Put the heat back into your summer at Felbrigg Hall's Chilli Fiesta

Following its outstanding success last year, 2008 will see the return of Felbrigg Hall’s Chilli Fiesta and summer fete, in what is hotting up to be the highlight event for the property this summer.

Whether you’re a hardened chilli-head or a newcomer to the world of the chilli, this is your chance to join in the chilli madness! Felbrigg Hall’s Chilli Fiesta will be held on Wednesday 6 August and visitors will find a whole host of chilli paraphernalia waiting for them to try and take home, not to mention a wealth of local delights to choose from.

This year will see more than double the number of stalls – from seeds to plants, pickles and preserves to hot sauces and award winning pepper jellies.

Commenting on the increasing popularity of the chilli pepper, Tina Hammond, (pictured left) Head Gardener at Felbrigg Hall said: “Chilli peppers will grow in similar conditions to tomato plants, although often to get better results they should be grown in higher temperatures and humidity. We grow ours here at Felbrigg in the “Pit House” in the walled garden, although it is possible to cultivate them outdoors in sheltered areas that receive plenty of sunlight.”

Tina reveals that the best time to harvest your chilli peppers is when the pods feel firm and look fairly glossy - if they are still soft to the touch then that means that they are still immature. She also recommends keeping back a couple of ripe chillis and drying them off. Collect their seeds and store them in a dry cool dark place for next years crop. The best time to sow is February, either indoors or under glass, sowing early gets the plants off to a good start for earlier fruiting.

So for the chilli lovers amongst you, head on down to the National Trust’s Felbrigg Hall and explore the diverse world of the chilli and the best of regional food this August - not to mention all of the fun of a traditional fete, with its games of skill and chance.

The Chilli Fiesta is on Wednesday 6th August (11am to 5pm) with the Fete starting at 1pm. This is a free event and no booking is necessary. Stall holders interested in booking a pitch are asked to call the property office on 01263 837444.

Felbrigg Hall, Norwhich, is 2 miles south west of Cromer off the B1436.

For further information on the National Trust and its properties log onto www.nationaltrust.org.uk