What's on Calendar Exhibition: Jason and the Wakefield Adventure Wakefield Exchange and artist Jason Wilsher-Mills are proud to present ‘Jason and the Wakefield Adventure’, Jason’s first large-scale exhibition of work in his hometown of Wakefield. Visit exhibition website Find out more about Jason About the exhibition Jason Wilsher-Mills was born in Wakefield in 1969. At 11 years old, Jason was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition triggered by chickenpox, which confined him to a wheelchair. Through brightly coloured psychedelic inflatables sculptures and interactive digital projections, Jason’s artworks celebrate disability, northern working-class heritage, popular culture and social history. Featuring in this exhibition is a new 20-metre inflatable sculpture, Jason’s largest and most ambitious artwork to date, created especially for Wakefield. Jason has collaborated with local disabled community groups in Wakefield to develop this new sculpture, which focuses on different aspects of Wakefield’s history. The sculpture is particularly inspired by the Jolly Pinder of Wakefield whose story is told in a medieval folk ballad in which he meets Robin Hood and his merry men whilst protecting Wakefield. Jason was drawn to the Jolly Pinder because his name was lent to the naming of Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. It was at this hospital where Jason spent a year, from 1980-1981, and was diagnosed with his illness – a pivotal moment in Jason’s life. Jason and the community groups have imagined the Jolly Pinder as a fantastical character, both magical and mysterious, whilst being colourful and full of humour…. much like the ‘Merrie City’ of Wakefield itself. Accessibility Bus Wakefield Exchange is on Union Street, directly next to Wakefield Bus Station and opposite Trinity Walk Shopping Centre. There is a free city bus linking to both train stations. Train Wakefield Westgate is a short 13-minute walk from Wakefield Exchange and Wakefield Kirkgate is 17 minutes away on foot. Both stations are step-free to all platforms. Car With a short drive from both the M62 and M1, WX is easy to reach. There is no parking on site, however there are multiple pay and display car parks in the surrounding area, as well as Trinity Walk Shopping Centre. You can find out more about the available parking locations in the city, via the main Wakefield Council website. Below are the car parks in the closest proximity: Borough Road Car Park, WF1 3AZMerchant Gate Car Park, WF1 2QNProvidence Street Car Park, WF1 3BGTrinity Walk Car Park, WF1 1QS The venue has step-free access from all entrances and an accessible lift on the ground floor, by the main bar. A Changing Places toilet is located on the ground floor, adjacent to the exit into The Yard. Other accessible toilets are also available on site. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the venue. BSL guided tours, led by Martin Glover, will take place on the following dates: Wednesday 25 June | From 3pm Sunday 27 July | From 2pm Tuesday 5 August | From 2pm Tuesday 19 August | From 5pm Meet at the welcome point in the main hall. Audio described tours, led by the team at Mind's Eye, will take place on the following dates: Wednesday 2 July | 3pm-4pm Saturday 2 August | 10am-11am Tuesday 12 August | 2pm-3pm Tuesday 26 August | 5pm-6pm Meet at the Welcome Point in the main hall of Wakefield Exchange. The tour is free to attend. Booking is encouraged but not essential. Book now Relaxed hours are scheduled on the following dates: Thursdays | 3pm-5pm Thursday 26 June, Thursday 3 July, Thursday 10 July, Thursday 17 July, Thursday 24 July, Thursday 31July, Thursday 7 August, Thursday 14 August, Thursday 21 August, Thursday 28 August & Thursday 4 September Mondays | 9am-11am Monday 28 July, Monday 4 August, Monday 11 August, Monday 18 August & Monday 25 August Further information will be announced about Family Tours for SEND. Please check the Wakefield Exchange website for further updates. Opening hours Monday : Closed Tuesday : Closed Wednesday : 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Thursday : 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday : 9:00 am - 10:30 pm Saturday : 10:00 am - 10:30 pm Sunday : 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Programme All events are free but booking is essential. Superhero Life Drawing Friday 20 June, Friday 27 June, Friday 4 July, Friday 11 July, Friday 18 July & Friday 5 September Find Out More The Jolly Pinder Story: Mixed Media Workshop Sunday 29 June & Sunday 17 August Find Out More Create Your Own Character - Writing Workshop Sunday 6 July & Sunday 20 July Find Out More Wakefield Heart Badges – Mixed Media Workshop Sunday 27 July, Sunday 10 August & Sunday 7 September Find Out More Your Life as a Hero’s Journey – Drawing Workshop Sunday 27 July, Sunday 10 August & Sunday 7 September Find Out More Pop Up Choir - Singing Workshop Sunday 31 August Find Out More Drop In-Family Crafts Term Time: Saturdays School Holidays: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays Find Out More Booking for this event has now closed. Manage Cookie Preferences