Crowds filled the streets of Pontefract for the return of the annual Liquorice Festival, celebrating the town's famous connection with liquorice.

The colourful Liquorice Parade made its way from Pontefract Town Hall to Pontefract Castle with dancers, stilt walkers, community groups and the Flat Cap Brass Band entertaining visitors.

Performers from Scarlett Entertainment were joined by DanceWithAlice Cheer Team, Diamond Cheerleading and the Wakey Wheeled Cats Roller Derby Team, all using liquorice-themed costumes and props.

The popular family event brought music, colour and fun to the town, attracting thousands of visitors for a day of celebration and entertainment.

Yvette Cooper, Labour MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, and Foreign Secretary greeting one of the street entertainers Victoria Sponge, AKA Rachel Hyde. Picture: James Hardisty.

placeholder image — Yvette Cooper, Labour MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, and Foreign Secretary greeting one of the street entertainers Victoria Sponge, AKA Rachel Hyde. Picture: James Hardisty.

Tabea Powell, Head of Communications at HARIBO UK, said: "Yet again the Pontefract Liquorice Festival did not disappoint - bringing thousands of visitors together to celebrate an iconic annual event, with Team HARIBO and Goldbear out in full force to bring childlike happiness to the celebrations.

“As a Yorkshire business that has proudly called the region home for more than 50 years, we're honoured to have supported the festival for a third consecutive year, and hope the parade, colourful stalls, and brilliant atmosphere created memories for visitors to cherish”

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