ORGANISERS of the third annual Chilli Festival at Eastnor Castle are hailing it as a great Bank Holiday success.

David Littlewood, General Manager at Eastnor Castle said “The Chilli Festival was brilliant and everyone seemed to be having a fantastic time. There was a real carnival atmosphere with crowds of people relaxing and enjoying everything the festival had to offer.

"A highlight of the event seems to be the chilli eating competition which drew big crowds on the valley lawn.

"Nick Robinson, our head groundsman, could only equal his performance of last year with a third place, but he certainly seemed to have a lot of support from the audience."

As visitors approached the castle up the front drive, they were greeted with live music from Basha Beats Samba Band. Also helping to create the carnival atmosphere was local Mexican band – Los Squideros from Hereford, and they were joined on stage by One Island Steel Band.

The Castle Courtyard was transformed into a Chilli Market and visitors were busy trying and buying products from chocolate and bread to cake and vodka, ans chilli plants, of course.

There were also a number of specialist hot food suppliers selling authentic Asian curries and other spicy foods.

Mr Littlewood added: "Stilt walkers mingled with the crowds keeping them entertained throughout the day and culminated on Monday in a fire juggling show with the Samba Band.

"We have had lots of really positive comments about the weekend and we are already planning for next year when we hope to add even more to the festival”