BALLS, clubs and knives flew through the air as about 200 performers from around the country took part in York’s Juggling Convention.

Saturday saw the 17th annual Chocfest, at Manor CE School in Nether Poppleton, with circus skills workshops and public shows throughout the day.

The event was organised by York City Jugglers and the University of York’s Juggling Society, JuggleSoc, and also included workshops in beatboxing and other street performances.

Samantha Hardwick, event organiser with JuggleSoc, said: “This is the first year we’ve been here and it’s absolutely fantastic.

“The staff have been really helpful, and we hope we can come back next year.

“We’ve had some traders here, who have been really enjoying themselves, and we’ve had people taking part in games throughout the day as well.

The convention’s nickname comes from a long-standing deal, where anyone who brings along a homemade chocolate cake, is given a reduction in entry price, and prizes are issued to the best entries during a break in the evening’s cabaret show.

Samantha said: “We had more than 30 cakes brought this year, and the school’s technician joined in with the judging after a little bit of persuasion.”