A WEEKEND of sweet consolation ahead in these turbulent times – the 11th Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival takes over the foodie-centric mill town. Roam the streets and gorge yourself silly or go down the gourmet route via award-winning visiting chocolatiers such as Dormouse or Choc Amour.
On Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7 a chocolate-themed market will spread across Bridge Street, Church Gardens and the Saturday Market site. There is also an indoor craft market inside the Civic Hall, a fun truck at Market Place plus a family fun area with children’s rides, face painting and entertainment. Fingers crossed the weather warms up – there is even a picnic area by the Irwell.
Browse the stalls, check out tasters from Bury Fairtrade and gawp at the inventive incorporation of chocolate into all kinds of products – from wines to cheese, marshmallows, chocolate chilli and chocolate spreads – many made especially for the event. ToM chocaholic tip: hot chocolate puds from Burtree Puddings (main image).
Among the more conventional items on sale will be brownies, waffles, pancakes and cakes, while a Nutella truck will also be on hand. Plus there’ll inevitably be gin and prosecco opportunities, while for those lacking the requisite sweet tooth there’ll be savoury street food from Thai to Greek.
Ramsbottom runs from 10am-5pm on Sat, Apr 6 and 10am-4pm on Sunday, Apr 7. There is limited free parking in the town. We recommend the £2 all-day park and ride facilities Woodhey High School (Bolton Road West, BL0 9QZ) with a free shuttle bus running from 10am. The cool way to visit is via the East Lancs Railway from Bury. Amended time table @eastlancsrly
