Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025
Mark your calendars and spice up your summer! The Great Dorset Chilli Festival returns for its 14th year on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025, bringing fiery fun, fantastic flavours, and fierce competition to the Stock Gaylard Estate, near Sturminster Newton (DT10 2BG). Whether you’re a chilli aficionado or just fancy a day out with incredible food, live music and entertainment, this is a date you won’t want to miss. Don’t worry if heat isn’t your thing — there’s a feast of non-chilli delights to savour too!
Calling All Chilli Growers! Enter the Chilli Plant Competition
Think you’ve got what it takes to grow the best-looking chilli plant? Start sowing your seeds now and enter the popular Chilli Plant Growing Competition, judged on Saturday 2nd August. With classes for seasoned growers and total novices alike, it’s anyone’s game to win a coveted rosette!
Competition Categories:
- Class 1: Grow the strikingly beautiful (and very hot) ‘Bolivian Rainbow’ variety — perfect for pots and guaranteed to impress.
- Class 2: An open class for any chilli plant — bring your best!
Plants will be judged on their appearance, development, condition, and fruiting, with prizes generously sponsored by local retailer Harts of Stur. Winners in each class will receive a £50 gift voucher.
Get Growing with Free Chilli Seeds
The festival is giving away free ‘Bolivian Rainbow’ chilli seeds (courtesy of Sea Spring Seeds) to help you get started. Quantities are limited, so don’t wait — email info@greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk for your seeds and a copy of the competition rules.
Why You’ll Love the Great Dorset Chilli Festival
• Meet the UK’s largest gathering of chilli sauce producers
• Indulge in mouth-watering food and unique flavours
• Enjoy live music and entertainment for the whole family
• Cheer on competitors in fiery chilli challenges
Don’t miss out on Dorset’s hottest weekend of the year! For full details and updates, visit www.greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk.
Save the dates, start sowing, and prepare for a weekend of sizzling excitement!
