Cheese and Chilli Festival

Our Mum about Town certainly enjoyed Swindon's food fest for all the family at Lydiard Park

 

I love cheddar and my husband likes hot food so we would have been fools not to go to The Cheese and Chilli Festival in Swindon last weekend (7th and 8th of July).

 

This fantastic event, which is in its 2nd year at Lydiard Park, really is a fun way to spend a few, lazy hours.

  

The fact that the weather was very hot meant it was nice to walk out in the open air and sample the many delights on offer from a massive range of food and drink stands.

 

 

There was a jazz band playing with hay bales out for people to sit on and my husband enjoyed his ciders in the sun as I lounged on one of the many blankets that were also laid out for people to relax on.

 

It’s great that events like this are held in our town as it exposes people to experiences that are a bit different from the average weekend; a chance to mingle with experts on particular tasty treats and beverages is an enjoyable past time.

 

I for one ended up coming across a fantastic family business that can cater to my gluten free diet, called Casa Das Bolitas, and I never would have found out about their home delivery service if I hadn’t gone to this niche event. My husband enjoyed finding out about all the different chilli businesses around the UK and it was impressive to see how well organised this whole event was.

 

 

There was also a central arena at the event which hosted a range of entertainment - including a bird of prey show and a sword swallowing lady magician!

 

It was nice to sit on the nearby benches and enjoy what was unfolding in front of us, whilst also seeing lots of children having ice creams and a giggle. However, the best thing about the whole event for me was witnessing my husband tackle the mild, medium and hot chilli sauces in the taste tent (I have video evidence and I’m not afraid to use it!)

 

The organiser had even catered for the football fans by having a TV screen playing the latest England World Cup match in one of the tents; it literally felt like everything had been thought of.

 

The door team who were checking people’s tickets were very friendly and the prices to get in were exceptionally good value.

 

This festival has now been expanded to visit six locations in the south of England throughout our summer and although some have now been and gone, it is worth checking out the website to see where else you can catch it

  
> Cheese & Chilli Festival - more info.

 

A lot of planning goes into this event (the organiser starts working on the next year’s festival as soon as the current one is over) and I look forward to going along next year (this time with two children in tow).

Kel

 

Cheese & Chilli Festival

A fun food festival for all the family at Lydiard Park

 

Lydiard Park, Swindon

Saturday 07 & Sunday 08 July

11.00am - 5.00pm

 

The Cheese and Chilli Festival will bring an amazing array of tastes, colours and experiences to Lydiard Park this July

 

Whilst the event this year will have a distinct focus on the cheese and chilli, there will be something for everyone at the event and is a perfect family day out with FREE children and adult activities on offer as well as fun rides etc

 

Featuring:

 

- Chilli Eating Competition

- Beer Festival

- Children's Craft Tent

- Taste Tent

- Inflatables

- Face Painting

- Chilli Sauce Competition

- Craft and Shopping Stalls

- Magic Shows

- FREE Children's Treasure Hunt

- Children's Fun Rides

- Falconry Display

- Punch & Judy Show

 

Tickets: Adults £8.00 (on the door), Seniors £6.00 (on the door), Children FREE