Pontefract’s liquorice festival returns this weekend

The event, hosted by Wakefield Council, takes place on Sunday July 13 and will see the town centre transformed with more than 80 stalls.

Lucy Liquorice will be welcoming visitors to the festival, which will include free family workshops and street entertainment.

Coun Les Shaw, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “This year’s festival promises to be a real sweet treat for all the family.

“I hope as many people as possible come along to see what we have to offer and join in the many activities available.

“So pop the date in your diary and join us to celebrate all things liquorice.”

Liquorice jewellery making, puppet shows and face painting are just some of the other activities that will also be on offer.

Last year the council said more than 30,000 people flocked to Pontefract town centre for the event.

The council also said the festival is thought to be the first of its kind in the world to celebrate liquorice.

The plant is believed to have first been brought to Pontefract by a member of the De Lacy family, who built Pontefract Castle, or by Benedictine monks who came to the town in 1090.

It was first used for medicinal purposes but the town became famous for making it into Pontefract Cakes or Pomfret Cakes.

The festival will run in the centre of the town from 10am until 4pm.