The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is officially back for 2026, with HARIBO UK returning as the headline sponsor for the third year in a row. Taking place on Sunday 12th July, this year’s celebration of the town’s world-famous sweet-making heritage is set to be a true community takeover.
Running from 10:00 to 16:00, the festival is completely free to attend and requires no booking. The streets will be packed with more than 50 stalls showcasing regional produce, artisan food, and handcrafted goods, while the town centre becomes a hub of live entertainment and street performances.
A major highlight of the day is the community parade, which will take place twice, winding its way from the Town Hall to the historic grounds of Pontefract Castle. This year, the parade is more inclusive than ever, featuring an “open call” for local performers and a display of creative banners designed by local schoolchildren. Visitors aren’t just spectators either; everyone is invited to join hands-on workshops to create flags and bunting to help transform the town.
Tabea Powell, Head of Communications at HARIBO UK, said:
“The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is a fantastic celebration of West Yorkshire and its unique sweet-making heritage. As a Yorkshire business that has called this region home for over 50 years, we’re proud to support an event that celebrates that shared heritage and creates moments of childlike happiness across our community.”
Mark Lynam, Wakefield Council’s Corporate Director for Regeneration, Environment and Economic Growth, added:
“This year’s event will see even more opportunities for local people to get involved, from the parade to creative workshops and competitions. We’re delighted that HARIBO continues to support the festival as headline sponsor, helping us make it bigger and better each year.”
For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/liquorice-festival.
