ORGANISERS of the seventh Eastnor ChilliFest are celebrating a vintage event that attracted more than 9400 people for sizzling, sun-drenched fun, over the Bank Holiday weekend.

And a record was set for ticket sales on the Sunday

Sarah Littlewood, the event's main organiser said: "It was one of our biggest years and it was great to see so many people relaxing in the sun, on the lawn.

"There was a great festival atmosphere."

Becky Williams, head of marketing at Eastnor Castle added: "We had a record number of visitors on the Sunday and we sold out of tickets by lunchtime!"

The event, which was blessed this year by glorious sunshine, took place on Sunday, May 6 and Bank Holiday Monday, May 7.

There were more than 50 stalls plus entertainment, "celebrating all things chilli".

The castle's courtyard was transformed into a chilli market where visitors were able to try and buy chocolate, bread, cake, vodka, cocktails and chutney as well as grow-your-own chilli plants.

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

The outdoor cookery demonstrators included Herefordshire’s Beefy Boys and top chef Anita Sharma James.

The Clifton Chilli Club was back on the Valley Lawn each afternoon with their legendary Chilli Eating Competition which always draws huge crowds and puts brave contestants through their paces.

Bands included Los Squideros, and Arcadia Roots.

Other attractions included Bhangra dancing workshops, children’s cookery school and , stilt walkers "for a fun Carnival atmosphere".