Chilli traders from across the UK and more than 3,500 visitors packed into Westbury’s High Street on Saturday (September 21) for the town’s fourth annual chill festival.
Colourful stalls and scorching hot sauces were on display as Westbury Chilli Festival organisers turned up the heat for this year’s event, now reckoned to be the best in Wiltshire.
Ryan Child, events manager at Westbury Town Council, said: “This year’s festival was really good. We had around 3,500 visitors and we had good weather.
“We had one rain shower but we managed to get away with it and the live music we had this year was our best-ever.”
The annual chilli-eating challenge that is the highlight of the festival was organised this year by The Hot Pods Chilli crew.
The infamous competition serves up pain, suffering and good old family entertainment every year as the chillis get hotter with every round.
Ryan said: “It’s supposed to be the hardest competition in this country. I don’t know how they did it. It was absolutely brutal.”
The eventual winner was Jason, who was a joint winner last year with Irene. This time he took the title outright, beating Callum Christmas from Frome into first place to win the skull prize made by Best of You pottery painting.
More than 40 stallholders along the High Street sold a wide range of chilli's, hot sauces, soft cheese, local produce and international food products.
They showcased a wide variety of chilli products from all over the UK from the mildest bell peppers to the fiercest ghost peppers.
Visitors were able to savour a diverse range of street food options ranging from the authentic taste of Mexican tacos from A Huevo’s to comfort food from LJ Hugs of Bath.
For those who love a good BBQ, Hickory Henry were on hand, while a well-stocked bar, enabled visitors to quench their thirst while they enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere.
The SASS Circus Skills workshop from Trowbridge demonstrated new tricks to children and the young at heart, while the festival buzzed with live music from local and national bands.
The acts included Mariachi Wey, The Shingalings, and the Jamma de Samba band, while pupils from Matravers School showcased their musical talents, adding to the festival’s community spirit.
Westbury mayor Janer Russ said: “It was absolutely brilliant. There were fire-eaters and wonderful bands and loads of people dancing in the town centre.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here