Event

Chilli Eating Competition

Friday 7th October 18:00 at Festival Hub, M2 5DB Price: Free Entry

With the countdown to the 14th Manchester Food and Drink Festival well underway, it’s time to enter our annual Chilli Eating Contest! This spicy event is as popular with the audience as it is with the contestants. After all, who can resist the joy of watching someone squirm, live on stage, and turn as red as a beetroot. It appeals to our most basic instincts and offers the chance to marvel at displays of bravery and will power at the same time - and you can register to take part right now – although hurry because there are only 20 places available.

The contest takes place on the first day of the Festival, Friday 7 October at 6.30pm in the spacious Gastro Room pavilion on Albert Square. Contestant are allowed to bring one drink of their choice (beer, milk, water – whatever helps to cool the palate!) which is placed in front of them when the ten rounds begin. Contestants are free to drop out of the competition at any time and drinking (or, heaven forbid, vomiting) are cause for disqualification.

Last year, the winner ate ten chillis which climbed the heat register with each round from the likes of jalapeno through bird’s eye, piri piri, scotch bonnet and beyond. This was an incredible feat, as contestants must eat the whole chilli, raw, excluding the stalk. The winner is crowned “MFDF Chilli King or Queen” in a ceremony at the end of the event as well as being awarded MFDF gift tokens. The person who takes second place will also receive a number of gift tokens, and all entrants will be given a certificate of participation. To take part in the Chilli Eating Contest 2011, download the entry form and email back to Melissa@edgestreetevents.com by Monday 3 October. Contestants must arrive at the Gastro Room in Albert Square by 6pm to pre-register.