A host of sizzling new features have been introduced to make Britain’s biggest and best chilli festival hotter than ever this year.
Around 25,000 people are set to attend the chilli fiesta at West Dean Gardens, near Chichester, this summer. And they can take advantage of all the favourite aspects of the fun with additional attractions.
New to the three-day jamboree will be: a hidden cinema; art installations; a pop-up restaurant and workshops focusing on dance, drumming, food and children’s cookery.
Tickets are on sale now and visitors are being encouraged to book so they can join the party and dance to DJ sets, live Latin music, watch cookery and gardening demonstrations and taste delicious chilli foods at the event from August 11-13.
You can make the most of the family-friendly festival atmosphere and camp onsite with great facilities, and don’t forget there will be around 140 stalls offering chilli gifts, plants seeds and produce.
And that’s not all. A spokesman explains: “New music for this year includes Latin four piece band Cuban Cuban and Andalus, who are the leading Gipsy Kings tribute band. Enjoy Latin jazz with the Manana Collective and the traditional Mexican sounds of Mariachi Tequila. We also welcome back this year, Steel Strum and the Big Noise band.
“Dance acts incude Latin American ballroom Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse along with salsa dancers, Debbi and Francisco, who will be performing and running salsa workshops. During the weekend there will be many more music, dance and performance acts to watch.”
You can also watch food demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre – expect creative, chilli-based recipes from top chefs including Dan Doherty, Rosie Birkett and Steve Edwards. Using ingredients from all over the world and ideas you can easily recreate at home, they’re guaranteed to make your mouth water.
*Children age four and under enjoy free entry, up to age of 16 requires a child ticket. Children are to be accompanied by a paying adult. for more info and to book tickets go to www.westdean.org.uk/gardens
