A CELEBRATION of chocolate is coming to a hotel next month.

The Brighton Chocolate Festival takes place at the Hilton Brighton Metropole in King’s Road on October 12 and 13.

Now in its second year, the event will feature a range of chocolate makers from across the world who will be showing off their dairy – and non-dairy – creations.

The festival, which is free to enter, also aims to promote the use of sustainable and ethically sourced cacao.

Festival organisers said: “Exhibitors are selected for the quality of their products, their contribution towards a more sustainable and ethical production of chocolate and/or their use of local ingredients, including related food and drink exhibitors.

“In addition to the chocolate we will have live interactive talks on stage, across this two-day event.

“The exhibitors are primarily artisan chocolatiers and chocolate makers who pride themselves on the quality of their product, produced in an ethical and sustainable way that supports the entire process directly back to the cacao farmers.

“Many exhibitors produce bean to bar, with extensive involvement in the cacao fields ensuring a living wage is paid for their bean supply.

“Reflecting the current demand for ‘free from’ products and with artisan chocolate makers working towards a purer chocolate production, we will be able to offer our visitors a range of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian chocolate options.”

Worldwide chocolatiers appearing at the show include Pure Grenada, Brighton Cacao Company and The Chocolate Cocktail Club.

Susan Sheen, organiser of the Brighton Chocolate Festival, said: “I started Discover Cacao in 2014 and did my first ever chocolate festival in Oxted later that year.

“Last year I realised I wanted to come to Brighton, it seemed like the perfect place. People will be able to come and meet chocolatiers, try samples, buy products and, most importantly, learn about how chocolate is made and how it can be sustainable. We aren’t lecturing anyone. If someone wants to leave and buy a chocolate bar from the shop that’s fine, we just want to show people there are other options.

“It’s a family event, open to everyone, and we want people with all types of tastes to be involved.”

The festival runs 11am to 5pm both days. For more, visit www.brightonchocolatefestival.com.