2026 Winchester Cheese and Chilli Festival

The Cheese and Chilli Festival 2026

The Cheese and Chilli Festival 2026 is back — bigger, bolder, and tastier than ever!
🎉Celebrating two of the nation’s favourite ingredients, this vibrant outdoor festival brings together food lovers, families, and spice enthusiasts for a weekend packed with flavour, fun, and entertainment.

🧀 Culinary Delights
Indulge in an incredible selection of artisan cheeses and fiery chilli creations, with tastings, samples, and unique flavour combinations to excite every palate. From mild and creamy to eye-watering heat — there’s something for everyone!

🌶 Gourmet Traders & Local Producers
Browse a fantastic mix of food and craft stalls, showcasing cheeses, sauces, street food, chilli-infused treats, handmade gifts, and more from talented local and national traders.

🍳 Live Cooking Demos
Watch expert chefs in action as they whip up delicious dishes and share their top tips for cooking with cheese and chilli at home.

🔥 Competitions & Challenges
Think you can handle the heat? Take on the legendary Chilli Eating Competition or cheer on the brave contestants — always a crowd favourite!

🎡 Family Fun
The festival is designed for everyone, with children’s entertainment, inflatables, magic shows, face painting, and games to keep younger visitors happy all day long.

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment
Enjoy a packed schedule of live bands and performers, bringing the perfect soundtrack to your festival weekend.

🍺 Real Ale & Cider Tent
Relax with a refreshing drink at our real ale and cider tent, featuring local breweries and craft drinks that perfectly complement the spicy and savoury flavours on offer.

🛍 Artisan Shopping
Take a piece of the festival home with you — browse stalls selling handcrafted gifts, chilli-themed merchandise, and unique foodie finds.

🌳 Beautiful Outdoor Venues
Set in some of the South’s most picturesque parks and open spaces, each festival location offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere — ideal for a summer’s day out.

❤️ Community Spirit
More than just a food festival, the Cheese and Chilli Festival is a celebration of community, creativity, and good food— bringing people together for unforgettable days of laughter, flavour, and fun.