Pontefract Liquorice Festival: HARIBO UK sweetening celebrations once again for 2025

Taking place this Sunday, July 13, the streets of Pontefract will transform into a wonderland of liquorice delights once again.

Yorkshire is renowned for its excellence in food and manufacturing, and for one of the region’s largest employers and producers, becoming the headline sponsor of the Pontefract Liquorice Festival for the second-year running was a natural fit for HARIBO UK.

One of last year’s standout moments was the lively parade of HARIBO and liquorice-themed costumes, led by the company’s much-loved mascot. Goldbear will once again take centre stage this year, surrounded by a host of HARIBO-themed costumes and a selection of new ones exclusive to this year’s festival.

Adding to the excitement, this year the iconic 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.

Pontefract is the home of the HARIBO Pontefract Cake, so where better to start a parade celebrating the rich history of the local delicacy.

There will be over 50 stalls, where visitors can sample local and regional products ranging from liquorice gin to liquorice-flavoured Yorkshire cheddar.

HARIBO will of course be contributing its liquorice Pontefract Cakes, a selection of international HARIBO liquorice products including Zanzigliss and Tirlibibi from France, Sailor Mix and Lakritz Schnecken from Germany, as well as limited-edition merchandise exclusive to the festival.

Tabea Powell, head of communications at HARIBO UK, said: “The Liquorice Festival is a key milestone in the HARIBO UK calendar. Colleagues from our retail stores up and down the country joined us last year, and we can’t wait to have them back for this years festivities.

"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.”

Coun 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.

“It will be a wonderful spectacle for everyone to enjoy with fabulous costumes and a great atmosphere.”

"The festival showcases an important part of our history, and heritage and highlights food manufacturing.”

Ted Newton, head of marketing and 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 bring along some fantastic bakery products including our pork and liquorice pies which always go down a treat.

"It’s always fantastic to see Pontefract thriving and showcase the fantastic town we have as well as the incredible producers and makers on show.”