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
Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.
The UK’s leading K-pop retailer is opening its first Yorkshire store in Leeds
Clementine Hall
The Merrion Centre is set to welcome one of the UK’s fastest-growing specialist music retailers.
K-pop fans, you're going to love this one.
Soft launching on Friday 22 May, K-pop Korner Leeds will open initially as a pop-up store, becoming the brand’s fourth UK location and its first in the north of England.
Recognised as the UK’s leading dedicated K-pop retailer, K-pop Korner stocks official K-pop albums, signed albums, light sticks and rare collectibles imported directly from Korea.
Not only that, but the brand has developed a strong national following through fan events, trading days, concerts and exclusive product launches.
The Leeds opening follows the success of K-pop Korner’s existing stores in London Waterloo, London Euston and Nottingham, with growing demand from fans across Yorkshire and the north driving the expansion.
Anastasia Tsappis, Director of K-pop Korner, said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring K-pop Korner to Leeds and finally create a dedicated space for fans in Yorkshire and the North of England. Community has always been at the heart of what we do and we’re looking forward to building a welcoming environment where fans can meet, discover new merchandise, celebrate their favourite artists and enjoy special events together.
“Our community has been asking for a more accessible location outside London and the Midlands for a long time, so Leeds felt like the natural next step. The Merrion Centre stood out because of its vibrant atmosphere, fantastic city-centre location and strong connection to entertainment and youth culture.
“We want the opening to feel like more than just a store launch. It’s about celebrating K-pop fandom and creating memorable experiences for the local community. We’re especially excited to see fans come together for our opening events and experience the energy and excitement that makes K-pop culture so special.”
Georgina Pellant -
22nd September 2021 
