCATION:Pontefract Castle\, The Lodge Castle Chain\, Castle Garth\,\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 1QH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ponte-cakes.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Pontefract Civic Society":MAILTO:events@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T153000
DTSTAMP:20260807T124653Z
CREATED:20260807T124653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T124653Z
UID:2253-1789653600-1789659000@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Talk: Pontefract Castle - this is your life!
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a whistle-stop tour through Pontefract Castle’s fascinating history!\nDiscover some of the most interesting and intriguing stories from the castle’s past. \nThis free talk is part of Heritage Open Days. The talk is for adults aged 18+. \nThis event will take place in the Activity Zone at Pontefract Castle. \nBooking information\n\nPre-booking requirement: Pre-booking required\nBooking conditions: Book online at https://www.ticketsource.com/wakefield-museums-castles/t-qmaqpvk\nBooking telephone number: +441924302700\nBooking email: museumslearning@wakefield.gov.uk\nBooking website: https://www.ticketsource.com/wakefield-museums-castles/t-qmaqpvk\nAlternative booking website: https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/pc-life-talk/\n\nAccessibility details\nThe talk takes place in the Pontefract Castle Visitor Centre. The visitor centre is wheelchair accessible with level access from the main gates. There are two parking bays outside the castle gates (WF8 1QH) for blue badge holders. If these are full\, please drop off passengers at the castle gates and park in the car park at WF8 2JF\, a five minute walk away. For more access information please visit https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/access-information-at-pontefract-castle/
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/talk-pontefract-castle-this-is-your-life/
LOCATION:Pontefract Castle\, The Lodge Castle Chain\, Castle Garth\,\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 1QH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day,Pontefract Castle Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pontefract-castle-easter-91.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260919
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260920
DTSTAMP:20260810T104737Z
CREATED:20260810T104606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T104737Z
UID:2349-1789776000-1789862399@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Storytelling performance: Pontefract tales
DESCRIPTION:Join Beccy from Story Trails for an interactive storytelling session. Discover stories about everyday people from Pontefract’s past\, doing extraordinary things! \nPonte People Never Give Up \nA castle is built on your doorstep\, and people won’t stop fighting over it. You have to feed your family\, but armies take whatever they want.  Your town is a battleground\, and all you want is peace.  When young lads return from fighting far off wars\, there isn’t enough work\, so they turn to crime.  What do you do when everything around you keeps falling apart?  You tell a different story… \n*SEND and relaxed sessions: SEND groups are welcome at all our sessions. We also run these SEND sessions for people who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. SEND sessions must be booked at wmandc.co/tickets \nDate                   Saturday 19th September 2026 \nTime(s)             10:30am – 11:30am* (SEND Families – with reduced numbers and relaxed performance)\, 1pm – 2pm and 2:30pm – 3:30pm \nAge                     6+ Families \nBooking            Free\, booking required** \n** Tickets for bookable events are a wmandc.co/tickets \nThis free event is part of Heritage Open Days \n 
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/storytelling-performance-pontefract-tales/
LOCATION:Pontefract Castle\, The Lodge Castle Chain\, Castle Garth\,\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 1QH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family event,Free Event,Heritage Open Day
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260919T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260919T143000
DTSTAMP:20260807T125212Z
CREATED:20260807T125212Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T125212Z
UID:2256-1789824600-1789828200@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Talk- Pontefract's Liquorice Story
DESCRIPTION:Learn About Pontefract’s Liquorice Past \nThis free talk was first delivered for Liquorice Shoots and the Liquorice Festival\, and is being reprised for Heritage Open Days in Pontefract Library.
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/talk-pontefracts-liquorice-story/
LOCATION:Pontefract Library\, Shoemarket\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 1BD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/liquorice-digging-in-valley-gardens.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260920T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260920T153000
DTSTAMP:20260807T131019Z
CREATED:20260807T131019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T131019Z
UID:2267-1789900200-1789918200@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Friarwood Valley Gardens Pinhole Camera
DESCRIPTION:The giant pin-hole camera will be operational in the former summer house/aviary\, giving the chance to see live images of the gardens\, projected through the pin-hole. A brief outline will be given of liquorice growing in the Valley Gardens. \nVisit the Valley Gardens with planted Rose Gardens\, children’s playground and unique tree carvings. The Friarwood Valley Gardens is a public park and is a Grade II listed Historic Park: on the site of a medieval Dominican Friary and liquorice cultivation\, it became a public park in 1950. \nThe former aviary building in Valley Gardens has been around since at least 1840 and was built in the Georgian period. Former uses of the aviary include it reputedly being used as a male card school retreat and as a packing shed for the on site market gardens. \nA brief history will be given of liquorice growing and the summerhouse in the Valley Gardens by Dr Colin White; then Bob Clayden\, Pinhole Wizard\, will give a hands-on demonstration of the pinhole camera in this remarkable building. \nThis free event is part of the Heritage Open Day
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/friarwood-valley-gardens-pinhole-camera/
LOCATION:Friarwood Valley Gardens\, Mayor's Walk\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 2RR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pinhole-camera.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260920T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260920T150000
DTSTAMP:20260822T104949Z
CREATED:20260822T095342Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260822T104949Z
UID:2406-1789905600-1789916400@www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
SUMMARY:Tour: Friarwood Valley Gardens Liquorice Cultivation
DESCRIPTION:A walking tour giving the history of liquorice growing in Friarwood Valley Gardens by Dr Colin White. \nPontefract has been synonymous with liquorice\, a flowering plant of the bean family\, for centuries. It was probably brought to the town by monks from Spain and cultivated in the Friarwood Valley by the Dominican Friars\, who used it for medicinal purposes. The Friarwood Valley Gardens is a Grade II listed Historic Park and this year celebrates its 75th anniversary as a public park.\nThe tour by Colin White will cover the history of the cultivation of the liquorice plant in the deep loamy soil of the valley\, especially the market gardeners of the 20th century. \nBring your cameras in order to photograph liquorice growing in the rose garden and have a go at reciting the Betjeman poem ‘Licorice Fields at Pontefract’. \n\nSunday 20 September:  12:00 and 14:00\n\nAccessibility details\nOn-site disabled parking is accessed via Friarwood Lane.
URL:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/event/tour-friarwood-valley-gardens-liquorice-cultivation/
LOCATION:Friarwood Valley Gardens\, Mayor's Walk\, Pontefract\, West Yorkshire\, WF8 2RR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Heritage Open Day
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/valley-gardens-liquorice-growers.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Pontefract Civic Society":MAILTO:events@pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR