Cascading fountains, melting fondues, giant chocolate eggs and bubble waffles
A UK wide celebration of all things chocolatey will be setting up Willy Wonker-style wonderlands in over forty cities over the next five months.
As Britain is a nation of chocolate lovers who get through an estimated 660,900 tonnes of chocolate a year (an average of 11kg per person), it’s no surprise that The Fantastical Chocolate Festival – curated by organisers behind ‘The Great British Gin Festival’ and ‘Rum & Reggae Festival' - has had such a positive response since it announced it’s 2018/19 tour dates.
The Fantastical Chocolate Festival - which takes over Manchester's Bowlers Exhibition Centre from the 25th to 27th of January - will celebrate the sweet treat in a world of pure imagination resembling a set from Roald Dahl's chocolate factory. Expect the finest artisan chocolatiers amongst cascading chocolate fountains and melting fondues, candyfloss flowers, candy apple stalls, ice-cream creations, giant chocolate eggs and bubble waffles.
The family-friendly day out will also include singalong live music, Wonka-inspired characters and story corners, free photo booths and the chance to create your own chocolate sculpture. Kids can also enjoy an arts and crafts station, chocolate egg decorating, a chocolate factory play zone and, of course, chocolate tasting.
Grown up chocolate fans can indulge in alcoholic hot chocolate, milkshakes and various types of chocolate infused booze, including vodka, wine, gin and beers which are also available to take home.
The Fantastical Chocolate Festival’s popularity means that some dates have already sold out, so organisers have had to add some extra dates.
Each event will be split into two sessions; afternoon and evening. Tickets begin at £6 for children and £9 for adults (plus booking fee). Upgrade to a goody bag ticket (£9 children, £15 adults) to receive a cotton chocolate festival bag to collect any samples and purchases, a Fantastical Chocolate Festival hot chocolate mug, and a sweet or savoury skewer for dipping in the chocolate fountains.
The final tickets are currently on sale for the event at Bowlers Exhibition Centre from the 25th to 27th Jan 2019
Event organisers are planning further dates in other locations across the UK. Sign up at www.fantasticalchocolate.com or see their Facebook page.
