About this Event
First Friday Networking – March Edition
Friday 6 March | Wakefield Cathedral
Join us for our regular First Friday Networking event this March, hosted in the iconic setting of Wakefield Cathedral. As always, the priority is on bringing people together, sparking conversations, making connections and growing opportunities across the We Are Wakefield community.
March’s event takes place just ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, and we’ll be marking the moment with a subtle but powerful nod — including turning the Cathedral purple and celebrating the contribution of our Wakey Women, alongside the male allies who support and champion them.
This is an inclusive event — all genders are warmly welcome.
We are honoured to hear from our hosts:
- The Very Reverend Philip Hobday, the newly appointed Dean of Wakefield Cathedral
Our guest speakers are two remarkable women from HM Pr*son & YOI New Hall, the women’s Pr*son in Wakefield:
- Rev. Lesley Greenwood‑Haigh, Managing Chaplain, HMP & YOI New Hall
- Claire Mothersdale, Chaplaincy Volunteer and Church Army Evangelist in training
They will share powerful insights into the routes that can lead women into the criminal justice system, along with the care, compassion and support needed to reduce reoffending. Their stories are honest and thought‑provoking — offering both challenge and hope.
The morning will, as always, include:
- A hearty breakfast from 9.30am
- Plenty of time for networking and relationship‑building
- Exhibitors from within the We Are Wakefield community
The event is open to We Are Wakefield members, and visitors are warmly invited to attend for a first‑time taster session at £12.50 + VAT.
As we approach International Women’s Day, we’ll also embrace the 2026 theme #GIVETOGAIN — a philosophy that underpins We Are Wakefield every day, not just on this occasion.
Event Disclaimer: Accessibility & Noise Levels
Our aim is to consider the needs of all our members and visitors to create an inclusive, welcoming environment at every event.
As we host events in different venues, noise levels and surroundings may vary. While we are mindful of this, networking and group gatherings can sometimes be loud, which we appreciate may be challenging for some individuals, including those who are hearing impaired, neurodiverse, or sensitive to sound.
If you require accommodations please speak to a member of the WAW team. A quieter space will be allocated.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us make our events accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Getting to the cathedral
Walking:
Wakefield Cathedral is located in the heart of the city centre and can be accessed on foot via Westgate, Kirkgate, Bread Street, Cross Square, Northgate or Westmorland Street.
Bike:
Limited cycle racks are available to use at the cathedral free of charge. These are located at the north side of the building near the entrance to Treacy Hall Corridor (locks are not provided, users of the cycle racks do so at their own risk and Wakefield Cathedral can accept no liability for any damage that may occur).
Car:
If coming from the north: Exit at Junction 41 of the M1 and join the A650 (second exit), continuing on circa 2.5 miles until you reach Leeds Road. Follow Leeds Road into Wakefield city centre.
If coming from the west: Join the A642 (Wakefield Road) and follow all the way in to Wakefield city centre.
If coming from the east: Travel via the M62 to Junction 29 at which point join the M1(S) (first exit) and come off at Junction 41. Join the A650 (second exit), continuing on circa 2.5 miles until you reach Leeds Road. Follow Leeds Road into Wakefield city centre.
If coming from the south: Exit at Junction 39 of the M1 onto the A636 (3rd exit) and follow the road into Wakefield city centre.
Bus:
There are numerous bus stops located within a 5-minute walk of Wakefield Cathedral, with the city centre bus station (WF1 3AQ) located just a 5-minute walk from the cathedral.
The Free City Bus has a number of city-centre stops which are also within close proximity of the cathedral.
For more bus times please visit the West Yorkshire Metro website.
Train:
Wakefield Cathedral is located a 9-minute walk from Wakefield Westgate Train Station.
Wakefield Cathedral is located an 11-minute walk from Wakefield Kirkgate Train Station.
For train times and ticket information please visit the Trainline website.
Parking
Use of the cathedral car park is reserved for staff only or for visitors who have sought access prior to visiting (eg for disabled parking reasons or event support, for more information please email [email protected] or call 01924 373923).
There are plenty of low cost parking facilities located within close proximity of the cathedral including:
The Ridings Shopping Centre (WF1 1US) – 4-minute walk from cathedral (card payments accepted – pre-booking available , or click for more information about the car park and tariffs). Please note the car park opening times are different from the shopping centre times, but access is still available through the shopping centre when closed.
(WF1 2TF) – 5-minute walk from cathedral
(WF1 3AZ) – 6-minute walk from cathedral
(WF1 1ER) – 6-minute walk from cathedral
(WF1 1QQ) – 7-minute walk from cathedral (card payments accepted)
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Wakefield Cathedral, Northgate, Wakefield, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 15.00
