Farnham’s Food and Drink Festival went down a storm on Sunday, but it was the new chilli eating competition that really stole the show.
Each of the ten contestants were challenged to eat a full chilli down to the stalk before progressing to the next round. They began with a mild bell pepper which ranks zero on the heat measuring Scoville scale.
To the delight of the crowd, Stephen Dixon from Hot Pods Chilli Products – a regular stall at the Farnham Farmers’ Market – presented the contestants with increasingly hotter chillies. As the competitors gradually threw in the towel, a man who went by the name of ‘James’s Dad’ was declared the winner after munching his way through a Scotch Bonnet. The chilli champion was presented with a £50 voucher and a range of Hot Pods Chilli Products by the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker.
Speaking about the Festival, Councillor Pat Evans, Lead Member for Tourism and Events said: “The Festival offered the perfect blend of ingredients for people to have a great time with their friends and family. We had over 100 stalls, plus the Farmers’ Market selling a range of quality food and drink products for people to enjoy at the Festival or to take home. There was live music from local bands and a performance by the young Taiko Drummers was enchanting.
“Throughout the day, experts revealed some of the secrets of their trade at the Food Demonstration Stage. Compered by Paul Evers, the experts showed us how to prepare healthy and tasty Thai food, to rustle up the perfect cocktail and to serve up a delicious chocolate tiffin with salted caramel sauce.
“My thanks go to our Gold sponsor Farnham Veterinary Hospital whose support helped to make the Festival possible and to everybody else who contributed towards making the day such a success.”
Anybody who was unable to attend this year’s Festival need not worry about missing out as on the fourth Sunday of every month, shoppers have the opportunity to buy some of the best local produce at the Farmers’ Market in Central car park. More details about the Farmers’ Market and Farnham’s events programme can be found at www.farnham.gov.uk.
