Yorkshire Sculpture Park invites Kirklees residents to a free weekend of art and nature

Award-winning visitor attraction Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is offering a special opportunity for people who live in Kirklees to visit for free on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November.

Thanks to a new partnership between Kirklees Council and neighbouring YSP anyone with a Kirklees postcode is invited to book free tickets enabling them to enjoy nature whilst discovering over 90 outdoor sculptures and an array of creative activities. YSP has 1000 tickets available across the weekend with each ticket enabling the holder to explore the 500 hectares of historic landscape and parkland, trails, woodlands and lakes and visit the indoor galleries, shops, cafes and restaurant.

The partnership aims to provide the opportunity to introduce new people to the sculpture park, opening up new artistic and cultural experiences to residents whilst enjoying the parks beautiful natural landscapes. Previous visitors are also welcome to book free tickets and rediscover the park for themselves.

During the free weekend, visitors can discover the rich history of the Bretton Estate, which dates back to the 14th century and has been home to aristocrats, politicians and artists. Walking tours will reveal the stories behind the historic buildings and gardens, as well as the artworks that have been commissioned for the site over the years.

For families and children, there are lots of activities to enjoy, including the new Little Wild Wood outdoor creative play area that offers fun ways to engage with nature and the landscape. There is also the opportunity to pick up an activity basket in the Underground Gallery and be inspired by the new Bharti Kher exhibition.

In addition to sharing a border YSP and Kirklees enjoy several other connections including Huddersfield's’ own Simeon Barclay who has just had a new work “Pitti Pithu Pitoo” installed in YSP’s Lower Park. Deborah Rundel will be sharing work she created that links to the intriguing history of Ann Ellis, who in 1875 led a group of 9,000 weavers on strike action in Dewsbury. There’s also metalwork by David Mayne and jewellery by Deborah Beck in the gift shops, both Holmfirth-based artists, alongside miniature wooden houses by Kirklees-based woodcrafter Yukihiro Akama who enjoyed a hugely successful show at YSP earlier this year. National Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, from Kirklees, is also a current Trustee on the YSP Board.

Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Culture said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Kirklees residents to discover or reconnect with this beautiful and diverse attraction which is just on our doorstep. We are pleased to be working with Yorkshire Sculpture Park who are providing this great day out for free.

“YSP is a place for everyone and we are proud that Kirklees has so many connections with such a rich and cultural landscape."

YSP Deputy Director Kevin Rodd added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Kirklees Council and open up YSP to new visitors or perhaps those who haven’t been for a while. This is also a fantastic opportunity to come and see work by a range of diverse and talented Kirklees artists.”

“We have 500 acres of parkland and galleries to explore and with every season, new artist and new exhibition which opens, there is a constant evolution and new discoveries to make at YSP.”

If you have a Kirklees postcode or live within the Kirklees district you can book up to four free standard entry tickets per household. Anyone aged 18 and under is free and these places can be added at the same time by visiting ysp.org.uk/visit-us.