Sloane 350 are proud to announce the third biennial Chocolate and Fine Food Festival which will take place from Friday to Sunday 19-21 September  in the grounds of Killyleagh Castle.
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Down District Council Chairman Councillor Billy Walker with Sloane 350 Chairman Professor Bob Elwood and committee and sponsors at the launch of the 2014 Chocolate and Fine Food Festival in Killyleagh.[/caption]
Gawn and Polly Rowan-Hamilton of Killyleagh Castle officiated at the launch with Slaone 350 Chairman Prof Bob Elwood (QUB) and Sir Hans Sloane aka local historian Clive Scoular.
Bob Elwood, said: “We have welcomed and thanked our festival sponsors, exhibitors and unveiled this year’s festival programme with Maeve Davison, Festival Organiser and the Sloane 350 Committee. Â But why celebrate Sloane in Killyleagh, why with Chocolate and why in such style?
“Sir Hans Sloane was a very important person on his age. was born in Killyleagh on 16 April 1660, was educated at Killyleagh Castle, and went on to become a huge figure of his time. He was both physician and scientist and held the very top positions in each area. He had enormous influence, considerable wealth and a passion for collecting all sorts of objects to make sense of the world.
“In short he had his own vast museum, which on his death was passed to the nation and became the British Museum. He had the idea of using chocolate (then only a drink) from the West Indies which he had visited for medicinal use, but found it too bitter and nauseous so he created a recipe with milk and sugar.
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Some of the chocolateers with Down District Council Chairman Cllr Billy Walker in Killyleagh Castle.[/caption]
“That recipe was subsequently used by the Cadbury Brothers. He is remembered in Chelsea, which he owned, with Sloane Square and several streets bear his name and his bust is the first item on display at the entrance to the British Museum and also the foyer of the British Library. Sir Hans Sloane’s name, of course, is now used in fun to describe the wealthy Chelsea set.
“Our nominated charity for this year’s festival is the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and we are delighted to be able to support this leading children’s charity.
“We also have launched our Hans Sloane VIP (Visit be Inspired, Participate) Art Competition and the judges Alan Beers, Deepa Mann-Kler and Leo Casement will launch this innovative art competition with children from local secondary schools and the competition sponsors Simplicity Group and EE. Join us and prepare for some serious fun at:
Thus year the festivities will extent to te whole weekend with the Chocolate Ball dinner in the grounds of Killyleagh Castle, then the grand marquee will be used by the many chocolateers  and fine food producers – over the two days of Saturday and Sunday. There will also be other entertainments for all the family.
Check out the Sloane 350 website!
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