Pontefract Liquorice Festival Returns This Weekend with Family Fun and Activities

The much-loved Pontefract Liquorice Festival is set to return this weekend, bringing a day full of fun and festivities to the town. On Sunday, 12 July, from 10am to 4pm, families and visitors can enjoy a vibrant celebration of Pontefract's rich history with liquorice in the heart of the town centre.

Festival Highlights

The festival promises an array of exciting activities, starting with the iconic Liquorice Parade. This sweet-themed spectacle will take place at two times: 11:30am and 2:30pm. The parade begins at Pontefract Town Hall and winds its way down Horsefair to the historic Pontefract Castle. Participants can expect an entertaining show featuring dancers from Scarlett Entertainment and the lively sounds of the Flat Cap Brass Band, who will provide a delightful soundtrack for the event. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the well-known HARIBO brand will return as the headline sponsor, with their beloved mascot, Goldbear, making a special appearance to join in the fun. The parade will also showcase talented local community groups, including the Dance with Alice Cheer Team, Diamond Cheerleading, and the Wakey Wheeled Cats Roller Derby Team.

Food and Drink Market

Food lovers will not be disappointed, as the festival's famous food and drink market will feature over 50 stalls. Visitors can sample a wide variety of delicious treats, including:

• Johnson’s Toffee & Fudges

• The Pontefract Liquorice Company

• Tinkerbell Treats

• And many more local delicacies!

This market is a fantastic opportunity to try some unique flavours and support local businesses.

Family Activities and Entertainment

For families attending the festival, there will be plenty of free activities to keep everyone entertained. The grounds of Pontefract Castle will host interactive story times and fun garden play, perfect for children to explore and enjoy.

One exciting feature is the make-and-take workshop located on Cornmarket, where participants can create their own handheld parade flags. These flags will be inspired by Pontefract’s liquorice heritage and traditional sweet forms.

Additionally, families can take advantage of free face painting and thrilling funfair rides, ensuring a day filled with laughter and joy.

For those keen to learn more about Pontefract’s liquorice history, free heritage talks will be held at Pontefract Library at 11:30am and 2pm. This is a great chance for visitors to discover how this unique sweet has shaped the town's identity over the years.

Getting to the Festival

To make attending the festival easier, a free Park & Ride service will be available from Pontefract Park. This service will run from 9:30am to 4:30pm, with buses travelling in a loop from Pontefract Park to Stuart Road and onto Pontefract Castle every 15 minutes. Visitors should note that the last bus will leave the town centre at 4:30pm and that park gates will close at 5:30pm.

Community Warm-up Event

Before the main festival kicks off, the Pontefract Civic Society will host a warm-up event called ‘Liquorice Shoots’ on Saturday, 11 July. This community gathering will feature live entertainment, artisan stalls, and family-friendly activities, setting the stage for the excitement of the festival weekend.