Chilli Festival FAQs

Click here for information on Chilli Festival Activities | Chilli Festival Plan your Trip  | Chilli Festival Site Description

1. What are the dates and times of?

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, 11am - 5pm 

2. Where is the event  located?

Chilli Festival is located within Bangor Castle Walled Garden in Castle Park, in the City of Bangor, County Down. Only a short journey (approx. 20 minutes) from Belfast by road or (approx. 30 minutes by train).

Latitude 54.662424 | Longitude -5.673061 | BT20 3BH  

Please see the Plan your Trip section for further information.

3. Is there a cost to attend the festival?
This event is free to attend however there is a charge for purchase from food and beverage providers.

4. What types of activities will be available for children?

Children will be able to enjoy free nature based activities at the Chilli Festival Bangor Castle Walled Garden.

5. Are there any age restrictions for the activities at the festival?

• Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
• Alcohol can only be purchased by over 18’s and must be consumed in the designated area.

6. Will food and drink be available to purchase?
There will be numerous food and drink stalls showcasing a range of local artisan food and drink producers, and, you will find even more at our Speciality Food and Drink Showcase, Taste AND at Bangor Castle, just a short stroll away from the Walled Garden through Castle Park where you can indulge your tastebuds even more from the marquee stalls or hot food area or local beers and spirts at the bar tent, and stock up on some larder treats to take home.

The City of Bangor and throughout the region has a great selection of independent restaurants, coffee shops and food outlets to suit a range of needs. Check out our Taste Ards and North Down section.

7. Can you bring your own food and drinks to the festival?
You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the event.

Visitors are not permitted to consume their own alcohol on the event site. 

Always be #DrinkAware. Please drink responsibly, for information go to drinkaware.co.uk 

Please take litter home with you or use the recycling stations when on-site.

8. Will there be recycling facilities available?

When disposing of rubbish please use the recycling stations when 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 event staff on hand to provide advice and help you put your rubbish in the correct bin.

9. Will there be live entertainment? If so, what kind and when?
Throughout the day there will be Meet the Maker talks with local producers and  live music and dancing.

10. What are the parking options available at the festival?
Please see the Plan your Trip Section for further information on parking.

11. What is the closest bus or train station?
Please see the Plan your Trip Section for further information on public transport options.

12. Can you provide more details on what the event site is like?
This event will stretch across the forecourt of Bangor Castle, and part of its grounds (West Lawn at the side of Bangor Castle). Surfaces will in part be uneven and on different levels. Some vendors and activities will be outside; a number of our local food producers will be trading from a marquee and a stretch tent.

Please refer to our Site Description for more information here.

13. Is there accommodation nearby?
There is a range of accommodation options available within the borough from family friendly hotels and B&Bs to self-catering and caravan parks.

More information on a range of accommodation options can be found here. 

14. Are dogs allowed at the festival?

We would advise dog owners this is an extremely busy site with large crowds.

If you do plan to attend with your dog, they must be kept on a short lead. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in the appropriate bins. 

15. What happens in case of inclement weather?
The safety and enjoyment of our event attendees, staff, and traders and performers are our top priorities. In the event of inclement weather, such as heavy rain, lightning, or severe storms, we may temporarily suspend activities or, if necessary, evacuate the area to ensure everyone's safety.

We closely monitor weather conditions leading up to and during the event and will communicate any changes through our official website, social media channels, and on-site announcements. Please check these platforms regularly for updates. In cases where the weather leads to a cancellation on one of the  days, we will provide updates through our official website and social media channels.

Should we be lucky enough to experience sunny weather, please protect yourself with sun cream, hats and hydrate when at the event.

16. What safety measures in place at the event?

We are committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all attendees.

Event stewards will be stationed throughout the event site to help and respond to any concerns or emergencies.

Tell Event Stewards if you see something which doesn’t feel right.

#BeSafeBeSound

Emergency medical staff and facilities are available on-site to manage any health-related incidents.  They will be situated beside the front of Bangor Castle’s main entrance.

Additionally, clear signage will guide you to these facilities.

17. Attending with children/vulnerable adults?

With crowds anticipated please pick up a wristband, which you can add a contact number to, at the Visitor Information stand, located at the front of Bangor Castle entrance to the event site.

18. Will there be toilets and changing places onsite?

There are permanent toilets on site within the Walled Garden. Outside of the Walled Garden, you can find more within North Down Museum and there are also public toilets located in the lower car park of Castle Park below the Castle Forecourt, and at the Park and Ride Car park opposite Bangor Translink centre close to the site.

19. Who can I contact for more information or general information on the area during the event?

Visitor Information stand | Located at the entrance to the events site, members of our Visitor Information Centre team will be on hand to help with any event queries, wider tourism queries and you can pick up Visit Ards and North Down maps and guides.

You can find out the contact details for our Bangor Visitor Information Centre and Newtownards Visitor Information Centre here.

20. Can I fly my drone at the event?

This event is a no drone zone. Only official event drones authorised by the event organisers are permitted.

21. What is your sustainability policy?
Tourism events aim to showcase the unique assets throughout Ards and North Down and we’re committed to running a sustainable event that minimises any negative impact on the environment, and we encourage visitors to help too.

By travelling via public transport - rail and buses - provided by Translink. The closest station is Bangor Bus and Rail Station located on Abbey Street, just a few minutes walk along a gentle slope to Bangor Castle (City Hall).

Bring reusable bags to pick up goodies at the event.

Please help us continue our sustainability commitment to zero contamination at events by using the recycling stations. There will be event staff on hand to provide advice and help you put your rubbish in the correct bin.

Read more about our Roadmap to Sustainability and Recycling at Council-run Events in Ards and North Down.

Please enjoy the day responsibly and help us protect, respect and enjoy our place together by following The Good Visitor Promise.

22. Is there an official event website for updates and information?
For more information on the event and the surrounding area, explore our website: visitardsandnorthdown.com

Details subject to change. Keep checking back to our website, follow our facebook page or sign up to our ezine for updates.

For further information, please contact:

Ards Visitor Information Centre Tel: 028 9182 6846 or Email: ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Bangor Visitor Information Centre Tel: 028 91 270069 or Email: bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk