HUGE crowds gathered at Eastnor Castle over the Bank Holiday weekend for Eastnor ChilliFest – returning after a 2-year break due to covid restrictions.

9,000 visitors attended over the two-day event and, despite the rain on Sunday, it was hailed another successful event by the organisers, the stall holders and the visitors.

The Castle Courtyard and North Terrace were transformed into a Chilli Market and visitors were able to try and buy produce from over 50 stalls selling everything from chilli chutneys to chilli vodka and chilli chocolate.

The cookery demonstration theatre was a popular attraction and saw some of the finest local chefs demonstrating their culinary skills in front of a large audience. Great British Bake Off star and author of Delicious Gluten-Free Baking, Howard Middleton, drew a huge crowd with his demonstration of a chilli chocolate Swiss roll.

The highlight of both days was the Chilli Eating Competition, run by the infamous Clifton Chilli Club. Thousands gathered on the Valley Lawn to watch contestants try their chilli limits with increasingly hot chillies! The winners from both days carried home a hamper full of goodies donated by some of the stall holders.

Clifton Chilli Club said “Thank you to everyone who came along to Eastnor ChilliFest this weekend, we hope you had a great time. We were honoured to have such large and vocal crowds along with brilliant contestants. Big thanks to the great staff at Eastnor as their tireless efforts and boundless energy ensures a thoroughly enjoyable experience. See you all next year!”

Hot food and bars kept visitors fed and watered throughout the day and live music also created a wonderful carnival atmosphere.

Eastnor ChilliFest will be back again next year on Sunday 30th April and Monday 1st May 2023.