Parramatta to become home to The Sydney Chilli Festival for second year

If you’re a fan of spicy foods and all things chilli, this Parramatta festival is one not to be missed.

Jason O'Connor is ready to heat up Parramatta with the Sydney Chilli Festival. Pictures: Monique Harmer

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Parramatta will turn up the heat next weekend with a festival celebrating all things flavour and fire.

The Sydney Chilli Festival will return to the Albion Hotel on George St for a second year on September 8.

The hottest ticket in town will give spice-seekers access to chilli-eating competitions, food from chilli trucks and the Albion’s bistro as well as live music.

The festival supports Australian farmers affected by drought.

Visitors can browse and purchase a range of fiery products from around the country from spice rubs and hot sauces, chilli chocolate and cured meats, and jams and chutneys.

Stallholders include Seatonfire Chilli Chocolate, Bondi Heat, Hunter’s Smokehouse, The Chilli Project and Murrucci Gourmet Meats.

Those looking to cool down can soothe the heat with ice-cream from Mr Whippy, while popular Sydney company Underground Coffee Roasters will keep patrons caffeinated.

The chilli festival started a few years ago as a way for southeast Queensland farmers to give back to the communities that had supported them through devastating floods.

The festival celebrates chillies of all shapes, sizes and heat levels. from the mild to the intense.

In 2018 the festival made its way to Parramatta for the first time to support communities affected by drought.

This year’s family friendly festival will once again raise funds for Buy-A-Bale, an organisation helping drought-affected farmers.

The Sydney Chilli Festival will be held from 11am to 5pm at 135 George St and entry costs a gold coin donation.

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