CHILLI heads and fire-eaters will be heading to Eastnor, near Ledbury, next month for a new festival celebrating the world’s hottest cusines.

Eastnor Castle is holding its first-ever Chilli Festival on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, May 6 and 7, when the castle’s courtyard will be the venue for a market with more than 40 stallholders ready to sear your tastebuds.

Visitors will be able to try and buy an amazing range of curry sauces and pastes, pickles and jams, chilli chocolate, cheese and vodka.

There will also be the chance to buy hot chilli plants which you can plant and grow yourself.

There will also be a number of specialist hot food suppliers selling authentic curries and other spicy food, adding further opportunities to test your endurance.

Herefordshire’s renowned Indian curry expert, Rayeesa, of Mordiford, will provide regular cookery demonstrations throughout the weekend and in line with the spicy theme, there will be live entertainment from local Mexican band, Los Squideros.

Children can take part in a specially designed chilli trail and will be entertained by the Eastnor stilt walker and fire juggler.

The festival will be open from 11am to 5pm on both days and admission prices are adults £9, seniors £8, children £6 and a family ticket (2+3) at £24.

Further details are available on the Eastnor Castle website at eastnorcastle.com.