Thornes Park

Thornes Park provides an expansive outdoor setting close to the heart of Wakefield, covering approximately 60 hectares of landscaped gardens, sports facilities, recreational areas and open parkland less than a mile from the city centre. With its heritage features, water attractions and varied facilities, the park offers organisers plenty of scope for outdoor events with a community or public focus. Our event infrastructure includes Clarence Park Bandstand, Clarence Park Arena, Thornes Park Stadium and a fully equipped athletics area featuring a 10-lane outdoor track and facilities for events including long jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put, hammer throw and steeplechase. LED floodlighting also supports sporting activities. Beyond sport, our park features a walled garden and conservatory, miniature steam railway, playground, skateboard park, duck lake and café facilities, creating opportunities for family-friendly and community programming. A circular route of approximately two miles and the central mound, located on the site of a former castle, add further character to the surroundings. Our park is particularly suited to outdoor festivals, sporting events, fairs, charity activities, public performances, family days and community gatherings. Larger open-air events can make use of the extensive grounds, subject to council approval and the appropriate booking and licensing requirements. With its combination of open space, established facilities and proximity to Wakefield city centre, Thornes Park provides a flexible outdoor environment for organisers seeking room to create large-scale public and community experiences.