Food and Drink
Swindon Chilli Fiesta
Even if the sun doesn ’ t shine , it ’ s going to be a hot day in Swindon on Saturday July 30 from 10:30am as Swindon Chilli Fiesta returns for a third successive year . Billed as a “ day of chilli mayhem ”, the fiesta takes place at Wharf Green in Swindon Town Centre and features merchants of munching misery ( or joy ) from across the UK including Pimento , Aunty Jee , Che Chew BBQ , Chilli Cocktail Bar , Thunder Road , Naga Masala , Chilli Cheese Man , Med Foods and Chilli Face .
There will also be a chilli eating contest from 3pm if you are feeling particularly brave . Expect the hottest , most sinister chillies to be brought to the table for you to either enjoy or cry over .
Last year ’ s event saw a mass of heat lovers descend upon Swindon ’ s town centre , and organisers are already telling us here at The Ocelot that they expect numbers to rise like the Scoville scale . There is no mention of whether the world ’ s hottest chilli , the Carolina Reaper , will be on offer , but if you would like more up to date information or for tickets visit www . chillifest . net / swindon-chilli-fiesta
Beer bonanza at The Crown
The 6th annual Beer and Cider festival at The Crown Inn , Lechlade is due to take place over the weekend of July 29 – 31 and promises another year of interesting beverages for you to sample .
Each year The Crown try to get a good mix of ales and ciders to intrigue your taste buds , with flavours such as rhubarb and custard ciders , mango , lime and ginger ciders and an array of beers that will make even the most discerning drinker nod in approval .
Many of the alcoholic offerings are locally sourced , such as tipples from Ramsbury Brewery , Box Steam and Flying Monk as well as brews from Old Forge and Halfpenny Breweries .
There is also a hog roast on the Saturday as well as a BBQ , with all money raised being donated to Cancer Research UK . Live music will be in abundance across the weekend from five local acts including Street Corner Talking , Which One ’ s Gerry and Missin ’ Rosie .
If you ’ re not able to make this brilliant little festival , you may be intrigued by an open day at the Radnor Arms , the home of the Old Forge microbrewery which will be providing some select choices to sample at the Crown Inn festival . The Radnor Arms will open its doors to the public for a chance to peek into the world of the microbrewer on July 2 . A BBQ and small cider and ale festival will be running during the day , offering
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a selection of the best local produce and a relaxed , friendly environment to ease yourself into the summer months .
For more information on the Radnor Arms Old Forge Brewery open day , or the Crown Inn ’ s sixth annual beer and cider festival , find them on Facebook and give them a like !