Christchurch
18th & 19th May 2024
10am - 6pm Saturday
10am - 5pm Sunday
After our biggest ever event in 2023, we are delighted to announce that the Cheese and Chilli Festival is back in Christchurch for 2024. The event is now in it’s 10th year! The event in 2024 will bring an amazing array of tastes, colours and experiences to town and is a ‘must go to event’. Come rain or shine, the event will be fantastic!
Thanks to all our 2024 Sponsors
If you’d like more information on partnering us at this fantastic event in 2024 please contact Pulford Publicity Ltd.
Pulford Publicity Ltd would love to chat with you about all of the sponsorship and programme advertising packages we offer. Get in touch with us on 01202 941466 or via email HERE to find out more about our prices.
Main Attractions
The 2024 event is already looking fantastic, here are some of the acts already confirmed.
Wrestling!!
Wrestling Madness: Throughout the day, immerse yourself in the electrifying world of wrestling as skilled athletes take to the ring to battle it out in epic matches! Which corner is going to win, the Cheese Corner or the Chilli Corner? From high-flying maneuvers to bone-crushing takedowns, each bout promises non-stop action and excitement that will keep you cheering for more.
Cooking Theatre
Chilli Olly & Chilli Dave Presents
A number of cooking demonstrations or talks will be offered by professionals from the cheese and chilli industry. Many sessions will be hosted by the famous Chilli Olly and Chilli Dave but we will also have many guest speakers. See the schedule for further details. The Cooking Theatre will also host the popular Chilli Challenge, plus so much more.
Chilli eating competition
The Chilli Eating Competition takes place each day at around 4pm. It’s quite a sight to see grown adults struggle to eat tiny fruits and hilarious to see the consequences! The winner of the competition is the person who can stay in the game the longest! If you are mad enough for the challenge and want to know how to apply, please contact us HERE.
live music
A festival is not a festival without some live music! To keep us entertained, we have a number of bands playing for us throughout the weekend. The bands will be celebrated musicians from around the region playing anything from from jazz to rock. See the Entertainment Schedule below or the live music button below for further information.
children's entertainment
We have number of FREE activities available for the kids. We have Punch & Judy, Magic Shows, Treasure Hunts, Balloon Modelling, Giant Bubble Parties, Meet Kerry the Koala Crazy, Golf, stilt walkers, walkabout musicians and Story Tellers. There are paid for activities also such as mini fun fair rides, axe throwing, face painting, inflatables etc.
chilli challenge
The Verses Food Challenge is a crazy 30 minutes of watching people try and devour a HOT meal prepared lovingly by our resident chefs Chilli Olly and Chilli Dave. The winner is the person who can finish theirs first! If you are mad enough for the challenge, and would like ot kow more, please contact us HERE.
walk about Wendy
Wendy Sax – Wendy’s versatility enables her to play in many different musical styles including jazz, blues, pop, soul, Ibiza chillout, and contemporary smooth jazz and groove, making her popular and in demand and we get to enjoy her music all day.
3 Little Pigs
Join the fun at “The Three Little Pigs” puppet show! Witness the classic tale unfold with whimsical puppets, vibrant sets, and laughter for all ages. Don’t miss this enchanting experience.
Kerry The Koala
We have our very own mascot, Kerry The Koala! She’s 3m tall and filled with air and very friendly? We’d love you to come and meet her!
Taste Tent
At each event we have a tailored selection of sauces from various traders around the site and we ask you to judge which ones you prefer. When entering the event, you are given a ballot slip to be used in this area. Your vote counts!
crazy golf
Another FREE activity, why not test yourself against our very own Cheese & Chilli Crazy Golf Course. Par 27! Large and small putters available plus multicoloured balls so no cheating.
bubble party
A moment for the kids to go crazy and chase all the bubbles! We have giant and little bubbles to make. We even let the kids have a go at making some themselves.
cheese
We have an amazing array of cheese on offer. We select a variation of cheese to be present at the event which means we don’t have lots of stalls selling the same varieties but a hand picked selection just for you.
chilli
An array of lovely chilli available for you to sample and purchase. We are very lucky to be supported by some of the uk’s leading growers, makers and manufacturers of chilli related products. It’s a chance to come and try something new and learn something about these fantastic products.
Battle Of The Choirs
Each day we had a choir perform some amazing songs for us. Saturday saw The Highcliffe Players join us and on Sunday we had the Rock Choir.
The Doughy Bottom Bakery
Keep an eye out for the roaming Doughy Bottom Bakers as they proudly bring their questionable wares to the Cheese Chilli field this summer.
These cheeky, loveable characters will raise a smile with playfulness and downright daftness on the menu. These chefs have got flying flour, slapstick and silliness for all ages, serving up mayhem and mess as they try to complete their ultimate goal – serving everyone they encounter a special treat, even if it’s not quite good enough to eat!
Mat Follas
Mat won the TV series BBC MasterChef in 2009, then opened his first restaurant, The Wild Garlic, which was awarded 2 AA Rosettes and was recommended in The Good Food Guide and The Michelin guide. Mat’s new restaurant Bramble is in Sherborne, Dorset and doubles as a base for making Mure liqueurs.
Mat will be joining us at the event, and not only will you discover his products on-site, but he will also be participating in the Cooking Theatre.
Just Chill
If you’d rather just sit and enjoy the weather along with all the great atmosphere, we’d love to have you. Plenty of tables and chairs around the site along with plenty of floor space for picnics etc. Feel free to bring some blankets or some chairs to make the experience all the more comfortable.
The Story Teller
“Mark Fraser is an exceptional storyteller, weaving his own narratives, recounting timeless tales, and engaging with his audience to captivate both the young and the old. With his unique blend of humour, originality, and boundless imagination, we discovered that his storytelling sessions appealed to children, families, and adults alike, all concurrently. It was truly remarkable.”
Bars
If you’re in need of any beverages, we have plenty of bars around the site to help you quench your thirst. All offer unique menus.
come and Meet sammy
Join us from 1pm to 2:30pm for a delightful encounter with Sammy the Pony! Bring your family and friends to meet this charming four-legged friend and create unforgettable memories. Sammy will be eagerly awaiting your arrival, ready to greet you with his gentle demeanor and adorable antics. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to bond with Sammy amidst the festivities of delicious cheese and spicy chilli flavors. We can’t wait to see you there!
Mini Fun Fair
Steven Hill Amusements will be supplying us with some rides. Here are some example images of rides they have available but it is not yet confirmed which rides will be present.
Entertainment Timetable
Supporting Local Charities
We are delighted to announce our support for The Listening Ear at this year’s Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival. As advocates for mental health and community well-being, we recognise the invaluable service provided by The Listening Ear in offering support and comfort to those in need. We are honored to contribute to such a meaningful cause and look forward to a successful and enjoyable festival, filled with delicious cheeses, fiery chilies, and heartfelt connections.
location
What 3 Words:
Venue Address:
Parley Lane, Christchurch,
BH23 6AD
Dogs Are Welcome
Dogs are very welcome at the show, all we asks is that they are kept on leads and you pick up any waste.
Free Parking
There will be FREE parking at the event ground. An entry ticket does not guarantee a parking space so please come early to ensure a spot.
Train
The nearest train station is 3 miles away (Christchurch Train Station). Bournemouth Train Station is 5 miles away.
See link below for information relating to South Western Railway.
Bus
The 737 bus service by Morebus is the only service which takes you from Bournemouth Train Station to Bournemouth Airport which is situated next to the event location. Unfortunately, this service does not operate at the weekends currently See HERE for more details.
camping
Camping is available at the Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival. Last year, we didn’t do a particularly good job at managing this space so this year, we’ve decided to get the experts in!
Our friends at ‘Pitching It‘ have agreed to manage this space and provide some fantastic camping facilities should you want them. So…
Camp or Glamp at this year’s Cheese & Chilli Festival Christchurch! With a new fully managed site situated directly next to the event, you couldn’t be closer to the action. Our fully managed campsite will be open from Friday to Sunday and includes toilet facilities and your very own dedicated campsite bar, open beyond the festival and closes late!
Fees:
Prices include (2 nights, Friday and Saturday night) based on 4 sharing only.
- Glamping – Sleeps 4 – Bell tent with two double camp beds, duvet, pillows, fresh linen, carpet rugs, small storage box, side lantern, outdoor solar lights. – £189
- Campervan large (over 180cm X 220) with side awning – £75
- Campervan (180cm X 220cm size of standard VW Campervan) with side awning – £59
- Tent (large – over 5m x 4m x 2m) – £55
- Tent (Small/Medium – upto 4m x 3m x 2m) £39
Facilities include toilets only. No electrical hook-up available.
Due to the nature of the ground campervans or using the beds in the glamping pods are preferrable.
Access on Friday is permitted from 2pm.
Pitches can be booked via the ticket page.
Adults: Early Bird Tickets £8.00 / £10 on the door
Senior: Early Bird Tickets £6.00 / £8 on the door
Carers/Disabled: Early Bird Tickets £6.00 / £8 on the door
Children under 16 – FREE
Discount Vouchers
Don’t forget to collect your discount vouchers on the door along with your programme. The vouchers are worth approximately £20 so you can get the cost of your entry back when you buy your goodies. The vouchers are available to spend whilst at the event and some are available to spend online from selected traders.
Our Carbon Footprint
We are committed to making the Festival more environmentally friendly and we encourage you to do the same. Help us to keep the site tidy and leave no trace. Please bring and use your own water bottles. Try to conserve water on non-essential use. Do not bring glass; no glass bottles are allowed on site. We will also be offering visitors the opportunity to purchase a sustainable reusable cup instead of using single use plastic containers at the bar. We are actively exploring other ways that we can help reduce our carbon footprint. Together we can make a difference.
Top 5 things you can do to help:
1. Recycle, recycle recycle!!
2. Keep tidy. Please don’t leave rubbish or equipment
3. Bring your own water bottle and refill onsite
4. Car share
5. Use public transport or as sustainable as possible transport, particularly if local
