Set against the picturesque backdrop of Winchester, the festival is scheduled for 1st & 2nd June 2024. Located at the North Walls Recreation Ground, this year’s festival is poised to be the most exciting yet, featuring an impressive lineup of vendors, entertainers, and interactive experiences.

Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavours as you explore an array of artisanal cheeses and fiery chillies. Local and international cheesemakers will showcase their finest creations, ranging from creamy brie to sharp cheddar. Alongside the cheese stalls, you’ll find a sizzling selection of chillies in various forms, from fresh produce to fiery sauces and salsas. Visitors can explore an array of gourmet cheeses, from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, and sample chilli-infused delicacies that cater to all heat tolerance levels.

Chilli Eating Competition

On both days around 4 pm, the Chilli Eating Competition unfolds, showcasing grown adults grappling with tiny fruits in a hilarious battle of wills. The ultimate victor is determined by endurance, as contestants strive to outlast one another in this spicy showdown.

Chilli Challenge

The Verses Food Challenge is an exhilarating 30-minute frenzy where participants attempt to conquer a sizzling meal crafted by their skilled chefs, Chilli Olly and Chilli Dave. The goal? Be the first to polish off your plate to claim victory!

Live Music

The Winchester Cheese and Chilli Festival is not just about tantalizing your taste buds—it’s also a feast for your ears! This year’s festival features an impressive lineup of live music acts, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and making your visit even more enjoyable.

Musical Highlights

From local bands to talented solo artists, the festival’s live music stage will showcase a variety of genres to suit all musical tastes. Whether you enjoy rock, pop, folk, or acoustic sets, there’s something for everyone.

Performance Schedule

The festival’s website provides a detailed schedule of performances, so you can plan your day around your favourite acts. Don’t miss out on the headliners and must-see performers who will be setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend.

Cheese and Chilli Cooking Theatre

This exciting feature of the festival brings together top chefs and food experts to demonstrate mouth-watering recipes and cooking techniques using cheese and chilli as star ingredients.

What to Expect

The Cheese and Chilli Cooking Theatre offers a diverse schedule of live cooking demonstrations throughout the festival. From cheesy appetisers to spicy main courses and everything in between, these sessions showcase the versatility and deliciousness of cheese and chilli in various cuisines.

Learn from the Experts

Attendees have the opportunity to learn from experienced chefs and culinary professionals as they share their tips, tricks, and secrets for creating flavourful dishes. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned foodie, there’s always something new to discover and inspire your culinary adventures.

Interactive Experience

The cooking theatre provides an interactive experience where audience members can engage with the chefs, ask questions, and even sample the dishes being prepared. It’s a fantastic opportunity to interact with fellow food lovers and immerse yourself in the world of cheese and chilli cuisine.