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Happy first birthday, York’s Chocolate Story

@ Food & drink
One year on: head chocolatier Andrew Thwaite celebrates the birthday

The chocolatier’s been here for a year! And York’s Chocolate Story is celebrating its first birthday this Easter by offering free entry to visitors sharing the same birthday. 



Film star Ewan McGregor is among those invited to join in York’s Chocolate Story’s party on Sunday March 31 – and will receive free admission on receipt of proof of their birthday. No word yet as to whether the Star Wars actor is to take up the offer though…



A giant chocolate cake, party bags, face painting for children and chocolate giveaways are some of the fun celebrations planned for the milestone. The birthday kicks off a jam-packed itinerary at York’s Chocolate Story for the Easter holidays, including Easter-themed lolly decorating workshops from the attraction’s top chocolatiers and a colourful display of giant three foot chocolate eggs.

“In our first year we’ve shared York’s confectionery stories with people from as far afield as New Zealand and Japan, and spread the word to those who live in and around York but perhaps didn’t know about the city’s rich chocolate heritage,” said Juliana Delaney, chief executive of the attraction’s parent company, Continuum.

“We’ve had wonderful feedback and ideas from our visitors and fantastic support from local organisations and residents. Never ones to rest on our laurels, the attraction is constantly evolving and we’re now moving forward with an improved visitor experience to be launched this Easter.

“This will include more fascinating chocolate stories from the city, and the opportunity to make your own chocolates, with help from our skilled chocolatiers.”

James Maxton of confectionery giant Nestlé, said: “Some of the nation’s best-loved brands were born in York and continue to be made in the city. We have worked closely with York’s Chocolate Story to tell the tale so far, and we wish the team a very happy first birthday and look forward to many more years of working together.”

Since opening in March 2012, of the tens of thousands of people who visited York’s Chocolate Story, almost 27,000 travelled to York specifically to visit the Kings Square attraction. And 97 per cent of visitors in 2012 said they would recommend the experience to a friend. The attraction has also given away enough chocolate to fill a double decker bus.

Now moving into its second year, a number of additions have been made that will improve the visitor experience. Budding chocolatiers can now make and take away their own chocolates, and watch tantalising demonstrations by the experts. Get hands-on creating chocolate lollies, led by skilled Chocolatiers in the newly expanded chocolate-making demonstration area.