From 10th -12th August 2018, the UK’s biggest chilli festival returns for its 23rd year. As well as chilli tasting and expert cookery demonstrations, there will be guided tours of the gardens, an outdoor cinema, champagne and cocktail bars, Latin music, flamenco dancing, face painting and a vintage funfair. West Dean’s Chilli Fiesta is a family friendly festival set in the beautiful grounds of West Dean, with full camping facilities in the grounds of West Dean Estate, in the heart of the South Downs National Park. The Estate is home to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and the glorious West Dean Gardens.
There will be over 30 dance and music acts performing at the Chilli Fiesta. World Champion dancers, and stars of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Neil and Katya Jones will make their Chilli Fiesta debut. Katya was the winning professional in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing! Immersive entertainment from local vintage queen, Dawn Gracie, will transport you back to the 50s and 60s. Whilst festival favourites, The Fontanas, bring their trademark funky Brazilian and afro Latin vibes to the festival.
Other acts include: Dust Blues, Manfred, Fire & Rain, Viva Santana and The Wayfarers. Throughout the weekend, there will be Flamenco performances and workshops with professional dancers, including Latin American, Salsa, and Belly Dancing.
A wide range of chilli-related food stalls can be found onsite. With over 140 stalls, visitors can expect a great variety of quirky gifts available to purchase, from hot and spicy foods of the world to chilli plants, seeds and gifts. To cool down, there will be local ice cream on offer as well as a selection of bars including Champagne, Cocktails, Los Amigos, Craft cider and ales, and The potting shed, for gins and matching tonics. This is the culinary event of the year, not to be missed.
Plus: Cookery Theatre; Gardening Theatre; Children’s entertainment
Wake up in the beautiful grounds of West Dean and make a weekend or mini break of it. Full camping facilities include great showers, flushing toilets and a 24-hour shop. The campsite on the rolling West Dean Estate is split into three zones: Jalapeno (close to the event arena and enhancing the festival atmosphere); Pimento (quiet camping area away from the main arena ideal for a good night’s sleep); and Bell (family friendly and close to the toilets and showers). Booking is essential
West Dean Gardens, Near Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0RX www.chillifiesta.co.uk
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