THOUSANDS of people seeking something a little spice went to Eastnor Castle's Chilli Festival.

The festival took place over two days over the Bank holiday and a total of 9,000 people attended Chilli Fest.

Becky Williams of Eastnor Castle said: "ChilliFest was a huge success this year and we welcomed around 9000 visitors through the gates. (Sunday was a sell-out).

"The forecast wasn’t great for the weekend but it actually stayed dry for the whole festival.

"We’ve had lots of fantastic feedback from visitors, stall holders, demo chefs and entertainers, and we’re sure Eastnor ChilliFest will be back again next year."

Stiltwalkers and live music entertained the visiting crowds as the many stallholders served up delicious chill-based produce.

The Clifton Chilli Club hosted the chilli eating competition which was won by a competitor called Suraya Alvi on Sunday and a competitor called Ted Furman on Monday..

The Clifton Chilli Club are a collective of experienced and knowledgeable people dedicated to the chilli. Their backgrounds include catering, food production, adult education, chilli farming, entertainment, food writing and more.

Jay Webley and Nick Burchill of the Clifton Chilli Club said: "The festival was excellent as always.

"It’s our 10th year working with Eastnor Chilli Festival and it’s one of our favourites.

"It’s very well organised, offers a great array of traders, entertainment, talks/demos, workshops, food and things to do for all ages.

"For many ‘chilliheads’,this is the first major UK chilli festival of the calendar year and it’s often viewed as an opportunity to meet up with like-minded folk who they haven’t seen for maybe 6 months+."