York Chocolate Festival returning to the city centre

The York Chocolate Festival is returning to the city centre with a host of chocolate-themed events, featuring demonstrations, hands-on fun, and family-friendly activities.

Running this Easter, the festival celebrates York’s historic ties to the confectionery industry with a packed programme for visitors of all ages.

Organised by York Food Festival, the event will take place in central locations including Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Centre.

Visitors can browse an artisan chocolate market, take part in tastings, and follow the Chocolate Taste Trail through York’s independent businesses.

There will also be free children’s activities, live demonstrations, and chocolate-making workshops.

Sophie Jewett of York Cocoa Works said: “York Cocoa Works are looking forward to being part of this year’s York Chocolate Festival and sharing more about our chocolate making process and the industry that the city was once famous for.

“It’s wonderful to welcome so many enthusiastic chocolate learners who are excited and passionate to discover more about how chocolate is made.”

Children can get creative at St Sampson’s Centre with educational chocolate-themed activities, while Parliament Street will host a Chocolate Egg Bar Making workshop where they can design and decorate their own chocolate bar.

One of the festival highlights will be the Chocolate & Sugar Sculpture Gallery.

The exhibition will showcase chocolate creations by award-winning chocolatier Ashley McCarthy, who will craft a horse-racing-inspired chocolate sculpture during the event.

The gallery will also feature sugar art by internationally acclaimed pastry chef Florian Poirot, winner of the Best Sugar Showpiece award at the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie.

Sugar work is an intricate form of culinary art where cooked sugar is shaped into decorative forms using moulding, pulling, and blowing techniques.

Live demonstrations at St Sampson’s Centre will include sessions led by Michael Hjort and Sophie Jewett, who will share their expertise with festival-goers.

Visitors can enjoy tastings, learn about chocolate artistry, and explore York’s chocolate-making heritage throughout the festival.

Organisers say the event promises to offer something for everyone, from seasoned chocolate enthusiasts to families looking for Easter holiday activities.

The York Chocolate Festival is free to attend and aims to honour the city’s chocolate legacy while inspiring a new generation of chocolate makers.

Full details of the festival programme and timings are available at yorkchocolatefestival.com.