The beloved Pontefract Liquorice Festival is making a grand return on the 14th of July, 2024, with local sweets manufacturer HARIBO stepping in as the head sponsor. Starting at 10:00am, the festival promises a delightful experience for visitors of all ages, featuring an array of liquorice and sweet treat stalls, performances, and family-friendly activities throughout the streets of Pontefract.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival will be the whimsical Liquorice Parade, led by HARIBO’s iconic Goldbear. The parade will showcase vibrant costumes inspired by HARIBO favourites and other liquorice classics, adding a dose of childlike happiness to the event. HARIBO will also offer some of the nation’s favourite sweets and exclusive, limited-edition merchandise, available only at this year’s festival.
With over 50 stalls, visitors can indulge in a variety of local and regional products, turning the event into a foodie’s paradise. Traders will be selling a wide range of items, including fine gins, cheeses, chutneys, pastries, baked goods, candy, and ales.
Both residents and tourists are expected to fill the streets of Pontefract to celebrate the rich tradition and heritage of liquorice and sweets in the area. For those travelling to the event, a Park and Ride service will be available at Pontefract Racecourse, ensuring easy access to the festivities. The festival is part of Wakefield Council’s “Our Year 2024,” a comprehensive 366-day programme celebrating cultural and heritage activities across the Wakefield District.
Jon Hughes, Managing Director of HARIBO UK & Ireland, expressed his excitement about the sponsorship: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring such a highly anticipated event for the community here in Pontefract. HARIBO is proud to have such a deep-rooted Yorkshire identity, and this festival champions the historic sweet-making tradition of the region.”
Cllr Michelle Collins, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, added: “We can’t wait for the return of Pontefract Liquorice Festival next month, and we’re delighted that HARIBO are on board as our head sponsor. There’s lots of fun planned for the festival as we celebrate Pontefract’s unique association with liquorice, including the return of the much-loved parade. It’s a really great day out for all the family to enjoy as part of the Our Year – Wakefield District 2024 celebration of our culture and heritage.”
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday 14th July 2024
- Time: 10:00 – 16:00
- Tickets: Free, no booking required
- Festival Website: Experience Wakefield
Follow HARIBO:
- Website: HARIBO
- Instagram: @hariboUKI_
- Twitter: @hariboUKI_
- Facebook: @haribouki
Mark your calendars for a day filled with sweets, fun, and celebration at the Pontefract Liquorice Festival 2024!
