The popular York Chocolate Festival has returned to the city centre for its 10th year.

Traders have travelled from across England for the event which runs 10am to 5pm until Sunday (March 31).

Stalls selling sweet treats, alcohol and more have lined Parliament Street.

Chocolate sculptures are on show inside the Activity Marquee outside Marks & Spencer.

York Press: An LNER train made from chocolate at the festivalAn LNER train made from chocolate at the festival (Image: Dylan Connell)

York Press: A seaside town sculpted into a huge Easter egg at the festivalA seaside town sculpted into a huge Easter egg at the festival (Image: Dylan Connell)

Inside viewers can also watch artist Ashley McCarthy – who sculpted York Minster out of chocolate at last year’s event – create a large chocolate house.

Lisa Coombs from York Coco Works was making Easter egg chocolate bars inside the marquee when The Press called by today (Thursday, March 28).

York Press: Lisa Coombs from York Coco Works at work during the festivalLisa Coombs from York Coco Works at work during the festival (Image: Dylan Connell)

They are a reward for completing the festival’s Easter Trail which takes visitors around the city.

“It’s been great – it’s been quite busy. There’s been a steady flow of people coming,” she said.

York Press: Artist Ashley McCarthy creating a large chocolate house at the festivalArtist Ashley McCarthy creating a large chocolate house at the festival (Image: Dylan Connell)

'It’s a nice festival and a lovely place'

Outside in Parliament Street Lucy Welton was manning the Brown and Blond Brownies stand selling sweet treats.

Her husband George started the company from his parent’s home in York in 2010.

York Press: Lucy Welton manning the Brown and Blond Brownies stallLucy Welton manning the Brown and Blond Brownies stall (Image: Dylan Connell)

The business is now based in Leeds but Lucy said they have a strong following in York.

“We have built up a lot of customers in York. It’s a bit like coming home for us.”

York Press: Lucy Welton manning the Brown and Blond Brownies stallLucy Welton manning the Brown and Blond Brownies stall (Image: Dylan Connell)

Brown and Blond Brownies has been a regular at the festival for several years.

“We love coming here it’s always a nice place to come to,” Lucy said. “I like the feel of York – it’s a nice festival and a lovely place.”

Chris McParhand of Spoon Deserts travelled to the festival from Liverpool.

York Press: Chris McParhand of Spoon Deserts at the festivalChris McParhand of Spoon Deserts at the festival (Image: Dylan Connell)

“It’s a nice little break for me,” he said. “I like coming to York, I come up a couple of times a year.”

The stall sells creps which were proving a hit to customers.

York Press: Creps for sale at Spoon Deserts in Parliament StreetCreps for sale at Spoon Deserts in Parliament Street (Image: Dylan Connell)

He added that he was previously in York for the Food and Drink Festival which the Chocolate Festival is a subsidiary of.

Simon Cockerill, owner of Isaac Poad, brought a range of drinks with him to sell at the festival.

The business makes beer, gin and cocktails.

York Press: Spirits by Isaac Poad at the stall in Parliament StreetSpirits by Isaac Poad at the stall in Parliament Street (Image: Dylan Connell)

It started in York in 1863 and is now based in Husthwaite.

Simon has been a regular at the festival for many years.

York Press: York Chocolate Festival with stalls in Parliament StreetYork Chocolate Festival with stalls in Parliament Street (Image: Dylan Connell)

On what keeps bringing him back, he said: “It’s in York – who doesn’t love being in York? If the sun’s shining there’s nowhere better.”

Fraser Porteus from Malvavisco Marshmallows was selling confectionary items – mainly marshmallows – and said he was hoping for sunshine this weekend.

York Press: Fraser Porteus from Malvavisco Marshmallows at the festival in YorkFraser Porteus from Malvavisco Marshmallows at the festival in York (Image: Dylan Connell)

York Press: Treats for sale by Malvavisco Marshmallows at the festivalTreats for sale by Malvavisco Marshmallows at the festival (Image: Dylan Connell)

“It’s a nice market,” he said. “We’ll see what the next four days bring.”

The Wizard’s Magic stall was stocked with chocolate made at the business’ factory in Easingwold.

York Press: Maddie Harrison and Camilla Lanata from The Wizard’s Magic Maddie Harrison and Camilla Lanata from The Wizard’s Magic (Image: Dylan Connell)

Camilla Lanata from the York-based company said it was their first time at the festival.

“We started yesterday, it’s been nice.”


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The festival continues in St Crux Church next to Shambles.

A giant Easter bunny is outside the church with signs encouraging people to write on it.

York Press: People are encouraged to write on the giant Easter bunny outside St Crux Church next to ShamblesPeople are encouraged to write on the giant Easter bunny outside St Crux Church next to Shambles (Image: Dylan Connell)

Inside the church is a free hands-on chocolate treat-making event.

For more information about the festival visit: www.yorkfoodfestival.com