Press Release: Strictly Chilli Fiesta, Brendan Cole to appear at 20th anniversary festival

Dancer, choreographer and entertainer, Brendan Cole, will be appearing at West Dean Gardens' 20th Anniversary Chilli Fiesta. Cole is a professional dancer on Britain's biggest television show Strictly Come Dancing and is a world class Latin American dancer. He will bring his salsa magic to the Chilli Fiesta stage on Sunday 9 August when festival-goers can expect a great show from Brendan and will be able to try out moves in his Salsa Masterclass.

The 20th Chilli Fiesta is the hot summer destination as sizzling salsa and Latin bands line up to entertain over a three-day programme (7, 8 and 9 August, 10.30am to 11pm Sunday 9pm). Also headlining this year's entertainment programme are Groupo Lokito, The Fontanas, charismatic singer and musician, Jesus Cutino and Son de Cuba and Brazilian/Latin group Sambossa. Acts making their debut this year include Levi Roots, who will be leading his band on stage and bringing his culinary expertise to the Cookery Theatre; Adriana; Jenny; Lokandes; Atlantico; The Voodoo Love Orchestra; Rocio; Cuban Tropicana; Bamboleo the famous Gypsy King Tribute Band and more. Live music continues in the Paradiso Latino Cabaret Tent featuring; Latin jazz trio, Quinto (Friday); guitarist, Nicolas (Saturday); and trio Los Musicos (Sunday).

Chilli Fiesta is the original and one of the biggest UK chilli festivals attracting over 22,000 people with many people camping over the weekend in the spectacular grounds of the estate in the heart of the South Downs National Park. It is a family-friendly festival offering something for everyone to enjoy.

In the Cookery Theatre popular Sussex cook and food writer, Rosemary Moon will be joined over the weekend by; Malcolm Riley, The African Chef; Danish-born Master Baker Troels Bendix; food, drink and travel writer; Andy Lynes, author of How to be a Chilli Head; and Levi Roots, who appeared on Dragon's Den in 2007 and secured investment in his Reggae Reggae Sauce.

Pick up tips on growing chillies at home in the Gardening Theatre with Shaun the 'Kitchen Gardener' and Laura Hughes from the West Dean Gardens' team. Shaun and Laura will be joined by guest experts from Sea Spring Seeds, Hot Headz and Simpson Seeds throughout the weekend.

Family fun will include the popular Vintage Steam Fun Fair, Face Painting, Punch & Judy shows, Rock School Workshops and NEW for this year

The Great Chilli Throwing contest for younger festival-goers, and older ones too. Antonio the Tambourine Juggler will entertain children and adults alike on the main stage.

There will be a selection of bars around the site to enjoy, plus 180 stalls - many new this year - offering quirky gifts, hot and spicy foods to eat, chilli plants, seeds and produce to take home and experiment with dishes inspired by the Chilli Fiesta.

Camping for the weekend

The campsite on the West Dean Estate offers great facilities and is divided into different zones:

Jalapeno (most popular general camping area, close to the event arena helping to enhance the festival atmosphere of the weekend); Pimento (quiet camping area away from the main arena ideal for a good night's sleep); Bell (family friendly and close to the toilets and showers ideal for the earlier-to-bed but up bright and early!) and Chipotle (caravan and live-in vehicle area with electric hook up will be located outside the camping field). For the

ultimate 3-night Weekend Glamping experience book a furnished bell tent for two nestled in a beautiful tree-lined corner of the campsite.

Early Bird Tickets (available until 31 July)

Friday Day Ticket: Adult £10.00 (gate £12.00) Child £1.00

Saturday Day Ticket: Adult £12.00 (gate £14.50) Child £1.00

Sunday Day Ticket: Adult £10.00 (gate £12.50) Child £1.00

3-day pass with camping: Adult from £80 (gate £95) Child £30 (gate £36)

Demand for tickets to the 20th Anniversary Chilli Fiesta is high, so early booking is advised.

Note:

Produce Stalls close at 6pm. Only food stalls and bars around the central stage area will be open after 6pm. Main Stage Music finishes at 9pm on Friday and Saturday evening, and 6pm on Sunday. Paradiso Latino Cabaret Tent is open until 11pm Fri and Sat eve and 9pm Sunday.

-ends-

Notes to editors

  • Chilli Fiesta was awarded Tourism Event of the Year Bronze Award at the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2014/15.
  • West Dean Gardens is part of the Edward James Foundation, a charitable trust No. 1126084, also comprising West Dean College, West Dean Estate and West Dean Tapestry Studio.
  • All photography is free to use for editorial purposes.
  • To apply for media accreditation for Chilli Fiesta contact the Media Relations Team.
  • West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford, Brighton and London.

Media contact information

For media accreditation or high-resolution digital images, please contact:

Irene Caswell, Senior Media Relations Officer +44 (0)1243 818301

Email

West Dean College and Gardens, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 OQZ West Dean Gardens

 

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