City sees 100,000 talking rhubarb

The council says the three-day event pulled in 96,000 people from as far away as Holland, London, Bath and Surrey.

The Shadow Chancellor and local MP, Ed Balls, was among those who dropped by.

Councillor David Dagger, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for culture, said: “We have had fantastic feedback on the festival, not only from visitors but from all the local businesses involved as well. The three days were a huge success and there was a real buzz around the city centre.

“The festival has grown in strength from year to year and provides a huge boost to Wakefield’s local economy, with an estimated visitor spend of £20 per person.

“I would like to thank all the local businesses who took part in the event and the support of the visitors near and far that make this festival the success that it is.”

The festival saw a host of special guests including Elaine Lemm, who proved so popular that Wakefield Council has invited her back to the city for a future book signing.