Chocolate lovers, unite - because the first-ever festival dedicated entirely to chocolate is coming to Yorkshire next month.
Yes, we can't quite believe that there's never been one in Yorkshire before either - but there we have it. Good things clearly come to those who wait.
Bringing together over 50 different chocolatiers and other chocolate-flavoured makers for the day, the festival will be held inside Sheffield's Kelham Island Museum on Sunday, 24 October.
Here, you'll be able to get your hands on a whole load of chocolatey samples and goodies - such as chocolate-themed gifts, brownies, doughnuts, hot chocolate and chocolate-flavoured rum and beers to name just a few.
It's not all going to be edible, either. For those who want to save their waistline with some stalls, rest assured there will be some stalls selling other chocolate-themed products that won't ruin your diet.
The festival - which is technically the first to take place in South Yorkshire - is being put together by charity Roundabout; a youth homelessness organisation that supports young people aged 16 to 25 in Sheffield Rotherham and Doncaster.
Roundabout’s Event Fundraiser, Emily Bush told The Star: "We are super excited to launch Yorkshire’s first-ever chocolate festival."
“There is going to be something for everyone, from brownies and doughnuts to hot chocolate and rum.
“You’ll find numerous treats to indulge in and other non-edible chocolate-themed gifts that will save your waistline too.”
She also said they are still on the hunt for local traders to take part and bring their delicious, chocolatey goodness to the event to make it the very best Yorkshire chocolate festival it can be.
“It’s very important now, though, that we reach out to those businesses that are going to make this event truly tasty," she added.
“If you are in the business of chocolate production or anything else to do with chocolate or sweet treats, it’s time to book a space and make this an indulgent day to remember,."
If you would like to get involved in the festival, get in touch directly with Emily here.
Feature image - Yorkshire Chocolate Festival
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
22nd September 2021 
