Chocoholic's paradise returns in Shrewsbury

The annual Shrewsbury Chocolate Festival has a new home for its fourth year, moving to The Quarry when it takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

Organiser and award-winning chocolatier, Julia Viana, said the popular event has outgrown St Mary's Church and now attracts around 6,000 chocolate lovers.

"Much of the feedback we were getting was that the venue wasn't big enough to fit everyone in and that we needed more exhibitors," she said.

"So this year there will be 35 exhibitors, which is still a smallish festival, but they're all multi-award winning. We really focus on high-quality."

As well as chocolate bars and truffles, there will be fudge, nougat, churros, brownies, carob, chocolate beer, mulled wine and more. Caterers will also be serving up Caribbean and African food, pizza and refreshments.

"As part of our relocation we are now able to offer extended workshops in our Chocolate Cookery School," Julia added. "These are ticketed workshops which will be run by industry experts and award- winning chocolatiers David Greenwood Haigh, Judith Lewis and Hazel Lee. There's an introduction to chocolate where visitors will be able to learn how to make a gananche, roll truffles, create a bar, and discs of chocolate topped with treats.

"And the make a lollipop workshop is back again to raise money this year for Shrewsbury Ark and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

"It's a fantastic event and because of where it is, it means people can come to the festival then go back into town to carry on with their Christmas shopping."

Tickets for the workshops can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/shrewsbury-chocolate- festival-15470996164