Search events

Guides available , giving tours and aspects of the history of the church. A visit to the bell ringing chamber (open 1000-1300), the bell chamber is not accessible. Refreshments will be available in the café.

A drop in session to view the historic parish church of Hemsworth.

Discover the intriguing history of Pontefract Castle on a friendly and informative tour of the castle. This tour is free for Heritage Open Days!

Discover the fascinating stories of people held prisoner at Pontefract Castle over the centuries. A history talk for adults (16+)

Join us for live performances of short stories written by young people as part of Wakefield Literature Festival. The original pieces of historic fiction are based on places in Wakefield district- including Pontefract Castle!

Ever wanted to create a garden inspired by history? Find out how you can grow your own medieval herb garden in this informative talk.

Quakers have been in Pontefract since the 17th century, and they contributed a great deal to the economy of Pontefract via a range of businesses.

A talk regarding the Normanton, Castleford and Pontefract Tramway by local historian Peter Cookson.

Routes-Networks-Connections theme-based walk related to architectural detail

A talk on the history of the Hermitage and Oratory in Pontefract.

A talk by local railway expert, Peter Cookson, on how the railway came to Pontefract.

Join Pontefract Civic Society on a walk on Newgate to consider the past, and then into St Joseph's church.

An opportunity to see how the town has changed in the last 100 years, and to participate in bringing back your memories of how Pontefract used to be.

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. Volunteer guides will also be on hand to outline the history of the 'Valley Gardens'

As part of Heritage Open Days we are opening our lovely church on Yorkshire Churches Day, September 14th. Come and explore our history and treasures.

Learn About Pontefract’s Liquorice Past

West Yorkshire Astronomical Society will give a short talk about Beagle 2, followed by a look around the observatory.

An external tour of school buildings/grounds with a tour guide, lasting approximately one hour, with an additional optional 30 minutes Q&A session.

Tour includes an opening talk in Ebor Hall about the history of Robert Holgate and his legacy.

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.

A talk on the history and development of the sport of horseracing and Pontefract Racecourse in particular, with a guided tour of the buildings, given by Norman Gundill MBE.

A celebration of the Pontefract and Five Towns area's long and rich history of choral and community singing.

'When I hear music.' A FREE 45 minute taster concert from Pontefract Choral Society followed by light refreshments.

Visit the historic Parish Church of All Saints South Kirkby. The Church is still setup in the traditional way with a lot of local and regional interesting artefacts to see. Visit the Bell Ringing Chamber and 'have a go' at Bell ringing.

Pontefract Civic Society is proud to partner with Richard Pennock to promote this launch and exhibition of local artist, Adrian Hill.

Pontefract Civic Society is proud to partner Friends of Friarwood Valley Gardens in the unveiling of an 'installation' in tribute to the Betjeman poem 'Licorice Fields at Pontefract'.

A guided tour of the Assembly Rooms and the Town Hall including the Nelson Room.

A walk around Pontefract town centre with local historian Eric Jackson, highlighting the history of Pontefract.

A video of Pontefract artists over time.

A narrated video tour of Pontefract Town Hall and Assembly Rooms.

An online video regarding the long gone theatres and cinemas of Pontefract

A video of the life of one time Pontefract resident, Darcy Lever.

An online video regarding Pontefract surprising nautical history

A video of 'famous' Pontefract musicians.

A video of a range of notable Pontefract photographers.

Pontefract Art Club partnerships with Pontefract Civic Society and The Prince of Wales Hospice for this on-line exhibition.

Join Pontefract Civic Society for a walk around Pontefract town centre to discover the late 19c traders of our market town.

Join Pontefract Civic Society for a walk focusing on the yards to the west of Beastfair/Cornmarket, in the late Victorian period.

An hour long guided walk on a circular route around the locations of Pontefract’s famous Almshouses, led by noted local historian Eric Jackson.

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.

Join the Women's Engineering Society in their Electric Dreams 2024 series of talks as they celebrate the formation of the Electrical Association for Women 100 years ago. This talk is organised in conjunction with the Pontefract Civic Society

Drop in to this hands on activity, making and testing model catapults. Experiment with angles and designs to create the best catapults. Take aim and fire at our mini castle walls!