Keep the summer vibes alive with laidback Latin jazz, salsa moves and an array of fiery flavours at this year's Chilli Fest event.
The annual festival of the taste-tingling plant is returning to Fulham Palace for a day packed with live music, chilli tasting, dancing and stalls.
At least 30 varieties of chillies from around the world will feature as part of the Chilli Fest event on Sunday 14 September from 11am to 3pm.
Fancy trying hot Venezuelan Tiger or Carolina Reaper chillies, or milder varieties like the Chinese Space chilli? The festival is just the place to get a fiery fix, along with plenty of fun activities for all ages.
Held in the walled garden at historic Fulham Palace in Bishops Avenue, the community event is a "great chance to be outside and meet your local neighbours", says organiser Theo Antipas, of Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments Association.
"Community fun is our driver, so the vibe is very chill and laid back, well assisted by the music," she adds.
Live Latin jazz music
With the relaxed grooves of Latin jazz collective Banda Bomba soundtracking the event, visitors can explore stalls dedicated to the chilli, along with a range of food pop ups.
Chilli aficionados from Rish Right UK – a 2025 Great Taste Awards gold winner – and Mama Nati Hot Sauce will be sharing their tasting tips, while Theo's own chilli jelly made with locally-grown plants will be available.
Three tasting tables for visitors range from mild chillies including Lipstick and Ethiopian Berbere varieties to medium hot like the Brazilian Chupetinho, classic cayenne, and Peruvian Aji Charapita.
The bravest visitors can set their tastebuds alight with the extreme heat of the Venezuelan Tiger and the former Guinness World Record holding Carolina Reaper, which was the hottest chilli in the world for 10 years.
Chilli-eating contest
For those who thrive on competition, a chilli-eating contest is a chance to raise the heat during a dozen spicy rounds.
Theo explains: "Entries are limited to 12 people and they register on site. There are usually 12 heat levels and they have to eat the whole chilli, or chillies if they are very small. Last year no one got beyond level nine!"
Theo – who is known as Chilli Chick – and other volunteers from the Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments Association and Fulham Horticultural Society will also be showcasing how to grow chillies, as well as displaying a bumper crop of the largest and heaviest vegetables from their patches.
Green-fingered visitors can get expert guidance during a talk from leading botanist Dr Mark Spencer, while Pexava Dance Company will help get the salsa party started with a fun and interactive display for all.
"Come and have a different experience from the usual," adds Theo. "It's very friendly and relaxed."
Find out more and book free tickets (£3 suggested donation) through the Fulham Palace website.
