Town gears up for Chilli Fest

Westbury is gearing up for this year’s Wiltshire Chilli Festival, which will bring fiery food, live music and entertainment to the town next week. 

The event will return to the High Street and Soisy Gardens on Saturday 19th September from 1pm until 7pm.

This year’s event will feature a new Fire Horse theme to mark the Chinese zodiac’s Year of the Fire Horse – a rare combination associated with intense, high-octane energy.

“We’re taking everything people love about Wiltshire Chilli Fest and cranking the heat to eleven,” said Ryan Child, event manager at Westbury Town Council, which organises the event. “With the Fire Horse theme guiding this year’s lineup, expect an explosive blend of world-class heat, incredible street food, vibrant entertainment, and a chilli eating contest that will leave people talking/crying until next year.”

Live music will be performed throughout the event, with Mala Vista headlining the main stage and Jamma De Samba leading a festival party through the streets.

Entertainment will be provided with a Chinese Lion Dance by Dragon of the South from 1pm. The infamous Wiltshire Chilli Eating Competition will also return at 5.30pm, in which brave competitors fight their way through 10 rounds of chillies, starting with mild Anaheims and building to Dorset Nagas and Carolina Reapers.

The event will feature more than 30 chilli producers and artisan stalls from across the country, offering everything from craft hot sauces and spicy jams to fiery seasonings, chilli-infused treats and branded gear.

There will also be a selection of food stalls on offer, with authentic Chinese and Tibetan street food, along with a global lineup of fiery vendors including Huevos Tacos, Indriya Kitchen and Demaine Artisan.

The event is free to attend for all ages.

For more information, visit wiltshirechillifest.co.uk.