Spice up your life at this returning Welsh Chilli and Chocolate Festival
The saying goes that opposites attract. While the phrase is generally applied to people, the same can be said for food groups, too.
At either end of the taste spectrum, there's sweet and spicy. Whether you love dessert or prefer the heat, sometimes, these two flavour profiles go together like fish 'n' chips.
Helping you discover a new favourite combination or simply enjoy a range of local delights, Merthyr Tydfil's hottest event of the year is back as the Chilli and Chocolate Festival makes its triumphant return.
Get ready for a sensational day of fiery flavours and sweet delights jam-packed with a sizzling line-up of local creators.
This fiery festival brings together some of the best chilli and chocolate producers from across the UK, offering an unmissable selection of goodies - from blazing hot chilli sauces and spicy cooking pastes to decadent chocolate treats, chilli cider, brownies, cheesecake, cookies, ice cream, and even chocolate rum.
(Image: We Love Merthyr)
Get your BBQ game sorted with Mabs Sauces, experience flavours of the Caribbean with The Patty Man, indulge in something sweet from Gareth's Delicious Delights, find your new favourite tipple at the Tipsy Mule, or upgrade your morning toast with Bee Welsh Honey.
If that's not enough, enjoy culinary delights from Chilli of the Valley, Bang on Brewery, Haystacks, Hog Hog Hog, The Artisan Cook, and The Real Ting.
Join them and more than 35 other incredible vendors at Penderyn Square from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, May 17, for a day full of flavour, fire, and fun.
With over 100 different chilli and chocolate products, there's something for everyone - from die-hard chilli fanatics to dedicated chocoholics.
If you dare, the legendary Chilli Eating Contest, hosted by Chilli of the Valley, returns for its third year. Whether you're bold enough to compete or just want to watch the brave souls sweat, this is one spectacle you won't want to miss.
The hottest family day out
(Image: We Love Merthyr)
As well as the fantastic line-up of local vendors and products, the Merthyr Tydfil Chilli and Chocolate Festival is full to the brim with free family entertainment too, including:
Face painting
Glitter tattoos
Balloon modelling
The incredible Juggling Jim
The Hungry Chefs and The Cake Ladies
Giant pigeons on the loose
Live music
While you indulge in the irresistible treats on offer, take a break at one of the many on-site restaurants and cafés - then come back for more chilli and chocolate madness.
Entry to the spice-tastic festival is completely free, and parking is £1 all day in town centre pay and display car parks. With all that and more, the only question is, can you handle the heat?
Find out more about Merthyr Tydfil's hottest event of the year by visiting the We Love Merthyr website or following the event on Facebook.
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