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Published on June 14th, 2026
•The highly anticipated Pontefract Liquorice Festival is set to return on Sunday 12 July, promising a delightful day filled with sweet treats and family-friendly activities. This annual event celebrates the town's rich history with liquorice, a confectionery that has been cherished in Pontefract for generations. Sponsored by HARIBO, the festival is not just for those with a sweet tooth, but also offers a chance for everyone to enjoy the festivities.
Exciting Activities Await
The Pontefract Liquorice Festival has something for everyone, making it a perfect outing for families and visitors alike. From delicious street food to a vibrant market featuring unique liquorice-themed products, attendees can expect a day full of fun and flavour. Highlights of the festival include:
- Street Food: A variety of food stalls offering tasty treats to satisfy every palate.
- Speciality Market: Explore stalls filled with liquorice-inspired goodies and crafts.
- Funfair Rides: Thrilling rides for kids and the young at heart.
- Free Face Painting: Children can enjoy getting their faces painted in fun designs.
- Stage Entertainment: Live performances from local talent and community acts.
Parades and Performances
The festival will also feature a lively parade that is sure to entertain spectators. Scheduled for 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, the parade will kick off from Pontefract Town Hall and wind its way to the historic Pontefract Castle. This year’s parade promises to be bigger and better, showcasing colourful characters inspired by HARIBO and local community groups, all set to an upbeat soundtrack.
Interactive Fun for All Ages
In addition to the main events, the festival offers numerous interactive activities. Families can participate in:
- Make-and-Take Workshops: Craft your own parade flags inspired by liquorice and sweets.
- Storytelling Sessions: Engage with interactive storytelling at Pontefract Castle.
- Craft Fairs: Visit the KLH Events Craft & Gift Fair at Pontefract Town Hall for more creative activities.
Additionally, Pontefract Library will host a fascinating talk about the town's unique connection to liquorice, delving into how Pontefract became famous for this distinctive sweet.
Plan Your Visit
For those planning to attend by car, parking is available at Pontefract Racecourse, with a free Park and Ride service running to the town centre. Buses will operate approximately every 15 minutes from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, making it easy to get to the festival without the hassle of finding a parking spot in town.
Explore Pontefract
The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is a fantastic opportunity to explore the town itself, which boasts beautiful parks, independent boutiques, and the stunning ruins of Pontefract Castle, known as “The Key To The North.” Visitors can also check out Pontefract Museum to learn more about the town’s history, including its role in the first secret ballot.
This year’s festival promises a delightful blend of history, culture, and, of course, liquorice! Whether it’s enjoying sweet treats, taking part in fun activities, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, the Pontefract Liquorice Festival is not to be missed. Mark the date and prepare for a day of sweet adventures!
Yorkshire Team
The Yorkshire.com editorial team is made up of local writers, content creators, and tourism specialists who are passionate about showcasing the very best of God’s Own Country. With deep roots in Yorkshire’s communities, culture, food scene, landscapes, and visitor economy, the team works closely with local businesses, venues, and organisations to bring readers the latest news, events, travel inspiration, and insider guides from across the region. From hidden gems to headline festivals, Yorkshire.com is dedicated to celebrating everything that makes Yorkshire such a special place to live, work, and visit.
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