Cheese and Chilli Festival Christchurch: 22 - 23 May 2027

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Summary

Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival will return for another weekend filled with artisan cheese, fiery chilli products, street food and family entertainment. Official dates, tickets and programme details have not yet been announced, but the previous festival featured live music, cooking demonstrations, chilli-eating competitions, children’s activities and specialist traders at Parley Lane in Hurn.

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Event date & time

Saturday 22nd May 2027 - Sunday 23rd May 2027

10:00 - 17:00

Location
Information
Address

Parley Lane
Hurn
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 6AD

Event date & time

Saturday 22nd May 2027 - Sunday 23rd May 2027

10:00 - 17:00

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Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival returns on 22-23 May 2027 for another weekend celebrating two of the nation's favourite ingredients.

Held at Hurn Bridge Show Field on Parley Lane, the family-friendly festival brings together independent food producers, artisan makers, entertainers and visitors looking to discover exciting flavours.

The event forms part of the popular Cheese & Chilli Festival series held at locations across southern England, celebrating everything from traditional cheeses and specialist chilli sauces to handmade crafts and delicious street food.

Visitors can explore stalls filled with artisan cheeses, fiery sauces, jams, chutneys, marinades, sweet treats and specialist food products, with opportunities to sample different flavours and meet the producers behind them.

Alongside the food, the festival promises live music, family activities, artisan shopping and a lively outdoor atmosphere, making it an enjoyable weekend for couples, groups of friends and families.

Cheese and Chilli Festival Christchurch

Cheese and Chilli Festival Christchurch


Artisan Cheese and Tastings

Cheese lovers will find plenty to explore at Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival.

The event brings together artisan cheese producers offering a wide variety of flavours, from traditional favourites to more unusual creations.

Visitors can discover new cheeses, speak directly with specialist producers and sample products before choosing their favourites to take home.

Whether you prefer something mild and creamy or enjoy a stronger, more distinctive cheese, the festival offers opportunities to try something different.


Chilli Sauces and Fiery Food

For visitors who enjoy a little heat, the festival features an exciting selection of chilli sauces, preserves and spicy products.

Independent traders showcase everything from milder chilli jams and chutneys to fiery sauces and marinades.

Previous festivals have also included chilli tasting opportunities, allowing visitors to explore different levels of heat and discover new products.

It's an ideal opportunity to stock up on specialist ingredients and meet the businesses creating these distinctive flavours.


Live Music and Entertainment

Live music is a major part of Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival, adding to the atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Visitors can enjoy performances while sampling food, relaxing with a drink or exploring the stalls.

Previous festivals have also featured cooking demonstrations, guest speakers and chilli-eating competitions.


Street Food and Festival Bars

Alongside the artisan cheese and chilli producers, visitors can enjoy a selection of street food and refreshments.

The festival traditionally features food traders offering freshly prepared dishes and treats, giving visitors plenty of options for lunch or a snack.

Festival bars will also be available, serving a selection of beers, ciders and other drinks throughout the weekend.

With food, drinks and live entertainment all in one location, visitors can enjoy a relaxed day out without needing to leave the festival grounds.


Shopping and Independent Traders

There's more to discover than cheese and chilli.

Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival will feature independent traders selling a range of artisan goods, handmade gifts, crafts and specialist products.

The market provides an opportunity to browse unique items, meet small businesses and support independent producers.

From foodie gifts to handmade accessories and crafts, the stalls add another dimension to the festival experience.


Family-Friendly Entertainment

The Cheese & Chilli Festival is designed to welcome families, with activities and entertainment alongside the food and shopping.

Previous Christchurch festivals have featured:

  • Magic and balloon modelling

  • Storytelling and Punch and Judy performances

  • Bubble activities

  • Crazy golf

  • Children's entertainment areas

  • Small funfair attractions

  • Face painting and additional paid activities


Admission and Tickets for 2027

The festival is a paid event, with a 2027 ticket listing now available.

For reference, previous ticket categories included:

  • Adult day tickets

  • Concession day tickets

  • Adult weekend tickets

  • Concession weekend tickets

  • Free admission for children aged 15 and under when accompanied by a paying adult

Early-booking discounts have also been offered in previous years.

Check 2027 tickets and availability


Parking and Accessibility

The organisers' previous Christchurch festival arrangements included free parking at the event ground, although an admission ticket did not guarantee a parking space.

Visitors were advised to arrive early, particularly during busy periods.

Previous events also provided disabled toilets, with mobility scooters available to pre-book through an external provider.

As the festival takes place on an outdoor field, visitors should be aware that the ground may be uneven or affected by wet weather.

The final parking and accessibility arrangements for 2027 should be confirmed with the organisers before travelling.


Dogs at Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival

Dogs have traditionally been welcome at the festival, provided they remain on leads.

Owners are expected to clean up after their pets, particularly around food stalls and seating areas.

The organisers' existing website continues to advertise a dog-friendly policy, although visitors should check whether any arrangements change for 2027.


Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival 2027 Highlights

  • Confirmed dates: Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May 2027

  • Hurn Bridge Show Field, Parley Lane, Christchurch

  • Artisan cheese producers and tasting opportunities

  • Specialist chilli sauces, chutneys, jams and marinades

  • Independent food and craft traders

  • Freshly prepared street food

  • Festival bars serving beers, ciders and refreshments

  • Live music and entertainment across the weekend

  • Family-friendly activities

  • Cooking demonstrations and chilli competitions featured in previous years

  • Previous festivals have offered free admission for accompanied children aged 15 and under

  • Parking and accessibility information to be confirmed for 2027

The dates and venue have been confirmed, with further details about ticket prices, opening hours and the complete entertainment programme to follow.

Visit the official festival website for the latest announcements.

Cheese and Chilli Festival Christchurch

Cheese and Chilli Festival Christchurch


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