The Southport Chilli Festival is where you should go if you are looking for something to put fire in your belly, even in the cool temperatures of springtime at one of the best-loved coastal towns in the UK. The festival originally based in Blackpool has grown in popularity and size over the last half a decade it has been running for and it shows no signs of running out of steam.

Don’t let the dreary weather get you down or put you off.  Head over to St John’s Square and you will find a lively crowd and a selection of stalls showcasing some of the hottest chillies, plants, paraphanalia and products.  There will be live demonstrations held giving you the full lowdown on preparing and cooking chilli and perhaps the highlight of the whole day – the chilli eating competition.  It is just the same as you may have seen on the television – various comeptitiors line up and have to eat chilli after chilli in round after round until there is only one left standing who can then be crownded the chilli-eating champion.

If you are worried that there might be too much fire for your belly available, have no fear as there will be lots of interesting and tasty craft beers to help cool your palate down with.  When you are not eating and drinking, there will also be live entertainment including local musicians and performers.

With so much to eat, drink, try and buy – you will be surprised that you were able to fit so many chilli-based activities into one Saturday.