Things are hotting up at West Dean Gardens near Chichester in West Sussex where the Chilli Fiesta is taking place on the 6th, 7th & 8th of August. A wonderful and vast collection of chillis (200 plus in every shape and size ranging from the serene green through to red hot) will be displayed in pristine rows in the magnificent restored Victorian Glasshouses. And to whet the appetite even more, there are over 150 stall holders selling hot and spicy foods, chilli beer, chilli plants, plus chilli growing demos, salsa music and lots of dancing! “Vamos muchachos!”
Chilli plants and seeds are available to buy from stallholders Joy and Michael Michaud who own and run Peppers by Post, a small market garden that grows and sells fresh chillies by post throughout the UK. There are also chilli growing and cooking demonstrations and tastings galore ranging from the mild to the very hot chilli sauces, jellies, salsas, chutneys, relishes, marinades, nuts and crisps. Even chilli chocolate, chilli ice cream, chilli beer and chilli fruit juices are all on sale. Admission to the Chilli Fiesta is £7.25 for adults plus concessions. The event is open between 10.30am and 5pm. West Dean Gardens are on the A286, 6 miles north of Chichester.