Started in 2006 the Chilli Festival is a hugely popular family event attracting thousands of visitors over three days, offering a chance to buy chilli plants, products and sample foods from around the world. Stalls are set up throughout the garden and a wide range of refreshments is provided to help you cool down, including cold beers and ice creams. Come worship the pepper at Benington Chilli Festival next August bank holiday weekend!

CHILLI STALLS

Over 60 pitches of the nation’s best known independent chilli traders selling everything and anything you can make with chillies – chutneys, sauces, pickles, seeds, cheese and chocolate.

UNFORGETTABLE COOKING & HOT COCKTAILS

Choose from Mexican burritos and tacos, Thai, Cajun, Greek and Lebanese fayre, wood oven pizza, spicy sausages, ice cream and more. Vegan and vegetarian dishes too. Sample beers, local cider, spicy ginger beer, soft drinks and the legendary Hot Mule cocktail.

CHILLI PLANTS

Prolong the pleasure and take home your own chilli plant. There will be hundreds available, plenty of different and unusual varieties, and friendly advice from knowledgeable growers.

CHILLI EATING COMPETITION

For the hard core enthusiast, a unique opportunity to showcase your prowess at the world famous chilli eating competition. If you think you’re hard enough, sign up on the day for the ultimate challenge. To be held each day at 4pm. Limited to 12 participants, on a first come, first served basis.

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment for 2023 includes Sid Bowfin with a reluctant violin, music from Legends Festival Band and ferret racing from Hockley Ferret Rescue.