WordFest 2021

Andy Campbell



Wordfest 2021


By students at Backstage Academy, funded by Wakefield Council.

Students from Backstage Academy transformed Wakefield’s Former Market Hall during October half term 2021.

For the month-long festival finale, the students created a pop-up exhibition, art installation and immersive experience all rolled into one. With spectacular sound and visual effects, students created three zones to represent the three major biomes of our planet:

The Ocean Zone – an underwater wonderland featuring a 18m long inflatable sperm whale.

The Enchanted Forest Zone – featuring trees of wisdom contributed by communities across our district.

The Air Zone – Featuring an installation of The Butterfly Effect by Tony Wade – a mesmerising aerial exhibit of butterflies was created at schools and community workshops throughout 2021.

Photography by Dan Reyner and Ash Scott