Pontefract’s much-loved Liquorice Festival is set to return on Sunday 13 July 2025, with preparations well underway to transform the town into a celebration of all things liquorice. The event runs from 10am to 4pm and is free to attend. No booking is required, just turn up and enjoy.
Now a firm fixture in the region’s events calendar, the festival brings together local flavour, history and entertainment, with over 50 stalls offering everything from liquorice gin to liquorice-infused Yorkshire cheddar.
HARIBO UK returns as headline sponsor for the second year running. As one of Yorkshire’s largest food manufacturers and the producer of the iconic Pontefract Cake, its partnership with the festival continues to reflect the town’s deep connection to confectionery.
A major highlight this year will be the return of the festival parade, which will begin at HARIBO’s Pontefract factory for the first time. Led once again by the company’s mascot, Goldbear, the procession will feature a mix of classic and new HARIBO-themed costumes created especially for this year’s event.
Tabea Powell, Head of Communications at HARIBO UK, said: “The Liquorice Festival is a key milestone in the HARIBO UK calendar. Colleagues from our retail stores up and down the country joined us last year, and we can’t wait to have them back for this year’s festivities. The decision to have the parade set off from HARIBO UK’s Pontefract site is particularly special for us. As a proud member of Yorkshire’s food manufacturing sector for over 50 years, we are honoured to play such a central role in the festival as headline sponsor.”
HARIBO will be showcasing its famous Pontefract Cakes along with a selection of international liquorice products, including Zanzigliss and Tirlibibi from France, Sailor Mix and Lakritz Schnecken from Germany. Visitors will also be able to pick up limited-edition festival merchandise.
Cllr Hannah Appleyard of Wakefield Council said: “The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is a great day out for all the family to enjoy. I’m delighted this year’s liquorice-themed parade will start from our headline sponsor, HARIBO UK’s Pontefract factory, home to the famous Pontefract Cake. It will be a wonderful spectacle for everyone to enjoy with fabulous costumes and a great atmosphere.”
Also returning is Farmer Copley’s, bringing along its much-loved pork and liquorice pies. Ted Newton, Head of Marketing and Communications, said: “We absolutely love attending Pontefract’s Liquorice Festival and love to see people come from far and wide to celebrate. We are continuing to champion growing liquorice in the UK whilst reminding people of its roots and what a fantastic ingredient it can be.”
To find out more about the Pontefract Liquorice Festival, visit: https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/liquorice-festival/
