Wollongong will host its first chilli festival and is looking for competitors. Photo: Stone & Bear photography.
Think you’ve got the guts to stand the heat of the hottest chillies – or even become Chilli Champion?
Well, those brave enough are being called to taste the fiery flavours in the inaugural Wollongong Chilli Festival this Sunday (25 May) in Wollongong’s Crown Street Mall.
Festival owner-operator Joanne Giles from Browse Events has been holding the chilli festival for lovers of chilli products and spicy foods on the Central Coast over the past few years, with it gaining popularity at The Entrance and Newcastle.
Joanne said vendors and competitors began asking about taking the event to the Illawarra, which includes everything from spicy food challenges to spice-based vendors and live music.
She said for the first free Wollongong festival there would be three chilli-eating competitions that would test participants’ heat tolerance: a chilli pod challenge featuring frozen chillies ranging from mild to extreme, a condiments competition with sauces, chutneys and even a chilli gummy bear, and a chilli corn chip challenge.
“People just love to see others in pain during these competitions,” Joanne said, laughing.
“Some of the competitors do more than one competition too.
“We have a big following now, so some follow us around to compete.”
However, she said they were still in need of more spice lovers ready to smoke the competition, with 10 positions within each of the three categories.
Winners will receive trophies and “chilli dollars” to spend at vendor stalls.
She said beyond the eating challenges, attendees could explore Illawarra and Central Coast-based chilli-infused food trucks; product stalls with chilli condiments, sauces, chutneys, jerky and biltong; a bar area with cold beers, fine wine varieties, cocktails and a Wollongong distillery; and performances by Illawarra musicians.
There will even be an ice cream van to “cool everyone down” and food options for those not a fan of the heat.
She said while audience numbers were always dependent on the weather due to being an outdoor event, she hoped it would become as popular as it was on the Central Coast where it could see up to 2500 people attend.
“It’s just something different,” she said.
“You have the weekly and monthly markets, but this is showcasing all the local chilli products.”
The event is supported by Wollongong City Council and promises a day of spicy entertainment for food lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Wollongong Chilli Festival is a free event and will be held at Crown Street Mall, Wollongong on Sunday 25 May from 10 am to 3 pm. To enter as a competitor, learn more through the Facebook page.
