MERTHYR CHILLI FIESTA
If you’re expecting burgers and hot dogs, chill (i). Penderyn Square will be overrun by stalls with the best chilli producers from across Wales, chilli-themed food outlets and live music. Swallow your ego to make room for the Chilli Eating Contest, Chilli Fest UK challenges competitors to chomp their way through the world’s hottest chillies, including the dreaded bhut jolokia (also known as the ghost chilli), infamous for being 400 times hotter than Tabasco sauce. Not to curry (again, sorry), there will be beverages to wash the chilli down with, like chilli cocktails and chilli beer… You’re probably better off swallowing your own tears.
Merthyr Chilli Fiesta, Penderyn Square, Merthyr Tydfil, Sat 11 Jun. Admission: Free. Info: www.chillifest.net
PEMBROKESHIRE FISH WEEK
The longstanding festival returns after being sorely missed last year due to a key organiser falling ill. Pembrokeshire Fish Week looks to reel you in to celebrate Pembrokeshire’s maritime heritage, dazzling coastlines and first-class seafood.
Organised by the Port of Milford Haven, this year’s event will contain a range of fish-related activities across the nine day period from fishing lessons for the less experienced and angling competitions for veteran fishermen/women; a masterclass is also on the cards, with celebrity chefs creating truly delectable dishes from their own catch – but what would a culinary masterclass be without tasting? From tapas to traditional fish and chips, a mouth-watering selection awaits.
Pembrokeshire Fish Week, Milford Fish Docks, Pembrokeshire, Sat 25 Jun-Sun 3 Jul. Admission: Free. Info: www.pembrokeshirefishweek.co.uk
MONMOUTHSHIRE FOOD FESTIVAL
Kick off the first weekend of the summer with a festival full of talks, demonstrations, tastings and wide range of food and drink to try and buy. Visitors will be able to explore some of the best quality produce Wales has to offer at the magnificent Caldicot Castle in what promises to be an authentic culinary extravaganza.
If you’re bringing the little ones along, the Children’s Quarter, hosted by a team from the Monmouthshire Youth Service, will have plenty of activities and surprises in store for all to enjoy. Taste beer brewed just a mile from the festival, take home a loaf or some delightful doughnuts or learn to make them at the Look and Learn Theatre.
Monmouthshire Food Festival, Caldicot Castle, Caldicot, Sat 4-Sun 5 Jun. Tickets: £5. Info: www.monmouthshirefoodfestival.co.uk
