What’s On – Wakefield and Leeds (20/21/22 June)

Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Then look no further! Between the two districts we have a large range of activities, shows and more to chose from!

 

World Sup Beer Festival 2014
20-Jun-14 to 22-Jun-14 

West Riding Refreshment Rooms, Dewsbury Railway Station, Wellington Road, Dewsbury, Wakefield, WF13 1HF.

It’s back, our third World Sup Beer Festival. To support England we will be selecting a beer for each player in Roy Hodgson’s squad from either their own town/city or from the club they are currently playing for. We will be looking to promote new breweries to the West where possible and give you a chance to drink a pint or two in support of your country.

Also we will be looking to source some bottled beers from other countries competing in the World cup to provide a bit of competition for our great English cask beers. We look forward to seeing you get behind England!

For more information: http://bit.ly/1kQtRlz

 

The Blues Band at Theatre Royal Wakefield
Friday 20th June 2014
19:30pm

Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE

If music matures like fine wine, 1979 was a vintage year. That’s when Paul Jones and Tom McGuinness, from the hugely successful Manfred Mann, returned to their first love, the Blues. They imagined their back to the roots project, The Blues Band, would simply earn some beer money. How wrong they were – the public were ready and waiting.

Talent goes to talent. Into the ranks came slide guitar ace and superb vocalist Dave Kelly, legendary ex-John Mayall drummer Hughie Flint, (replaced in 1982 by the renowned Rob Townsend of Family), with solid bass provided by Gary Fletcher.

The Blues Band’s 2012 studio album, Few Short Lines amply demonstrates the veneration of their peers. Bob Dylan’s keyboard accomplice Al Kooper plays on six tracks, Bruce Springsteen’s comrade Southside Johnny provides harmonica and vocals, all lavishly topped off by Paul Jones raunchily duetting with Linda Lewis.

• £22, £20, £17 (plus concessions)

For more information: http://bit.ly/1ic1CTU
To book tickets: http://bit.ly/1lYxISh

 

The Move at Warehouse23
Friday 20th June 2014
19:00pm

23 Smyth Street, Wakefield, WF1 1ED

Supported by The 45’s
Bev Bevan (The Move, ex ELO, Black Sabbath), Trevor Burton (The Move, Steve Gibbons, Trevor Burton Band), Tony Kelsey (Robert Plant, Steve Winwood), Phil Tree (Wizzard, Raymond Froggatt).

The first band played on Radio 1.
Sued by the Prime Minister.
Toured with Hendrix, The Who and Pink Floyd.
The band who gave birth to ELO.

This is a great opportunity to get to see one of England’s truly legendary bands performing all their hits and more!!

Tickets are £15 and can be purchased on the door.

For more information: http://bit.ly/1njwPAk

 

Charity Fashion Show at Stereo Bar
Friday 20th June 2014
20:00pm

Stereo Bar, The Latino Quarter, Wakefield, WF1 1DH

FREE EVENT
Hosted by Identity Boutique – Winners of the Wakefield Retail Awards

Charity Fashion Show – Raising money for Cancer Research

 

For more information: http://bit.ly/1nQL0jI

Baby & Tots Nearly New Sale at Leeds Futsal Arena
Saturday 21st June 2014
13:00pm – 15:00pm

Leeds Futsal Arena (Near The White Rose Shopping Centre), Millshaw, Park Way, Leeds, LS11 0LU

Baby & Tots nearly new sale
Saturday 21st June
1pm til 3pm at Leeds Futsal Arena

http://www.tabletots.co.uk

Clear out & book a table for some holiday spends

 

For more information: http://bit.ly/1kQwvYs

See the TableTots website: http://www.tabletots.co.uk

 

The Illegal Eagles at Theatre Royal Wakefield
Saturday 21st June 2014
19:30pm onwards

Theatre Royal Wakefield, Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE

Following a number of critically acclaimed UK & European Tours, The Illegal Eagles have established themselves as, not only the ultimate tribute to The Eagles, but as one of the foremost authentic and talented theatrical experiences in the world!

Vocalist Greg Webb now joins the classic line-up of members Phil Aldridge, Keith Atack, Al Vosper and Darin Murphy and Garreth Hicklin. Together Garreth & Greg’s abilities to capture the emotion of Don Henley’s vocal deliveries, has ensured that critical and audience acclaim has been unanimous.

This latest production brings you all the classics – Hotel California, Take It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, Life in the Fast Lane, Take it to the Limit, Tequila Sunrise, Desperado, New Kid In Town…and a whole lot more!

• £21, £19, £17, (plus concessions)

For more information: http://bit.ly/1plsD7J
To book tickets: http://bit.ly/1lBHv1N

 

Overload 2k14 at Nostell Priory
Saturday 21st June 2014
15:00pm – 22:00pm

Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wakefield, WF4 1QE

O V E R L O A D 2 K 1 4
A festival of arts and culture for young people by young people

Main Stage:
-Jack Walton + Acoustic Band
-Third Knight + More acts to be confirmed..

Arena 2 – UV Dance tent
With DJs:
-Danny Roebuck
-Morgan Thomas
-Matty Kirkbrigt
-Kelvin Wood
-Lewis Southward

• Free Entry

For more information: http://bit.ly/UPcHQc

Bunting Making & Embroidery Workshop at The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery
Saturday 21st June 2014
14:00pm – 16:00pm

The Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, Parkinson Building, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT

After a hugely popular embroidery workshop earlier this year, artist and craft-person- extraordinaire, Becki Harper, will be back in the Gallery to teach you the many ways to make your own bunting!

Add colour and fun to any room in this new Burton Saturday workshop…

Think any colours, any size, any fabric; this will be an informative and relaxing workshop suitable for all abilities. Grab the opportunity to use those embroidery skills again too and decorate your bunting once you’ve grasped the basics.

All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring anything special that you may want to use.

Becki Harper is an illustrator and creative practitioner based in York. . Her work has been highly commended in the Macmillan Children’s Book Prize, and she also received a Best New Blood Award from D&AD.

• £5 refundable booking fee

For more information: http://bit.ly/1qgHorZ

 

1st Farsley Guides’ Summer Fayre at St John’s Church Hall, Farsley
Saturday 21st June 2014
10:00am – 12:00pm noon

St John’s Church Hall, Farsley, New Street, Farsley, Pudsey, LS28 5DJ

Summer Fayre with Homemade Cakes, Tombola, Craft, Book, Games stalls and Guess the Weight of the Cake.

Refreshments available.

• Free Entry.

For more information: http://bit.ly/1jAtYSC

 

RSPB Big Wild Sleepout at Lotherton Hall
Saturday 21st June 2014
11:00am Saturday – 11:00am Sunday

Lotherton Hall, Off Collier Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB

Join the RSPB for the Big Wild Sleepout at Lotherton Hall!

Bring your family along and spend the night under the stars to experience the real outdoors and the wonders of nature.

The price includes entry and free parking in the Lotherton Hall grounds, a shelter building competition, an introduction to nature habitats walk, an evening woodland nature walk, campfire quizzes, games and lots of self-led wild family activities like face painting and bug hunting. Bring your own food along for an evening meal for your family and something to cook it on, eg a camping stove.

For more information on the event and what to bring with you, please visit:

Booking is essential: http://www.rspb.org.uk/events/details.aspx?id=tcm:9-368725

Parents / carers must supervise children in their care at all times.

• RSPB £20 (adult) £10 (child)
• Non RSPB member£25 (adult) £12 (child)

For more information: http://bit.ly/1uFdDRM

 

Saturday Art Club 6yrs – 11yrs at ArtBug Studio
Saturday 21st June 2014
9:30am – 11:15am

Artbug Studio, ABS Business Park, Unit 4, Viaduct Street, Stanningley, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 6AU

Art Club gives children aged over two years a unique opportunity to express themselves freely through art in a safe & friendly environment. They are encouraged to use their initiative & imagination and are provided with all the materials & resources to experiment & explore as much as they wish!

We explore different materials and new techniques in fine art and craft based activities. Projects include clay hand building and glazing, painting, wire sculptures, junk modelling, sculptures, drawing techniques . Each individual matters and can dictate what they want to do. The child’s personal creative journey is key and each child works at their own level. Classes are split 2- 5 yrs & 6yrs – 11 years. Children aged 5 plus will be given the opportunity to participate in Arts Award Discover and Explore.

• £8.50/£12.00

For more information: http://bit.ly/1pV21db

Saturday Family Activities at Thackray Medical Museum
Saturday 21st June 2014
10:00am – 15:00pm

Thackray Medical Museum, 141 Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7LN

June is Survival month – the antidote to sport

Had enough of tennis? All cycled out? Join us to learn some simple survival skills and then test your knowledge with fun quizzes and challenges.

• £7(adults); £5(children 5 – 16); £22 (family)

For more information: http://bit.ly/1inXAHH

Wicked at Opera North Grand Theatre
Saturday 21st June 2014
14:30pm and 19:30pm

Opera North Grand Theatre, 4 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NZ

 

Winner of 90 international awards, Wicked has been casting its magical spell over audiences across the world for a decade and continues to break records at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is already the 15th longest-running West End musical of all time.

In a brilliantly witty re-imagining of the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda The Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Packed with thrilling technical wizardry, stunning costumes and show-stopping songs (by Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz), Wicked is an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

• Tickets £18.50 – £55.00, premium seats available

To book tickets: http://bit.ly/1qv09KB
For more information: http://bit.ly/1hZR6i4

 

Springboard Saturdays at The Tetley
Saturday 21st June 2014
All Day

The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ

Springboard Saturdays take place each week and are led by volunteers and artists. Inspired by our exhibitions, Springboard activities can include anything from making simple prints, to designing robots, book-making or creating recycled crafts.

These drop-in activities are suitable for children and families of all ages. Visitors can stay for as long or as little as they like. Activities are free and no booking is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Free

For more information: http://bit.ly/1kQHb9s

 

Saturday Art Stars at Otley Courthouse
Saturday 21st June 2014
10:00am – 12:00pm noon

Otley Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3AN

Monsters, modelling and mosaics are just a few of the exciting workshops we have been running for children.
All children aged 5-12 are welcome to come to the Saturday term-time sessions and also to the holiday workshops.

• £5 per child – payable on the day

For more information: http://bit.ly/1oZ8R1M

 

Wakefield Armed Forces Day 2014 at Nostell Priory and Parkland
Sunday 22nd June 2014
10:00am – 16:00pm

Nostell Priory, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wakefield, WF4 1QE

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to show your support for Britain’s Armed Forces, past, present and future.

We’ll be marking the event in Wakefield on 22 June with an event at Nostell Priory and Parkland.

The day is packed with a wide range of free activities for all the family including:

The Royal Signals White Helmets motorcycle display team, Parachute display team, Spitfire flyby and static display, Falconry display, Farmers market, Craft fair, Inflatable assault course and Military bands.

The full list of events can be found on the website.

A flag raising ceremony will take place at 10am with main events running from 10am – 4pm.
We’re also running a children’s competition. For details please visit the website.

• Free Entry – £3 Parking

For more information: http://bit.ly/SVKpBH

 

Miners’ Gala at National Coal Mining Museum for England
Sunday 22nd June 2014
10:00am – 15:15pm

National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, WF4 4RH

Activities throughout the day include;

Live performances from Grange Moor Band
SNUG play area
Bonkers bikes from Get Cycling
Animal Tent
Children’s Sports Day Races
Design a plate – children’s competition
Horse shoe demonstrations
Performances from Wakefield Stage Coach
Rescue birds of prey demonstrations
Retired Greyhound Trust
Name the Miner competition – open to adults and children
Performance from Hobsons Chorus
Train rides
Outdoor art and craft tent – free activities
Ridings FM
Under 5s allotment-themed indoor soft play area
Nature Trail, playground and picnic area
Visit the ponies, Eric and Ernie plus Finn our gentle giant Clydesdale horse
Free Underground Tours

• Free

For more information: http://bit.ly/1ic4v71

Discharge at Warehouse23
Sunday 22nd June 2014
16:00pm onwards

23 Smyth Street, Wakefield, WF1 1ED

Support by BILLYCLUB, BLACK LIGHT MUTANTS and HEADSTONE HORRORS

Discharge are a British hardcore punk band formed in 1977 by Terence “Tezz” Roberts and Royston “Rainy” Wainwright. They are often considered among one of the very first bands to play hardcore punk

The band is characterized by a minimalistic approach of music and lyrics, a heavy, distorted, and grinding guitar-driven sound and raw, shouted vocals similar to a political speech, with lyrics on anarchist and pacifist themes. AllMusic calls the band’s sound a “high-speed noise overload” characterized by “ferocious noise blasts” The band’s 1982 debut album, Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing, went to number two on the UK Indie Charts and number 40 in the UK Album Chart. In the early 1980s, numerous singles and EPs placed in the top 10 of the UK Indie Charts, including the 1981 EP Why? (#1)

• £10 Tickets

For more information: http://bit.ly/1njBFh9

 

Car and Bike Show Gala at Flushdyke Junior and Infants School
Sunday 22nd June 2014
10:00am – 15:30pm

Flushdyke Junior and Infants School, Ossett, WF5 9AN

Flushdyke School and Morris Register
Car and Bike Show Gala
Sunday 22nd June 2014
10am – 3.30pm

Everyone welcome and FREE admission.

Craft Stalls, Bouncy Castles, Majorettes, Martial Arts Display, Raffle, Tattoos, Facepainting, Tombola and much much more…

Come along for a great family day out.

• Free entry

For more information: http://bit.ly/T9GrWI

 

 

REVIEW: Boomerang Jam Kids Festival 2014

Local residents, hoping to try out a new family friendly festival were bitterly disappointed over the Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May when they attended Boomerang Jam, organised by Grace & Tailor at The Tetley Brewery, Leeds.

We were invited on behalf of Mumsnet Wakefield to review the Boomerang Jam event at The Tetley, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JQ in receipt of two free tickets; Mumsnet Local was unable to attend the event as planned, but we were very saddened to hear of so many negative experiences. Our area could really use more children-centred events like this and it’s a shame there are so many unsatisfied customers. Mumsnet Wakefield still promised to provide a review of the reviews made by customers.

The event took place over the Bank Holiday weekend – 25th/26th May 2014 and The Tetley, Leeds. Sponsors included, Grace and Tailor, Heart Yorkshire, The Tetley, Yorkshire Evening Post and David Lloyd.

     

The event seemed popular and they had previously arranged something successful at Harewood with 6,000 visitors so they expected around 5,000 – 10,000 visitors over the two days. The tickets were priced at £15 per adult and £10 per child, 2s and under went free and a family ticket at £42. Advertised on the Boomerang Jam website before the event was:

Promised appearances from: Peppa Pig, Bob The Builder, Fireman Sam and Shocksquatch from Ben 10 Omniverse.

Half Pipe and Pro Performers ● Main Stage ● Arena ● Dance Tent● Food Demonstrations ● Mini Farm ● Rock ● Climbing ●Inflatables ● Fair Ground ● Graffiti Artists ● Arts and Crafts ●Stalls ● Competitions ● Breakdancing ● Beatboxing performances ● and much much more.

Part of The Leeds Food & Drink Festival 2014

The ‘What’s On’ section advertised on their website was the most enticing with great names to attract;

Main Stage, Jam Bam Arena, Boom Street Extreme, Tip Top Tent, Guzzle Alley, Bouncy Bonzana, Mini Bam Jam Farm, The Rock Dock, Fun Fair Zone and The Big Chill. These offered everything from inflatables, to food demos to bean bags; There really was something for all the family.

 

As the event started, the reviews starting coming in via the Boomerang Jam Facebook page.  Unfortunately, these reviews were not reflecting the event well:

“Worst….Event….Ever.”

“This was a complete shambles for over £40 plus rip off rides. Set within the demolished foundations of the Tetley factory with minimal effort to make the ground safe. We ended up sitting on the floor of the “bar tent” as there were limited sheltered places elsewhere to eat our overpriced burger van fare. Where did our £45 go??”

“A kids festival with a food and drink festival was promised. The reality was very different. £23 for the ticket & £4 car parking & £2 per ride of which I would only allow my begging child to go on three. The atmosphere was awful as all parents felt ripped off. It was in an uneven car park, not ideal for a toddler unsteady on their feet. It was an extremely disappointing family day out. It would have been disappointing had it been free. I have no idea what the entrance fee went towards. Boomerang jam would you like to answer this?” 

“A complete rip off. My bag was searched and I was asked to remove a baby water cup upon entry. No changing facilities for babies. Rough terrain far from child friendly and you had to pay for everything inside despite the £40 entrance fee. One of the worst ‘planned’ event I have ever been to.”

The Mumsnet Local listing of the event was subsequently flooded by the tide of negative experiences local families had undergone.

“We attended Boomerang Jam on the Sunday after winning a family ticket through the YEP. I’m unsure what you actually get for your £40 entrance fee. There were lots of fairground rides £2 upwards!! I would have thought these would have been included in the price. The climbing wall and petting zoo was welcomed by my daughter however everything else was dire! It was all in all a very disappointing day out at what was billed to be a great bank holiday kids festival.”

“What a let down this event was….half of the advertised events for the day didn’t even run, the admission price was an absolute joke, a family ticket for £40 to gain entry to a car park with so many health and safety issues, nowhere to sit, the food stalls consisted of a hot dog stall, a burger stall and a crepe stall….I’d already raised my concerns about food and was assured there were lots of options and were not allowed to take our own food and drink…..just a total let down, I’ve already emailed the organisers and asked for a refund.”

 

 

Views of the main stage taken by the public.

  

Images of the attractions taken by the public.

    

Images of the abandoned attractions taken by the public.

Images of shut off entertainment area to children, concrete slabs and abandoned atmosphere taken by the public.

 

You can see more reviews on the Mumsnet Wakefield website.

The Mumsnet Local talk board was subsequently flooded by the tide of negative experiences local families had undergone. Under the mist, out came some positive feedback of the event:

“Even though it was raining, me and my family still managed to have a fantastic time at the Boomerang Jam event… Loved it, and will definitely come again tomorrow”

“I went with my 2y 10m daughter in the Monday. The weather was good and we arrived at 10 am. There were only two of us. 

At first I was disappointed by the rides and the concrete ground (like a lot of people) but I soon realised that was my expectation not my daughter’s. Mostly I thought that I’d expect it to be better but that this was the first year. Next year should be better but won’t be if everyone complains and gets there money back. I’d much rather have this than no kids festival at all. 

Honestly my daughter loved it. We milked a life size pretend Cow, decorated cakes, saw Peppa and touched her tail, danced with Bob the builder, went on a huge bouncy castle slide, sprayed water cannons (£1), saw an eight year old body popper, saw two dance troupes, ate cheeseburgers (good ones £4), loved but couldn’t touch a big friendly monster and finally cuddled six rabbits and three guinea pigs.

We were there for over four hours and she never stopped doing stuff.”

  

Images of the animals: Courtesy of Boomerang Jam.

Image of the rock wall: Courtesy of Boomerang Jam.

  

Images of the entertainment: Courtesy of Boomerang Jam.

 

Despite the many negative reviews that were flooding in via social media, there were many families who enjoyed the event and had a fantastic time.

Heading back to our talk boards, we asked our users what they could recommend to the organisers to change and improve for future events;

“These is what I’d improve… 
– more seating for lunch
– more food choices
– smart phone timetable so you know what’s happening when”

“Free entry/payment for entry but free attractions inside”

“More food and drink stalls! The cost was absolutely ridiculous and there wasn’t a lot to choose from. Either that or allow us to bring our own food and drink”

“Inform the public of any changes as soon as possible! The majority of the disappointment could have been avoided if you would of informed us via social media of the acts and businesses that didn’t turn up”

“Maybe next time they could select a better venue to make it child friendly rather than a derelict car park”

 

A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council said:

“We are aware of the issues around Boomerang Jam and are concerned to hear that a number of people had a negative experience. Although we were not involved in the organisation of the event, nor did we sponsor it, we did want to share some of the events going on in the city over the bank holiday with families in Leeds via our website and Twitter. However we are reliant on the event organisers to deliver appropriate facilities and activities at their venues when using materials to promote Child Friendly Leeds, and we will be looking at how we can regulate this more effectively in the future. We are aware there were other organisations who also promoted the event in good faith and who are similarly concerned about the feedback from families.

We have contacted the organisers to pass on the comments we have received and to express our concerns. If your members wish to do the same the email address is: info@boomerangjam.co.uk or you can visit their website. Hopefully this feedback will enable the organisers to deliver a better service in future.”

After the event had passed, we wanted to give the organisers of Boomerang Jam the right to reply and here is their response;

“Dear All

We are very sorry for the disappointment that has been caused to people who attended the event on Sunday and Monday. We are also very disappointed as the event did not go as we had planned and subsequently we take full responsibility.

We are facing this and everyone who emails us will receive a response.

Individuals in our team have been the target of personal attacks both online and offline. They have been frightened and upset. They are working really hard to make sure that everyone receives a positive outcome, please allow them to do so without intrusion or threat.

The event ended 48 hours ago, so we are still organising the process of refunding you. We will refund you as quickly as we can and thank you for your continued patience.

If you wish to contact us please email info@boomerangjam.co.uk.

The Organisers of Boomerang Jam”

We hope that the organisers of Boomerang Jam take the responses they received and use them to improve the organisation and outcome of further events as on this occasion the event looked great on paper, but to the majority, the reality wasn’t what was anticipated.

 

If you attended the event and left feeling disappointed with your experience please feel free to leave a review in our comments.

Acknowledgements: Mumsnet Wakefield would like to thank Boomerang Jam for providing a free family ticket in return for a review.

For a personal review please see Blogizing

Welcome to Mumsnet Wakefield – The Blog!

Still being relatively new, we have been running the well established popular parenting site, Mumsnet Wakefield for a few months. In this time we have got to know our members, the local businesses and built up a rapport with a trustworthy collective.

We at Mumsnet provide coverage of what is important to you, what local people are looking for, reviews on events and businesses and help to promote events and businesses. Don’t be fooled by the name, all residents in Wakefield are welcome to the site regardless of age, gender, whether or not you have children.

As our headline says, this site is by local parents for local parents so if there’s something you desperately want to cover or see covered then drop us a line at: wakefield@mumsnetlocal.com