Motherwell Strathclyde Park previously hosted the major Scottish music festival, T in the Park, until 1996, when it was moved to a disused airfield in Balado, Kinross-shire. It has also hosted other music festivals such as Retrofest. Modern authors Des McAnulty and Mark Wilson have written novels of critical acclaim which are based in the town (LIFE IS LOCAL, McAnulty) and neighbouring town Bellshill (BOBBY'S BOY, Wilson). Motherwell is the headquarters for both North Lanarkshire Council, which is one of Scotland's most populous local authority areas, and of Police Scotland "Q" division. These organisations cover an overall population of 327,000 people
Clarence Park Festival Clarence Park Festival Clarence Park Festival is the longest running free music festival in Yorkshire, England. Known initially as Clarence Rocks Off it has been held annually at the bandstand in Clarence Park, Wakefield since 1991. It is the flagship event for Wakefield Music Collective, a non-profit community group with open membership. Estimated attendance of the festival ranges between 2,000 and 8,000 depending on weather, and it is funded largely through grants, corporate sponsorship and other fundraising events throughout the year. The 23rd Festival is taking place on the weekend of 26 and 27 July 2014. During the two days