Chocolate Festival was simply choc-tastic!

Thousands of cocoa lovers from far and wide travelled to Ramsbottom to get a taste of the town’s famous annual Chocolate Festival.

The winter wind wasn’t the only thing that was biting, as choco-holics descended en masse to soak up the flavour of award-winning chocolate and enjoy a day of family entertainment.

Now in its fifth year, town’s streets were packed with revellers enjoying the festival hot chocolate and a large variety of street food, from the likes of Slattery’s, the Chocolate Cafe, Brown & Blond, CocoLoco, and Divine to name but a few.

Paul Morris, owner of The Chocolate Café, said: "I was overwhelmed by how many visitors braved the cold and once again helped to make the festival a huge success. A huge thank you must go to all the local independent businesses and visiting traders whom without the festival could not happen. They can surely be no doubt that Ramsbottom is the chocolate capital of the UK."

A Park and Ride facility made travelling to the festival much easier this year, and organisers gave praise to those local buses through TfGM servicing 474/472 who helped out on the day. Adding to the festival atmosphere, musicians performed 'unplugged' at the beer tent while revellers enjoyed the Festival chocolate beer.

Highlights included milking demonstrations with Daisy the cow, where children young and old discovered exactly how chocolate is made. Daisy was accompanied by her big sister Gertrude, a British Blonde cow. Animal displays included hawks and owls and a mini farm with an alpaca, miniature pony, ‘micro goats’, with bottle feeding for two-day-old lambs. Children kept warm with arts and crafts activities in Ramsbottom Civic Hall and were entertained with balloon sculptures and more.

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “It’s been another fantastic festival. Ramsbottom has just been chosen as one of the best places in the North West to live, and this is just one of the many reasons why.”

Ruth Shedwick, festival organiser, said: "Our festival remains the UK’s original and best family-friendly choc fest. I'm pleased to work with an amazing group of people who are passionate about making the town a popular destination. I’d like to thank the police cadet volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend, and we’re already looking ahead to 2014.”

Businesses which are interested in getting involved in next year’s festival, including sponsorship opportunities, should email info@ramsbottomchocolatefestival.com

ENDS

Press release issued: 25 March 2013.

Picture attached: At the chocolate festival are Ruth Shedwick, Paul Morris, Jon Slattery and Cllr Jane Lewis.

Note to editors: Many more pictures available – please contact the press office.