THOUSANDS of chilli lovers are expected to descend on Westbury this month as the extremely popular Chilli Fest is making a triumphant return to the town as it kicks off the Westbury Festival with a bang.
Visitors who are looking to get a taste of Mexico in Wiltshire can expect the return of popular events from last year, such as the chilli eating competition hosted by the UK Chilli Queen, performances by the popular Bath outfit Jamma de Samba, an all-day chilli market, a free children’s circus workshop and new to this year’s event – a ‘best dressed’ competition.
The Wiltshire Chilli Fest, organised by Westbury Town Council, will return to Westbury’s High Street on Saturday 24th September from 1pm to 7pm. Entrance is free.
There will also be plenty of beer and sangria for adults to cool off with, thanks to a fully licensed bar. Westbury Lions will also be running games and activities for children on the day.
The Westbury Festival runs from Saturday 24th September to 8th October and has an exciting line-up of live music, films, exhibitions, talks, children’s entertainment, arts and crafts.
Ryan Child, events manager for Westbury Town Council says about the Chilli Fest, “We will be welcoming chilli producers from around the country and we have even more stalls than last year ready to serve up their spiciest chilli treats.
“Many of the thousands that came last year lit up the event with their sombreros, day of the dead and chilli costumes. Inspired by those enthusiastic revellers, there will be a ‘best dressed’ competition this year, so get your best Chilli Fest gear for the day and the winner will be announced right before the chilli eating competition. The Chilli Queen will be the head judge, passing an eye over the competition throughout the day.
“Anyone looking to cool off can enjoy an ice cream outside the kids’ zone, where a circus act will be entertaining Westbury’s children from 1pm to 5pm with an array of interactive workshops and fun activities. The Westbury Lions will also be running their splat the rat and activity stalls.
“Adults can wash the taste of that last Carolina reaper from their mouths with a beer from the fully licensed bar, or even grab a cheeky sangria while the live music plays. At the Westbury Festival Stage, the headline act will be Mariachi Way, with Tequila Mockingbird and Not Fragile supporting. The extremely popular Jamma de Samba will again be parading through the streets and making their way up to the stage.
“The event will close with the now famous Wiltshire chilli eating competition, hosted again by the already famous UK Chilli Queen. Those wanting to enter can do so on the day at the Hot Ones stall at the library end of the high street. Demand is extremely high, so be sure to arrive early to avoid missing out.”
There will also be a competition for the ‘best dressed stall’ which will be judged by the mayor, cllr Sheila Kimmins. The event is free as well as the children’s activities such as face painting and the circus workshop.
All enquiries to events@westburytowncouncil.gov.uk
