Awesome Merthyr Chilli Festival – Chilli and Chocolate
The Merthyr Chilli Festival now titled Chilli and Chocolate had a run of several years leading up to Covid when 3,500 visitors tried out some decidedly hot foods and became a bit of a firm favourite, after its enforced break the festival didn’t return until 2023 and 2024 and is a definite option for 2025.
It takes place on Penderyn Square where spicy foods are washed down with a chilli beer or cider. There was also a wide range of chilli-related foods on offer, including sauces, rubs, jams and cheeses – all ranging from mild to extremely hot.
This must-visit festival gathers some of the best chilli and chocolate producers from across the UK, you will find a wide selection of goodies – from blazing hot chilli sauces and spicy cooking pastes to decadent chocolate treats, chilli cider, brownies, cheesecake, cookies, ice cream, and even chocolate rum!
The line up in previous years has included Chilli of the Valley, Good Game Charcuterie, Bloom Sugar Cakes, Tipsy Fruit Gins and The Real Ting.
The legendary Chilli Eating Contest, hosted by Chilli of the Valley, and you have to decide whether to have a go ors simply spectate.
Whether you have a Sweet tooth or chilli lover? With over 100 different chilli and chocolate products, there’s something for everyone – from die-hard chilli fanatics to dedicated chocoholics.
The festival was organised by Chilli Fest UK supported by The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil Business Improvement District (BID).
And while Saturday was an important date in the sporting calendar with Wales taking on New Zealand in the rugby and Slovakia in the Euro 2016 football tournament, it didn’t affect visitor numbers.
The next big event is the Merthyr Food Festival on Saturday, 17th May, when food stalls, tasty cooking demos, delicious local produce, street entertainment and an all new family food zone will be the order of the day.
