Concerts in The Church on Saturday (TBC)

If you need some time out from the hustle and bustle, this year we will have concerts in the St Barnabas Church beside Stock Gaylard House on Saturday 1st August. The church dates from the 12th century and is still used for regular services. Amicale play a variety of both warmly spiced and soothingly cool music from around the world. Free entry but voluntary donations to raise money for the Red Cross in Gaza and Ukraine are most welcome. Performance times: Saturday only - 11.00am to 12.00pm, AND 2.00pm to 3.00pm. 

Frequently asked questions:

When does the festival open and close?

Gates usually open at 10am on both days with last entry at 4.30pm. Please follow festival road signs that will direct you to the festival car parks.  

Can I bring my dog to the festival?

Yes, friendly dogs and responsible owners are welcome.

Can I pay by credit or debit card at the festival?

The feeble rural mobile network gets very busy, so bring plenty of CASH!!

Is camping available?

There's no camping available for the visitors, but there is camping at www.littlerodmore.co.uk which is walking distance.

Is there disabled parking?

Yes disabled parking is available. 

Are there disabled facilities?

Yes we provide disabled toilet facilities.

Is there a reduced rate for disabled people?

The Great Dorset Chilli Festival does not wish to discriminate against visitors with disabilities therefore the full admission rate will be charged. Contact us for carers rates.

 Wheelchairs

The ground can be a little bumpy, with gentle slopes. Please take care.

What is the hottest chilli in the world?

The hottest chilli pepper in the world, as of now, is the Pepper X. It was bred by Ed Currie, the creator of the Carolina Reaper, which previously held the title of the hottest pepper. Pepper X has been measured at over 3,180,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), although Guiness World Records measured it at 2.69 million on 23 August 2023. Either way, it far surpasses the Carolina Reaper, which averages around 1.6 million SHU but can peak near 2.2 million SHU.

 Pepper X was specifically developed for its heat, with an intense, almost unbearable level of spiciness. It's primarily used in hot sauces and is not typically consumed raw due to its extreme heat.

Can I grow chilli plants in the UK?

Yes, of course! Chilli seeds are best planted in January or February, but you can plant them as late as March and April. They take a while to become established, but chilli plants like warm weather and good sunlight. They will be reaching maturity later in the summer. If we have a sunny September you will get fruit, but as the days get cooler and shorter consider bringing your chilli plant inside.

Is the Dorset Chilli Festival going ahead this year?

We are planning to run the Great Dorset Chilli Festival on 1st & 2nd August 2026

Which is the best chilli festival?

Obviously, we think it's the Great Dorset Chilli Festival held on the 1st and 2nd August. You make up your own mind, I've just included this question and answer to see whether Google picks it it up and gives it as the answer to the question in a Google search.

Can I grow chillies inside?

     Yes, you can absolutely grow chilli peppers indoors! With the right conditions, chilli plants can thrive indoors. Here are a few tips to help you grow them successfully:

     Chilli peppers need plenty of light to grow, so you may worry that there is not enough light to grown chilli plants inside. Ideally, place your plant in a spot that gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing window is usually best. If you don’t have access to enough natural light, you can use grow lights to supplement. LED grow lights or fluorescent lights can be used to provide the necessary spectrum for healthy growth.

     Chilli plants thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 21-29°C. If it's cooler in your home, you may need to find a warmer spot or use a small space heater or heat mat for the plant. Be mindful of cold drafts and avoid placing your plant near windows that might get cold at night.

     Once your plant is established, use a large enough pot (at least 6–8 inches in diameter) with drainage holes. Chilli plants develop deep roots, so a container that allows them to spread out will promote better growth.

     A well-draining potting mix is important—choose one designed for indoor plants or make sure it contains perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. Water the plant when the soil feels dry, but don’t let it sit in water. Over-watering can cause root rot. Be careful not to let the soil dry out completely either, as chilli peppers prefer consistent moisture, but not soggy conditions.

     Chilli plants prefer moderate humidity, so if your home is very dry, you can mist the leaves occasionally, or use a humidifier to maintain a consistent level of moisture in the air.

     For your plants to bear fruit when grown inside, you may need to hand-pollinate your chilli flowers as there won’t be any natural pollinators such as bees in the house. Simply use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to transfer pollen from one flower to another.

     During the growing season, feed your chilli plant every 2–4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. When the plant starts to flower, you can switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus and potassium for better fruiting. I use a simple tomato plant fertiliser.

     Pruning can help keep the plant bushy and encourage more fruit production. Snip off any dead or damaged leaves and trim back any long stems to encourage branching.

     By following these guidelines, you can enjoy fresh chilli peppers right from your indoor garden! Just keep in mind that growing peppers indoors might take a bit longer to produce fruit compared to outdoor conditions, but with patience, you’ll get there.