03/06/2026
Pontefract Civic Society Announces Sponsorship for Liquorice Shoots 2026
Pontefract Civic Society is delighted to announce that, following the success of previous years, Valeo Foods has kindly agreed to sponsor this year’s Liquorice Shoots event.
This support will enable us, along with our event partners KLH Events, to expand and enhance the 2026 celebration, which will take place in Pontefract on Saturday 11th July, while ensuring the event continues to retain its strong community focus and welcoming atmosphere.
This year’s event promises a fantastic day for all, including:
An outdoor craft market featuring over 30 stalls
The regular Saturday market
A live performance stage
Dancing
poetry
Pop up activities
Children’s rides and attractions
A pet corner
Fun dog show (raising funds for The Prince of Wales Hospice)
Face painting—and much more!
Phil Cook, Event Manager, said:
“We are extremely grateful for the sponsorship from Valeo. With this support, we will be able to build on the success of previous years and make this year’s Liquorice Shoots even bigger and better. As always, we are also thankful to WMDC Events and Markets for working with us to position Liquorice Shoots as the perfect warm-up event for the Liquorice Festival.”
We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike for a vibrant day celebrating Pontefract’s rich liquorice heritage.
Valeo Foods announcment
Valeo Foods is proud to recognise and celebrate the rich heritage of our Pontefract site, the original home of liquorice. Established in 1884, the site has long been an integral part of the town’s history, with its legacy still visible today through the carefully preserved liquorice plants that continue to grow on site.
As we approach the planned closure of the Pontefract facility later in 2026, it is important to us that we honour this heritage and maintain a visible and positive presence within the local community that has supported us for so many years.
In line with this commitment, Valeo Foods is delighted to confirm our sponsorship of the Pontefract Liquorice Shoots. This event provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the town’s unique identity and its longstanding association with liquorice—something that remains at the heart of our history.
We strongly believe that continuing to be represented in Pontefract during this transitional period is both important and meaningful. Sponsoring the festival and supporting the Pontefract Civic Society enables us to engage with the community, celebrate our shared heritage, and show our appreciation for the support we have received over generations.
Visitors to the festival are warmly encouraged to:
• Look out for George the Jaguar, our friendly Valeo mascot, who will be making an appearance on the day
Visit the Valeo stand, where we will be offering complimentary bags of sweets
• Join us in celebrating the history and legacy of liquorice in Pontefract
This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to the local community and our desire to ensure that the legacy of the Pontefract site is marked with pride, appreciation, and positivity.
We look forward to seeing many familiar faces and celebrating together at this special event.
