Festivals

During the summer months you can find us at various chilli festivals up and down the country

West Dean Chilli Festival

8th & 9th August 2010

As the summer hots up so do the events, the Chilli Fiesta is one not to be missed.

With its wonderful and vast collection of chillis (200 plus) grown in the magnificent restored Victorian Glasshouses and displayed in pristine rows in every shape and size ranging from the serene green through to red hot. And to whet the appetite even more, there are hot and spicy foods on sale, chilli growing demonstrations, salsa music and lots of dancing.

The Lakes Chilli Fest at Levens Hall

14th & 15th August 2010

At Chillifest 2009, there were more stalls than before featuring a wide range of chilli-related items such as jams, jellies, chocolate, ice-cream, sauces, seeds, powders, chutneys, clothing, plants, breads etc. Visitors were able to sample foods from the Caribbean, Mexico, and India as well as many renowned products from Cumbria, some of whom are &lsquo going hot &rsquo for the occasion. There were also stalls selling the newly brewed Levens Hall Ancient Orchard Cider, Cowmire Damson Gin, and Pimms.

On Saturday the entertainment was provided by Paul Garbonza the fire-eater and street entertainer and the Milnthorpe Steel Band, and Salsa North West gave salsa dancing demonstrations and persuade as many people as possible to join in and have a go! On Sunday the salsa band Mojita from Manchester created a lively atmosphere together with Salsa North West, and Pinxton Puppets performed in the topiary garden.

On both days there was a chilli trail and games for the family and entertaining talks and cookery demonstrations given by Nick Martin, Prett Tejura of Curry Cuisine, Ricardo Rodriguez, Pete of Chilli Pepper Pete, Chris Crowder the Levens Hall Head Gardener and the Capsticks from Park House Farm, suppliers of Levens Hall Estate Farm Produce.

Chilli Festival at Waddesdon Plant Centre

4th & 5th September 2010

In its fourth year. Discover chillies in all forms and in many different foods. Admission FREE. Normal admission charges apply to Waddesdon Manor Gardens