Pontefract in West Yorkshire is where liquorice was first used as a sweet in modern history and Pontefract cakes were originally made there.
The sweet name is often referred to as ‘Spanish’ in Cumbria, County Durham, Yorkshire and Lancashire allegedly because the Spanish monks used to grow liquorice root at Rievaulx Abbey near Thirsk.
The town’s two liquorice factories are owned by Haribo and Valeo Confectionery (formerly Tangerine).
The festival has been running for more than 20 years and offers something for everyone including street food and an opportunity to explore the specialty market with many stalls selling liquorice-themed products.
6. Pontefract Liquorice Festival 2024
The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper, Labour MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, now Secretary of State for the Home Department took a selfie with Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, and Haribo’s iconic Goldbear. Photo: James Hardisty
7. Pontefract Liquorice Festival 2024
Dancers for the Pontefract Liquorice Festival parade. Photo: James Hardisty
8. Pontefract Liquorice Festival 2024
A dancer was dressed in lilac. Photo: James Hardisty