THINGS got hot in Chippenham over the weekend as the Market Place was spiced up in order to celebrate all things chilli at the town’s first ever festival.

Hundreds of people got their sombreros on and headed down to the town centre on Saturday as Chilli Fest swept the streets for the first time, attracting dozens of heat seekers with their hot sauces, spices and chillies.

The festival, which was organised by Chippenham Connect and Chippenham Town Council, was fulfilled by Chilli Fest UK, who brought a range of chilli-infused foods, a chilli artist and a chilli competition while a dance group from Chippenham’s Dancing Academy entertained the masses.

Kathryn Crosweller of Chippenham Connected said: “It was great to see so many people in the Market Place on Saturday. Some had come specifically to attend the Chilli Fiesta and some stumbled upon it, but everyone I spoke to said they loved what they were seeing and tasting!”

Ten brave souls decided to put their tastebuds to the test and chomped through raw chillies, which grew in heat, in front of hundreds of people at the event until one was crowned the Chilli Titan.

Thomas Chjao, who was a shade redder following the competition, was crowned as the champion and recieved a t-shirt for his troubles.

Leader of Chippenham Town Council, Councillor Sandie Webb said, “The Chilli Fiesta was a great event to have in Chippenham, the high street was full of people enjoying the entertainment and a wide selection of tasty treats made with chillies.”