Swindon Cheese and Chilli Festival returns to Lydiard Park
The popular event returned to Lydiard Park and saw stallholders show off their wares to intrigued customers, skilled chefs impress crowds with cooking demonstrations, and determined foodies put their tastebuds to the test by battling through a chilli eating competition.
In 2018, John Maillard quit his corporate job of 26 years to start his own chilli farm under the brand of Johnny Hot Stuff. and sell a range of chilli oils, candied jalapeno peppers, and chilli plants to customers.
Since then, he has appeared on BBC Radio 4 programmes, met celebrity chefs like Tom Kerridge, and supplied his stock to restaurants.
John said: “A lot of people in my old job get mentally worn down because it’s a constant battle to keep
“Once you get caught in the rat race, you start to forget about your dream job, so I decided to do this rather than continue being miserable. I’m riding the crest of a wave and there are a lot of opportunities opening up.”
Visitors braved the heat in more ways than one, as temperatures soared to 27 degrees Celsius and bright sunshine beamed down on the town for several hours – in stark contrast to last year’s festival, which was hit by heavy downpours.
John added: “It’s been a great couple of days, especially with this gorgeous weather. I’ve met some wonderful people and had lovely conversations.
“My business is renowned for gourmet sauces that are more about their flavour than the heat level, though the super hot TIGH – This is Going To Hurt – reaper has been the standout so far.
“It’s excruciatingly hot, so people must have a high tolerance at this festival!
“The Ghost Blend Sriracha is hard to keep in stock because it sells out faster than I can grow them
“I get through tons of free samples but it’s about getting your name out there so that people might buy from you in the future.”
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