HARIBO UK celebrates Yorkshire heritage with third year sponsoring Pontefract Liquorice Festival
HARIBO UK has announced its return as headline sponsor of the Pontefract Liquorice Festival, marking the third consecutive year of its partnership with Wakefield Council.
Taking place on Sunday July 12, the festival will bring together residents, local groups and visitors from across the region to celebrate Pontefract’s unique liquorice heritage and proud sweet-making tradition.
HARIBO, which has been based in West Yorkshire for over 50 years, will once again play a central role in the festivities, sharing its iconic Pontefract Cakes with community members and visitors alike celebrating the region’s historic connection to liquorice.
This year, the local community will have an extra special place in the celebrations, with schools, clubs and organisations from the area bringing the day to life.
Nowhere will this be more prominent than at the much-loved parade, which will take place twice throughout the day.
Starting at the Town Hall and culminating at the iconic Pontefract Castle, it will feature a vibrant mix of performers, live music and community groups.
For the first time the wider community have also been invited to take part through an open call, bringing a diverse range of talents into the heart of the festival. Local schools have taken part in a creative banner competition which will be displayed as part of the parade.
On the day, visitors can get hands-on in creative workshops, with the opportunity to create flags, bunting and parade props, and transform the town centre with community-made artwork.
Alongside the parade, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, street performances and more than 50 stalls showcasing local and regional produce, from artisan food and drink to handcrafted goods.
Commenting on their sponsorship, 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 this event so special is the role local people play in bringing it to life; from schools and community groups to performers and volunteers.
"As a Yorkshire business that has called this region home for over 50 years, we’re proud to support an event that celebrates that shared heritage and creates moments of childlike happiness across our community.”
Mark Lynam, Wakefield Council’s Corporate Director for Regeneration, Environment and Economic Growth, said: “The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is all about celebrating our history and bringing the community together.
“This year’s event will see even more opportunities for local people to get involved, from the parade to creative workshops and competitions. We’re delighted that HARIBO continues to support the festival as headline sponsor, helping us make it bigger and better each year.”