The Pontefract Licorice Festival celebrates the town’s sweet history

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, was among those present at the event.

Pontefract was the first town where people could vote privately when the ballot box was introduced in 1872.

It was sealed with the traditional licorice stamp of a castle and an owl, a modern version of which is still found on Pontefract cakes.

Jon Hughes, managing director of Haribo UK & Ireland, said the “incredible” connection between licorice and the first secret ballot demonstrated the region’s rich history.

“At Haribo we are proud of our Yorkshire heritage,” he said. “With our recent investment in a new warehouse at our Castleford headquarters and our headline sponsorship of this year’s Liquorice Festival, we are making a long-term commitment to Yorkshire.”

Ms Powell, from Haribo UK, said the festival “brings residents and sweet lovers together to celebrate what is believed to be Britain’s oldest treat”.

“It’s an event for everyone and celebrates the city’s rich sweet-making history,” she added.

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