Pontefract Liquorice Festival Returns on 12 July 2026 with Family-Friendly Activities

The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is making a sweet return on Sunday, 12 July 2026, and it promises to be a delightful event for families and food lovers alike. This year’s festival is set to celebrate Pontefract’s rich history with liquorice, a treat that has become synonymous with the town. Visitors can expect a variety of activities, including a famous food and drink market that showcases local culinary talents.

Exciting Festival Events

The festival is not just about tasting liquorice; it’s a celebration filled with fun for everyone. According to Lukasz Borcz, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport:

“Pontefract Liquorice Festival is a great day out for all the family to enjoy, as we celebrate the town’s unique link to liquorice. There’s lots going on with street entertainment and colourful market stalls.”

This year, the festival will also feature the ‘Liquorice Shoots’ event on Saturday, 11 July, which serves as a community warm-up. It includes various entertainment options, artisan stalls, and family activities.

Delicious Liquorice-Themed Treats

Throughout the festival weekend, several venues across Pontefract will offer liquorice-themed delicacies that are sure to tickle the taste buds. This is a fantastic opportunity for attendees to explore local independent bars, restaurants, and cafes. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting treats on offer:

• Alleyc’zam Cafe & Bar - Liquorice cakes and cocktails (37 Southgate, Pontefract WF8 1LN)

• Cartners Bar - Liquorice Rum & Gin and Liquorice Stout (5 Shoe Market, Pontefract WF8 1AP)

• Coffee Lounge - Liquorice Cakes and Buns (10 Ropergate, Pontefract WF8 1LP)

• Cromwells - Steak & liquorice ale pie with liquorice stout gravy, Liquorice infused Mushroom Pepper Pott, and Liquorice fruit scone with homemade liquorice jam (1 Mauds Yard, Pontefract WF8 1AQ)

• Cryer & Stott Cheesemongers - Pomfret Monk, a Yorkshire cheddar cheese infused with Pontefract’s famous liquorice (Pontefract Market, Market Place, Pontefract, WF8 1AU)

• House of Ales - Pontefract Liquorice Stout and Pontefract Liquorice Old Tom Gin (Mauds Yard, Pontefract, WF8 1AQ)

• Iron Dram - The Pomfret Bootlegger, a moonshine cocktail topped with a Pontefract cake (27A Ropergate, Pontefract WF8 1LG)

• Jolly’s - Liquorice Scones, Cake and Buns, and Liquorice Tea (4 Ropergate, Pontefract WF8 1LP)

• Myxology - Liquorice Cocktails and Cakes (29 Ropergate, Pontefract WF8 1LG)

• Pontefract Market Hall Café - Liquorice Scones (Pontefract Market, Market Place, Pontefract, WF8 1AU)

• The Counting House - Liquorice Pork Bon Bons and Liquorice Glazed Chicken (Swales’ Yard & Liquorice Way, Pontefract WF8 1DG)

• The Drunken Fungus - Pomfret Hollow and Cherry Bomb Cocktails (1 Market Place, Pontefract WF8 1AG)

• The Keep Café - Liquorice Tea and Liquorice Allsort Cupcakes (Pontefract Castle, Castle Garth, Pontefract, WF8 1QH)

• The Old Galley Kitchen - Liquorice Cheesecake (The Old Courthouse, Pontefract, WF8 1BP)

Why Attend?

The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is not only a chance to indulge in unique flavours but also an opportunity to support local businesses. By visiting the festival, attendees can enjoy a fun day out while exploring the diverse culinary offerings of Pontefract. Each participating venue has crafted special items that highlight the town's historical connection to liquorice, making this festival a true celebration of local heritage.

With a fantastic line-up of activities, delicious food, and a vibrant community atmosphere, the Pontefract Liquorice Festival is set to be a highlight of the summer. Families are encouraged to join in the fun on Sunday, 12 July, and experience the sweet side of Pontefract.

More information about the Pontefract Liquorice Festival can be found at expwake.co/PLF.