It’s a scorcher. And, this weekend looks like it’s going to be the perfect weather to get out and about in Yorkshire. Whether you want to try some of the fantastic walks on offer, head to the beach, or why not visit Pontefract Liquorice Festival, which is sponsored for the second year running by HARIBO UK.
Last year’s parade was a colourful celebration, featuring lively HARIBO and liquorice-themed costumes led by the brand’s beloved mascot, Goldbear. This year, Goldbear will return to the stage, joined once again by a vibrant array of HARIBO-inspired costumes — along with some brand-new designs created exclusively for this year’s festival. The event will take place on Sunday 13th July 2025, running from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
The exciting parade will set off from HARIBO UK’s Pontefract factory for the very first time — a moment guaranteed to spark moments of childlike happiness for all who take part and spectate. As Pontefract is the home of the HARIBO Pontefract Cake, it’s the perfect place to start a parade celebrating the history of local delicacies.
Pontefract Liquorice Festival celebrates Yorkshire’s rich culinary and confectionery heritage. And you can sample plenty of local and regional products as there will be over 50 stalls with products ranging from liquorice gin to liquorice-flavoured Yorkshire cheddar.
Tabea Powell, Head of Communications at HARIBO UK, said: “The Liquorice Festival is a key milestone in the HARIBO UK calendar…. The decision to have the parade set off from HARIBO UK’s Pontefract site is particularly special for us. As a proud member of Yorkshire’s food manufacturing sector for over 50 years, we are honoured to play such a central role in the festival as headline sponsor.”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport said: “The Pontefract Liquorice Festival is a great day out for all the family to enjoy… The festival showcases an important part of our history, and heritage and highlights food manufacturing. With entertainment and colourful market stalls there’s so much to enjoy as we celebrate Pontefract’s unique association with liquorice.”
Ted Newton, Head of Marketing & Communications at Farmer Copley’s said: “We absolutely love attending Pontefract’s Liquorice Festival and love to see people come from far and wide to celebrate. We have a small garth on our farm, so we are continuing to champion growing liquorice in the UK whilst reminding people of its roots and what a fantastic ingredient it can be!”
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Feature Image Credit: Supplied
