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York’s chocolate festival to return – with ‘extreme’ sculpture and family activities

York will be transformed into a chocolate lover’s paradise – as the annual Chocolate Festival returns this month.

The five-day festival will celebrate York’s rich chocolate heritage, and will feature a market of chocolatiers and confectioners, hands-on activities, taste trails, Easter egg hunts, and more.

The York Chocolate Festival will take place on Parliament Street from Wednesday 27 to Sunday 31 March.

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Ashley McCarthy creates York Minster in Chocolate (2022)

Festival-goers will be able to witness the skilled craftsmanship of ‘extreme chocolatier’ Ashley McCarthy as he constructs his large Chocolate House throughout the event – which will be added to the Festival Sculpture Gallery of chocolate.

Other highlights include:

  • Marketplace – featuring a diverse range of local chocolatiers and confectioners showcasing an array of sweet and some savoury products with a chocolate twist
  • Chocolate food factory – hands-on chocolate treat-making at St Crux
  • Chocolate cafe-bar – sweet and savoury snacks and meals will be available to buy, including chilli con carne with cocoa, vegan flatbreads, and chocolate stout!
  • Taste trail – a self-guided taste trail around York, sampling some of the best of the city’s food scene
  • Easter egg hunt – Families can enjoy a self-guided Easter Egg Hunt, exploring the city, solving clues, and collecting mini eggs
  • Chocolate egg decorating – Decorate your own Easter-egg shaped chocolate bar with York Cocoa Works
  • York Cocoa Works – Throughout the festival, York Cocoa Works will host daily chocolate experiences, masterclasses, and workshops
  • Chocolate Beer and Gin tastings – with York Gin, Brew York and Fairfax House, for adults only!

Some of these activities require pre-booked tickets. For more information and to book ticketed events please visit the Festival website.