Third annual Chocolate Fest heading to Shrewsbury

There will be producers from across the county, nationally-renowned chefs and demonstrators as well as workshops for little hands.

Organised by award-winning chocolatier Julia Viani, who has an outlet in Shrewsbury's Market Hall, the two-day festival has taken months of planning.

It is being staged in the town's St Mary's Church in St Mary's Place and there will be something to tickle the tastebuds of all who attend.

Live music from two of the county's best musicians will ensure there is a chilled atmosphere within the church.

Julia, 32, said: "The festival has grown year on year and this year we have approximately 20 exhibitors. We have been able to get some pitches outside which means we have been able to expand that little bit more.

"We have some award-winning chocolatiers coming along including Barry Johnson, who has worked as principal chocolatier for Rococo Chocolates, and Hideko Kawa who worked for Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay.

"I am delighted that some of those who have been to previous festivals have said they will come back again and we also have several bean-to-bar producers coming along.

"There will chocolate mulled wine, chocolate stout, vegan chocolate, sugar-free chocolate and lots of 'normal' chocolate on offer.

"And, for those without a sweet tooth, there will also be a number of chocolate dresses on display to admire."

Exhibitors

Among those exhibiting are 5D Chocolates, Bims Kitchen, Duffy Sheardown, Marou, Forever Cacao, A piece of Love, Coeur de Xocolat, Fernandes Macarons, The Chocolatier, Cocoa Runners, UFO Fudge, Chocolate Gourmet, Toot Sweets, Shrewsbury Oxfam, Darwins Crepes and JK Fine Chocolates.

The event will run from 10am to 5pm on November 12 and 13.