No need for chilli on a scorcher of a day!

by Lorraine Gibson

Hate chilli? Then you’ll love the Dorset Chilli Festival.

It may host the most artisan chilli sauce makers in the UK, and competitions of the chilli-plant, chilli-sauce and chilli-eating varieties, but everyone can – and does – enjoy it as there’s loads for chilli-haters.

Somewhat surprisingly, what there’s not piles of, is chilli con carne.

Don’t worry, though, you won’t go hungry. There is some really interesting non-chilli produce –gourmet mushrooms; a speciality Cambodian black pepper; gin; foodie trend de jour and Korea’s omnipresent dish, kimchi; charcuterie; cheeses, lots of cheeses, oh, and bit of biltong. Cooking fans will be drawn to the aromas coming from the Talk Tent as local chefs demo how to make their favourite dishes; on the Saturday, it goes all celebrity as Dorset pan shuffler and restaurateur, Mark Hix mans the kitchen - as does Mark Hartstone of La Fosse in Cranborne, who’ll be sharing his culinary skills on both the Saturday and Sunday.

Dorset bands, Quinns Quinney, The Mother Ukers and Jamarca, Big Joe Bone’s bluegrass and Mexican tunes from the everpresent roving three-piece Mariachi band ensure a regular serving of tasty music.

So, dig the vibes, grab some street-food, a local brew or a bubble tea and chill out.

Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, 10am to 5pm.

Stock Gaylard deer park, Lydlinch, near Sturminster Newton, DT10 2BG.

Reduced-price ‘early bird’ tickets (£8 adults; £2.50 children over 10; Family – 2 adults, 3 children) online until August 1 and fullprice tickets (£10; £3; £23)) at the gate. Free parking. Dogs welcome No camping. No coaches. greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk