Press Release: Celebrate the 20th Chilli Fiesta at West Dean, three day festival with camping and fireworks
"Simply the best, The Best of Britain National Treasures" (Country Life).
West Dean's Chilli Fiesta (7, 8 and 9 August 10.30am - 11pm, Sunday 9pm) turns 20 this year. One of the biggest and original chilli festivals in the UK it has grown from humble beginnings in 1995 to become something of a national treasure. The Fiesta attracts around 22,000 people who come to enjoy a full three-day programme of LIVE music, cookery demonstrations, glasshouses bursting with chillies, talks and over 180 stalls selling a variety of chilli based gifts and produce. Chilli Fiesta is a family-friendly festival with many choosing to camp over the weekend with family and friends in the spectacular grounds of the Estate in the heart of the South Downs National Park. As part of the weekend 20th anniversary celebrations festival-goers will be treated to a spectacular firework display on Saturday. The festival has grown in recent years and demand for tickets means early booking is advised.
Headlining this year's exciting line up of entertainment Groupo Lokito, The Fontanas, charismatic singer and musician, Jesus Cutino and his band Son de Cuba and Brazilian/Latin group Sambossa. Several bands will be making their debut this year including Levi Roots, who will not only be bringing his culinary expertise to the cookery theatre but also leading his band on the main stage. Also making their first appearance at Chilli Fiesta are Tom & Ash, Adriana, Quinto, Lokandes, The Vodoo Love Orchestra, the famous Gypsy King Tribute Band, Bamboleo, and Elisangela, plus local bands Ed Goodale and Steel Strum. The popular Mariachi Tequila Band, will be spending the day amongst the crowds getting them into the Latin groove.
Music on the main stage will finish at 9pm (6.00pm Sunday) and live music will continue in
Paradiso Latino Cabaret Tent from 9pm to 11pm (9pm Sunday) featuring; Latin jazz trio, Quinto, (Friday); guitarist, Nicolas, (Saturday) and trio Los Musicos, (Sunday).
In the Cookery Theatre popular Sussex cook and food writer, Rosemary Moon, will be hosting a series of food demonstrations where you can learn top tips and sample delicious chilli delights. Rosemary will be joined over the weekend by The African Chef and Petworth bakery specialist, Danish-born Master Baker, Troels Bendix. Levi Roots, who appeared on Dragon's Den in 2007 and secured investment in his
Reggae Reggae Sauce, will be giving demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre on Sunday, making his famous Home Style Jerk Chicken Wings and his Hot and Fruity Caribbean Coleslaw.
Family fun will include the popular Vintage Steam Fun Fair, Face Painting, Punch and Judy shows, Rock School Workshops and NEW for this year The Great Chilli Throwing contest for younger festival-goers, and older ones too. Antonio the Tambourine Juggler will entertain children and adults alike on the main stage.
Chilli plants are the stars of the show and Sarah Wain, West Dean Gardens' chilli expert, will be giving talks and tours around the Victorian glasshouses in the Walled Garden, where you can see around 250 varieties of chilli, and learn how to grow chillies at home. Guest gardening experts from Sea Spring Seeds, Hot Headz and Simpson Seeds will be giving talks in the gardening Theatre throughout the weekend.
There will be a selection of bars around the site and lots of great chilli-related foods to enjoy and set your taste buds alight. With over 180 stalls - many new this year - there will be a great variety of quirky gifts on offer for the chilli-lover in your life, hot and spicy foods to eat, chilli plants, seeds and produce so you can experiment with the dishes inspired by the Chilli Fiesta back at home.
Camping for the weekend
The campsite on the West Dean Estate is divided into different zones:
Jalapeno (most popular general camping area, close to the event arena helping to enhance the festival atmosphere of the weekend); Pimento (quiet camping area away from the main arena ideal for a good night's sleep); Bell (family friendly and close to the toilets and showers ideal for the earlier-to-bed but up bright and early!) and Chipotle (caravan and live-in vehicle area with electric hook ups) situated just outside the camp site this year.
If putting up a tent is not your thing opt for the ultimate 3-night Weekend Glamping experience in a furnished bell tent for two nestled in a beautiful tree-lined corner of the campsite. Enjoy the full sized double bed with a real mattress, sumptuous cotton bed linen and snuggly 13 tog duvet, bedside lighting, an electric radiator (if it gets a little chilly at night), tea and coffee making equipment, towels to enjoy the onsite showers and two deckchairs to relax and soak up the summer sun.
Prices and booking information
Book your ticket in advance for the day or the whole weekend. Take advantage of Early Bird prices.
Early Bird Prices (available until 31 July)
Friday Day Ticket: Adult £10.00 Child £1.00
Saturday Day Ticket: Adult £12.00 Child £1.00
Sunday Day Ticket: Adult £10.00 Child £1.00
3-day pass with camping: Adult from £80 Child £30 (early booking for camping advised)
Full price after 31 July
Friday Day Ticket: Adult £12 Child £1.00
Saturday Day Ticket: Adult £14.50 Child £1.00
Sunday Day Ticket: Adult £12.00 Child £1.00
3-day pass with camping: Adult from £95 Child £36 early booking for camping advised)
In addition…
Caravan/camper van pitch (with power) surplus £25
Caravan/camper van pitch (without power) surplus £10
Please note: camper vans and mobile homes are accepted over the three days and not for single nights only.
3-night Weekend Glamping
£555 for two adults (including festival admission and weekend camping pass).
Book online at: www.westdeangardens.org.uk
Note:
Produce Stalls close at 6pm. Main Stage Music finishes at 9pm on Fri and Sat eve 6pm on Sunday. Paradiso Latino Cabaret Tent is open until 11pm Fri and Sat eve and 9pm Sunday. Only food stalls and bars around the central stage area will be open after 6pm.
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Notes to editors
- Chilli Fiesta was awarded Tourism Event of the Year Bronze Award at the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2014/15.
- West Dean Gardens are part of the Edward James Foundation, a charitable trust No. 1126084, also comprising West Dean College, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry Studio.
- All photography is free to use for editorial purposes.
- To apply for media accreditation for Chilli Fiesta contact the Media Relations Team.
- West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton and London.