CHALLENGE REGISTRATIONS OPEN 8th FEBRUARY.

Use button link below.

For the bravehearts, a choice of THREE chilli challenges  (pre-register online to secure one of 12 places) will set the stage on fire – $100 prizemoney, trophy, chilli goodies and the glory of holding the chilli sceptre, and wearing the crown and cape.

plus  we’ve added a new FUN CHALLENGE !

Challenge 1: BC Jerky Challenge – get your jaws ready for a gob-smacking, fiery chewing challenge.  First to consume a set amount of jerky is the winner.

Challenge 2: Australian Extreme Volcanic Wings –  Yes you know it!  Five deliciously super-charged wings coated by Rob Dunn’s special sauce blends become a contestant’s  worst Wing Nightmare.

Challenge 3: Pyralit – Bundaberg Produce Movers Fiery Pods –  Work through a series of fresh chilli fruit pods from Jalapeno to Reaper (and maybe a Sudden Death addition if we need to decide a winner. The last man/woman standing crowned the winner.  Both winner and runner-up will receive one of the latest innovation in charcoal barbecue – a fabulous Pyralit Charcoal Ignition Unit.

Our Extra Challenge –  K7 Distillery World’s Hottest Gin – Chomp & Cheer Muffin Challenge –  no pre-registrations.  First 12 people to the stage at the programmed time can enter.  Eat a mini-muffin infused with Carolina Reaper, then cheer “Sydney let’s get Superhot” as loud as you can!  We’ll be measuring decibels as well as judging on originality and “star quality” to present the winner with a bottle of K7’s flagship spicy gin.

We are delighted to have Chef Jeffrey Simonetta with us again in 2026.

This year he’s hosting THREE FREE WORKSHOPS in the Marquee on the Green (1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.30pm) to fire up your tastebuds with a classic Sicilian spicy pasta dish.

Of Italian heritage, Jeffrey brings colour, flair and spirit to everything he does. 

If you love pasta, then why not join one of Jeff’s classes, or maybe learn to sharpen those dull knives so you can chop those chillies even faster! 

Find Jeffrey on Instgram and Facebook, for more details. 

Most of our food vendors cater for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food requirements.  Just ask them!

HOT FOOD:

Jom Satay

Radici Napolitano Pizza

Skewer Boys

Brazilian Skewer House

Sparky’s BBQ

Smokey Sue’s BBQ

TapasMan

Mrs Fajitas

Gaston Sandwicherie

SWEETS:

French Kiss Creperie

Mr & Miss Pancakes

OMG Donuts

Grumpy’s Ginger Beer

Axes Ice-Cream

Palm Berry Acai

Hulu House Tanghulu fruit skewers

Muscled Tea

Coffee & SnoCone to Go

Tall Grass Cane Juice

  Our family-friendly festival offers activities for all ages throughout both days.

Kids can enjoy craft activities (Free) as well as Sand Art by Kids Kreative Art (paid activity)

(Children 8 years and under must be accompanied by a guardian in the Kids Zone)

Paid activities include the animal nursery  and face-painting with Aspesia of Bewitched Faces (and don’t forget – it’s also fun for the adults!

*Because we don’t charge an admission fee for kids, our suppliers reserve the right to charge fees for their services.

KIDS ICE-CREAM & SNAKES CHALLENGE

We have a fun challenge at the stage for two groups of 10 kids (Aged 5 to 12)  Older children will receive a time handicap.

Be the first to finish a bowl of  ice-cream and jelly snakes, with hands tied behind their back to win…….MORE ICE-CREAM from our wonderful ice-cream provider Axes Ice-Cream.

Great live music is always peppered in between the chilli challenges on stage. Once again, we have the guitar maestro, Sean Mullen, gracing our stage to perform with Scarlett throughout the day as a backdrop to the chilli challenges and some dedicated sets by them both as Missy Vader and the Dark Force (or should that be the “chilli force”?)

Relax in the Afterburn Bar Area and enjoy chilli beer, chilli cocktails and all your favourite beverages including

Kempsey’s very own Bucket Brewery Hot Dog Chilli Lager!

Joining us for tastings and takeaway sale will be these fabulous distilleries most featuring a chilli-themed product! 

UNEXPECTED GUEST based in Marrickville, NSW – Sponsoring the Most Creative Costume Prize.

KARU DISTILLERY, based in Grose Vale, NSW  – sponsoring the Best Couple Costume Prize.

K7 DISTILLERY, based in Tasmania. Are unable to join us on the day, but are sponsoring the Best Adult Costume prize – a bottle of their World’s Hottest Gin 

BONDI LIQUOR CO – where else but Bondi, NSW! Sponsoring a Best Pet Prize – yes, owners are important too! 

ONLY ONE TABLE LEFT!