Gearing up for Pontefract Liquorice Festival 2026
The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is fast approaching, and preparations are underway for the return of one of Yorkshire's most celebrated community events.
Taking place on Sunday July 12, the festival will once again bring together residents, local groups, and visitors from across the region to celebrate Pontefract's unique liquorice heritage and proud sweet-making tradition.
Returning as headline sponsor for the third consecutive year, HARIBO UK will share its iconic Pontefract Cakes and join thousands of festivalgoers for a day dedicated to the town's historic connection to liquorice.
This year's festival will place the local community at the heart of celebrations, with schools, community groups and organisations helping bring the event to life through the much-loved parade, creative competitions and activities taking place throughout the day.
Among those taking part will be local roller derby club Wakey Wheeled Cats, who will bring two giant liquorice-themed roller skates to the parade, showcasing some of the love that community groups in the region have for its sweet heritage.
Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, street performances and more than 50 stalls showcasing local and regional produce, artisan food and drink, and handcrafted goods.
And returning once again will be HARIBO’s iconic mascot, Goldbear. For the third consecutive year, he will join the parade, delighting fans from the Town Hall all the way to Pontefract Castle. Having become a firm favourite with attendees, Goldbear will bring extra energy and joy to one of the day’s most anticipated celebrations.
Tabea Powell, Head of Communications at HARIBO UK, said: "The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is a fantastic celebration of West Yorkshire and its unique sweet-making heritage.
“What makes the event so special is the role local people play in bringing it to life.
“From schools and community groups to performers, volunteers and local businesses, the festival showcases the very best of Pontefract's community spirit.
“As a proud Yorkshire business that has called this region our home for more than 50 years, we're proud to support an event that celebrates this shared heritage and creates moments of childlike happiness for people of all ages."
Coun Lukasz Borcz, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport, said: “Pontefract Liquorice Festival is a great day out for all the family to enjoy, as we celebrate the town’s unique liquorice heritage.
“There will be lots going on with street entertainment and colourful market stalls, alongside live music and entertainment throughout the day and the amazing liquorice-themed parade.
“The festival is also a fantastic opportunity to visit many of our amazing local, independent businesses, many of whom will be selling treats with a liquorice twist.”