After a 2-year hiatus, things are hotting up at Eastnor Castle again this week as Eastnor ChilliFest returns on Sunday 1 and Monday 2 May over the may Day Bank Holiday Weekend.
The two-day event which has been running on the Eastnor Estate near Ledbury, since 2012, is the biggest annual event in the Castle’s event calendar and draws in crowds of around 5000 visitors each day.
Like many other events, Eastnor ChilliFest was sadly cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions so this year’s return of the event is extra special and much anticipated.
Eastnor ChilliFest celebrates ‘all things chilli’ and visitors can expect their senses to be delighted with vibrant sights, smells, tastes and sounds in a carnival-like atmosphere.
The Castle Courtyard becomes a Chilli Marketplace with over 50 stalls selling chilli produce including chutneys, chocolate, gin, plants and so much more. There are also stalls selling hot food and drinks as well as bars selling a variety of beer and wine.
Venture down onto the Lower Terrace to find a fantastic selection of chef demonstrations throughout the day from local food champions, such as Hereford’s Beefy Boys and Worcestershire-based Italian chef Felice Tocchini, to celebrity chefs including Howard Middleton who rose to fame on the Great British Bake-Off and is the author of Delicious Gluten-Free Baking.
A highlight of the day is the Chilli Eating Competition which takes place on the Valley Lawn. Contestants can sign up on the day to have their taste buds put through their paces, trying to eat chillies of increasingly hot varieties until the last person is left standing.
There is also live music and entertainment, dance workshops and a children’s cookery school to add to all the usual attractions of the castle, grounds, playgrounds and maze.
At just £13.00 for an adult and £8.00 for a child, it’s an incredible day out! Tickets are limited and can only be purchased online at www.eastnorcastle.com
