Organisers excited for this year's Holker Hall Chilli Fest in Cark

Holker Hall’s Chilli Fest is returning this Saturday and Sunday for another year and promises a jam-packed weekend with music from performers including John Dawes, face painting, kids piñata smash, a chilli hunt, chilli eating contest and of course an abundance of stalls to tantalise visitors’ taste buds.

And Holker Hall and Garden’s general manager Heather Creasey said next year’s event will see some changes and promised a twist.

“2021 will see the last Chilli Fest as we know it,” she said.

“Next year will see an updated and a twist on the beloved event.

“Join us this year to celebrate the Chilli Fest in style with over 50 stalls catering the spice lover and hater.

“There’s an incredible amount of entertainment provided for all the family to enjoy and be sure to sign up for our chilli eating competition.”

Ms Creasey is hoping for similar numbers to last year’s event which, despite Covid, was the festival’s biggest turnout yet with 3,500 guests coming through the hall’s gates over the weekend.

“We’re hoping for similar numbers to last year,” said Ms Creasey.

“Thankfully last year we did manage to do it.

“It put a smile on our faces - it was just what we needed.

“If we can see that again this year or more would be even better.

“It’s going to be a jam packed weekend.”

Similar Covid measures will be in place during this year’s festival, including additional toilets, hand sanitising stations, spaced out stalls to allow more room and a one way system.

So far, almost a thousand tickets have been sold.

Tickets also allow entry into the hall’s gardens and can still be purchased at the kiosk on the day of the chilli fest.

“It’s been really positive,” said Ms Creasey.

“We’re just short of 1,000 pre-sold tickets.”

The event kicks off on Saturday from 10:30am until 5pm on Sunday.

Tickets for adults cost £5 and pre sold tickets can be purchased online until the night before the event.