SPICY food lovers descended on Holker Hall for a celebration of all things chilli.

The two-day, too-hot-to-handle event was held on the famous country house’s grounds and saw over 40 stalls pitch up to send the 1,500 visitors’ taste buds into overdrive.

The zest-filled event welcomed specialist chilli companies from all over the country, local specialist food suppliers, and there was a double-bill of the much anticipated chilli-eating competition.

Heather Creasey, who works as an event organiser at Holker Hall, said: “This event started in 2013.

“For the Holker Estate, it was the want for providing something different for the south Cumbria area.

“It’s a chance for spicy-food lovers to really test their tastebuds and try out some of the spiciest chillies from around the world, including the Ghost Chilli.

“The main event is the chilli-eating competition, which will see participants blow their heads off eating the spicy chillies.

“It’s a great laugh, but it’s important to note health and safety is our top priority.

“We even serve amazing local chillies that have been grown in the Holker Hall gardens.”

Across the event, there was a variety of different chilli food stands, including the ‘World’s Hottest Pizza’, as well as cooking demonstrations.

The fun did not stop with the food.

Also on show was salsa-dancing, rock music played throughout the afternoon, a steel band, and plenty of events to keep the children busy, such as attempts to smash The Aleppo Pepper Piñata.

Visitors to the hall were able to meet with specialist chilli growers and had the opportunity to take plants home, sample food and drink, and enjoy the family fun.

As well as the opportunity to get a few hot tips from growers, visitors were able to rub shoulders with chilli aficionado Darth Naga, aka Tony Ainsworth.