About
Part of Taste Autumn in AND | Full programme
Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September | 11am - 5pm at Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Chilli Festival is a fun-filled family-friendly event with lots of added heat!
Discover a vibrant display of chilli plants of all shapes, sizes, and colours from around the world -all grown right here in Ards and North Down! Can you find the hottest one?
Join us for chilli-inspired food demo’s, live music and dancing.
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FREE family-friendly entertainment
🎶 Live Music and Performances
Enjoy a lively mix of rhythm, energy, and atmosphere across the weekend at the Walled Garden Bandstand:
Saturday
• Alex Da Costa
A vibrant set filled with summer sounds and uplifting melodies.
• Salsa NI
A high-energy showcase of salsa and bachata with dance exhibitions, plus an interactive salsa lesson for the crowd.
Sunday
• Los Dramaticos
An energetic Latin duo bringing irresistible rhythms, sunshine vibes, and toe-tapping tunes.
• Salsa NI
A high-energy showcase of salsa and bachata with dance exhibitions, plus an interactive salsa lesson for the crowd.
🍳 Meet the Makers
Spice up your weekend with live food demonstrations and the chance to meet some of the region’s chilli experts and artisan producers - More info coming soon!
🌱 Workshops, Stalls and Hands-On Fun
From 11–5pm each day (unless otherwise noted), the Walled Garden will be buzzing with creativity, crafts, and family activities:
• Bangor Horticultural Society - fresh, seasonal vegetables and expert growing tips from passionate gardeners.
• Make your own Paper Pots and Bee Hotels - hands-on fun with our Parks and Cemeteries team making eco-friendly paper potters and bee hotels, learning how to support pollinators at home.
• Heather McDermott Willow Weaving - watch a master weaver at work and have a go at this timeless craft.
• Meet Eastwell Farm’s Alpacas - meet and greet these gentle, friendly animals beside the Willow area.
• Boom Studios - fiery creative activities for all ages including: Red Hot Macramé (Older children & adults), a guided sit-down activity to create chilli-inspired keyrings or tassels — a fiery keepsake to treasure.
The Conservation Volunteers – dive into the woodland with TCV and follow their buzzing trail of nature activities from the castle right through to the walled garden. Expect movement, discovery, and plenty of hands‑on moments as their team gets everyone exploring, creating, and connecting with the wild spaces around you.
Ulster Wildlife – get stuck into lively, nature‑focused activities with the Ulster Wildlife team as they shine a light on the creatures that keep our green spaces thriving. Enjoy simple, engaging ways to make your outdoor spaces more welcoming for wildlife and full of life.
And, of course, don’t miss our Chilli Display from Hanna Nurseries explore a stunning showcase of colourful chilli plants in the Glasshouse.
Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or just looking for a great day out with the family, there’s something for everyone at the Chilli Festival 2026.
Please note: All times, performers, and activities are subject to change.
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Producers attending | Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September
A small number of vendors will be on site selling their spicy wares. A mix of hot food and cupboard staples.
Vendor list coming soon!
Sustainability
We encourage visitors to travel via public transport or why not walk or cycle. Please bring along your reusable bags to pick up goodies at the event. Please dispose of rubbish in the bins available on-site. Read more about Sustainability
Getting here:
Public Transport | The nearest rail and bus station is Bangor, located in the City Centre, approx. 10-minute walk from the venue up/down an incline. For information on timetables, visit Translink.co.uk
By car | Do you plan to drive to the event? Allow plenty of time for your journey. If you are travelling by car follow directional road signs to Bangor City Centre, and check out what car parking is available in the city (free and charged). A guide to the local car parks.
Event site | Useful information
Recycling | When disposing of rubbish please use the recycling bins on-site. Please note, the usual waste bins on-site will not be in use during the event. Please help us continue our sustainability commitment to zero contamination at events by using the correct bin. There will be team members on hand to provide advice and help you put your rubbish in the correct bin.
First Aid | There will be a First Aid Point beside Coffee Cure in Bangor Castle Walled Garden.
Event staff | There will be staff on hand at the event to help with information and provide assistance at the event, should you need it.
Accessibility | Surfaces and paths are flat, with compact stone paths and paved. Toilets are available on-site at Coffee Cure. Find out more here -Bangor Castle Walled Garden | AccessAble
Dogs | We would advise dog owners this is an extremely busy site with large crowds and loud noises and recommend you do not bring your dog onto the site. If you do plan to attend with your dog, dogs should be kept on a short lead. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in the appropriate bins. Water bowls will be provided.
Stay sun safe | If we have the fortune of sunny weather, please protect yourself with sun cream, hats and hydrate when at the event.
Follow our Facebook page or sign up to our ezine for current updates.
This event is being photographed and filmed. Images may be used in Ards and North Down Borough Council promotional materials. If you do not want your image to be used, please inform our event staff.
Please note, details subject to change.
Facilities
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
