Rhubarb roots celebrated in city festival

A celebration of a pink vegetable used as a favourite ingredient in sweet and tart desserts, jams, and pies, has begun in part of West Yorkshire.

Rhubarb has been produced for more than 150 years in a 9 sq mile (23 sq km) area of farmland between Wakefield, Morley and Rothwell, dubbed the Rhubarb Triangle.

Organisers of the Wakefield Rhubarb Festival said a huge market would feature over 50 stalls, with live chef demonstrations and street entertainment across the city.

The city's rhubarb extravaganza runs until Sunday.

Although native to Siberia, rhubarb thrives in the wet, cold winters of Yorkshire and is grown in special sheds in a process known as "forcing".

Wakefield Council said the city's famous festival includes a programme of events for all the family, with restaurants and bars across the city also putting on rhubarb-themed food and drink throughout the weekend.

Hannah Appleyard, the council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: the event was "family friendly" and they were excited to celebrate the "famous pink vegetable".

"There is so much to see and do. With chef demonstrations, live music, and craft activities," she said.

"Visitors to the market can enjoy everything from cheese, jams and gins to brownies, beer, and chocolate – and of course rhubarb."

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