Winchester
7th & 8th June 2025
10am - 6pm Saturday
10am - 5pm Sunday
Thank You to our 2025 Sponsors
If you’d like more information on partnering us at this fantastic event in 2025 please contact Pulford Publicity Ltd.
Pulford Publicity Ltd would love to chat with you about all of the sponsorship and programme advertising packages we offer. Get in touch with us on 01202 941466 or via email HERE to find out more about our prices.
Main Attractions
Take a sneak peek at some of the exciting attractions coming in 2025!
Wrestling!!
Wrestling Madness is Back!
Last year was such a hit that we just had to bring the wrestlers back for another round of thrilling action! Get ready to dive into the electrifying world of wrestling as these incredible athletes step into the ring to battle it out in jaw-dropping matches.
Will the Cheese Corner come out on top, or will the Chilli Corner bring the heat? With high-flying moves, powerhouse takedowns, and edge-of-your-seat excitement, every match is packed with non-stop energy. So grab a spot ringside and cheer on your favorites—it’s going to be an action-packed day you won’t want to miss!
Cooking Theatre
Chilli Olly & Chilli Dave Presents
We’re excited to have the legendary Chilli Olly and Chilli Dave back in action, alongside a fantastic lineup of guest speakers. Check the schedule so you don’t miss a moment!
Throughout the day, you can enjoy a mix of cooking demos and insightful talks from local cheese and chilli producers, all eager to share their passion and expertise.
And don’t forget—the Cooking Theatre will once again host the crowd-favorite Chilli Challenge! But that’s just the beginning—get ready for a day filled with bold flavors, expert tips, and plenty of delicious surprises!
Chilli eating competition
Every day at 4pm, the ultimate test of heat kicks off! Watch as fearless (or maybe slightly crazy) contestants take on the fiery challenge, battling through increasingly hot chillies. It’s always a hilarious spectacle—who knew such tiny fruits could cause so much drama?
The last person standing wins the glory (and probably a lot of milk)! Think you’ve got what it takes? If you’re bold enough to give it a go, get in touch with us HERE to find out how to sign up!
live music
No festival is complete without some great tunes! To keep the vibe alive, we’ve got an amazing lineup of bands playing throughout the weekend. From smooth jazz to rocking anthems, talented musicians from across the region will be bringing the stage to life.
Check out the Entertainment Schedule or hit the Live Music button below for all the details. Get ready to dance, sing along, and soak up the festival atmosphere!
The Story Teller
Mark Fraser isn’t just a storyteller—he’s a master of imagination! Whether he’s spinning his own tales, bringing timeless classics to life, or interacting with the audience, he has a way of captivating everyone—young and old alike.
With his humor, originality, and boundless creativity, we’ve seen entire families, from kids to grandparents, completely hooked at the same time—and it’s truly something special to witness! Don’t miss the chance to experience his incredible storytelling sessions for yourself!
Bars
This year, we’re excited to team up with Hall & Woodhouse Brewery to bring you some top-notch beverages! Whether you’re after a refreshing pint or something a little different, we’ve got plenty of bars around the site to keep you hydrated and happy.
Each bar has its own unique menu, so why not explore and find your perfect drink? Cheers!
children's entertainment
We’ve got plenty of FREE activities to keep the little ones entertained all day long! Watch their faces light up with Punch & Judy shows, magic tricks, treasure hunts, balloon modelling, giant bubble parties, and even a visit from Kerry the Koala Crazy! Plus, they can enjoy mini golf, stilt walkers, roaming musicians, and exciting storytelling sessions.
For even more fun, there are some extra activities available for a small fee, including mini fun fair rides, axe throwing, face painting, inflatables, and more!
There’s something for everyone—so bring the whole family and let the fun begin!
chilli challenge
The Versus Food Challenge – Can You Handle the Heat?
Get ready for 30 minutes of pure foodie madness as contestants battle to devour a super-hot meal, specially prepared by our legendary chefs, Chilli Olly and Chilli Dave! The first to clear their plate takes the crown—but trust us, it’s not as easy as it sounds!
Think you’ve got what it takes? If you’re brave (or just a little bit crazy) and want to give it a go, contact us HERE to find out more!
magic shows
Get ready to be amazed as magic takes over the festival! This year, we’ve got both walkabout magicians bringing tricks right to you and static magic shows packed with jaw-dropping illusions.
Whether you’re catching a surprise trick on the go or grabbing a seat for a full performance, there’s plenty of magical funfor the whole family! Don’t blink—you won’t want to miss it!
Punch & Judy
This year, we’re bringing you twice the laughs with two Punch & Judy shows every day at the festival! Get ready for all the classic fun, cheeky antics, and slapstick humor that make this traditional puppet show a family favorite.
Don’t miss out—check the schedule and grab a front-row spot for some good old-fashioned entertainment!
Kerry The Koala
Say hello to our very own festival mascot, Kerry the Koala! Standing at an impressive 3 meters tall and full of air (and friendliness!), she’s always ready to greet festival-goers with a big smile.
And if you’re really lucky, she might even bring along her buddy, Pete the Polar Bear!
Come and say hi—we’d love for you to meet them!
Taste Tent
Sauce Tasting & Your Vote Counts!
Every event features a handpicked selection of delicious sauces from our amazing traders across the site—and we want YOU to help crown the best!
When you arrive at the Taste Tent, you’ll receive a ballot slip to cast your vote in this area. Try the sauces, pick your favorites, and have your say! The winners earn a coveted award, so your vote really makes a difference!
Get ready to taste, judge, and celebrate the best flavors around!
crazy golf
Cheese & Chilli Crazy Golf – It’s FREE!
Fancy a bit of fun? Try your skills on our very own Cheese & Chilli Crazy Golf Course! With a Par 27, it’s the perfect challenge for all ages.
We’ve got big and small putters, plus multicolored balls—so no sneaky cheating! Best of all, it’s completely FREE, so grab a club and take your best shot!
bubble party
Bubble Madness – Let the Fun Begin!
It’s time for the kids to go bubble crazy! Watch them chase, pop, and giggle as giant and tiny bubbles float through the air. And the best part? They even get to make their own bubbles!
It’s completely FREE, so come and join the bubbly fun!
cheese
Get ready to indulge in an incredible selection of cheeses! We carefully handpick a variety of unique cheeses for each event, ensuring you get to explore a diverse and delicious range—without seeing the same ones at every stall.
It’s all about quality over quantity, so you can enjoy the very best flavors, specially chosen just for you!
chilli
Get ready to sample and shop an incredible selection of chillies and chilli-inspired goodies! We’re lucky to be supported by some of the UK’s top growers, makers, and manufacturers, bringing you the very best in bold, fiery flavours.
It’s the perfect chance to try something new, spice up your taste buds, and learn more about these amazing products. Come explore and find your new favorite chilli treat!
The Authentic Punjabee
Bee Gill, founder of The Authentic Punjabee, will be performing in the Cooking Theatre throughout the weekend, bringing the vibrant flavors and traditions of Punjabi cuisine to life. With a passion for authentic home cooking and a modern approach to traditional recipes, Bee will showcase her creative techniques, share expert tips, and inspire visitors to embrace the rich culinary heritage of Punjab. Don’t miss the chance to see her in action as she demonstrates how to make delicious, authentic dishes with ease!
Mini Fun Fair
Steven Hill Amusements will be supplying us with some rides. Here are some example images of rides they have available but it is not yet confirmed which rides will be present.
Entertainment Timetable
Supporting Local Charities
We are delighted to announce our support for Step by Step. At Step by Step, we believe every young person deserves the chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances. Our mission is to combat youth homelessness and tackle the challenges that put young lives at risk.
We support young people aged 11-25 on their journey to independence, helping them uncover their unique strengths, pursue their aspirations, and unlock their true potential.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We provide not just a safe place to stay, but a full spectrum of tailored support services. From emotional wellbeing to life skills, we address the deeper challenges young people face, empowering them to build lasting foundations for a brighter future.
Operating across Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, and West Sussex, Step by Step stands as a beacon of hope for young people in need—because we know a roof over their heads is just the beginning. Together, we can create a world where every young person has the opportunity to flourish.
location
What 3 Words:
Venue Address:
North Walls Recreation Ground (River Park),
Winchester, SO23 8DJ
Travel
We’re all about making travel easier and more sustainable! That’s why we’re working with Winchester City Council to help our visitors explore greener ways to get around.
Have you heard of the Breeze: Journey Planner App? It’s a super handy travel tool that brings together buses, trains, ferries, and active travel options—all in one place for trips across the Solent area. Plus, you can even book tickets for most transport providers directly through the app!
Just search Breeze: Journey Planner on your device and start your journey the easy way.
Bus
Park & Ride: The Park & Ride service operates from South Park and stops at North Walls which is only a short walk to the venue. Further details can be found here.
Buses: Stagecoach runs buses from Winchester to Romsey, Alresford, Eastleigh, Petersfield, Bishop’s Waltham, Whitchurch and many surrounding villages and suburbs. Bluestar No. 1 service leaves Southampton City Centre (stop CU Hanover Buildings) approximately every 20 minutes. The journey takes 50 minutes to Winchester Bus Station.
Coaches: National Express coaches come into the Park and Ride East car park.
Dogs Are Welcome
Dogs are very welcome at the show, all we asks is that they are kept on leads and you pick up any waste.
Parking
Whilst there are no allocated parking available the venue has an array of town centre parking facilities all around it. The closest pay and display car park is St Peters. For more information about car parks please visit Winchester Car Parks Map of Car Parks here.
Adults: Early Bird Tickets £9.00 / £12 on the door
Senior: Early Bird Tickets £7.00 / £10 on the door
Carers/Disabled: Early Bird Tickets £7.00 / £10 on the door
Children under 16 – FREE
Discount Vouchers
Don’t forget to collect your discount vouchers on the door along with your programme. The vouchers are worth approximately £20 so you can get the cost of your entry back when you buy your goodies. The vouchers are available to spend whilst at the event and some are available to spend online from selected traders.
Our Carbon Footprint
We are committed to making the Festival more environmentally friendly and we encourage you to do the same. Help us to keep the site tidy and leave no trace. Please bring and use your own water bottles. Try to conserve water on non-essential use. Do not bring glass; no glass bottles are allowed on site. We will also be offering visitors the opportunity to purchase a sustainable reusable cup instead of using single use plastic containers at the bar. We are actively exploring other ways that we can help reduce our carbon footprint. Together we can make a difference.
Top 5 things you can do to help:
1. Recycle, recycle recycle!!
2. Keep tidy. Please don’t leave rubbish or equipment
3. Bring your own water bottle and refill onsite
4. Car share
5. Use public transport or as sustainable as possible transport, particularly if local
