“Staggering” ticket demand for North East Chilli Fest

Organisers of this year’s North East Chilli Fest say there has been an unprecedented demand for tickets even though the event is still more than five months away.Chilli lovers at last year's festival

The event, which has attracted thousands of people over the past five years, is in 2017 moving to a new location and running for an extra day.

Tickets went on sale a month ago and Mark Deakin – who runs the event with his wife Shelley – said they were “staggered” by the level of interest.  Discounted early bird tickets are nearly sold out for Saturday, the second day of the festival.

“People seem to be planning their years early,” said Mark.  “Perhaps, with all the uncertainty about going on holiday abroad, it’s going to be the year of the staycation.”

The Chilli Fest’s new home is a 27 acre event site in Seaton Sluice overlooking the sea, where between 30 June and 2 July dozens of stalls, bars, marquees and stages will provide food, drink, music and entertainment. There is a camping area next to the main site for festival goers planning to enjoy the whole weekend.

“After five amazing years at Seaton Delaval Hall we wanted to take the Chilli Fest to a new level and for that we needed a far bigger space,” said Mark.Shelley and Mark Deakin (1024x683)

There will be tents devoted to comedy, cabaret and dance.  There is going to be a Kids Zone, an Alternate Zone and numerous musical acts, including 80s icons Heaven 17, Smoove and Turrell, Baghdaddies, Nick Pride and The Pimptones, Dennis, SoShe and the Monster Ceilidh Band.

Although the Chilli Fest celebrates everything to do with our fiery favourite, the vast range of food available is designed to suit all tastes.

A pass for all three days costs £20.  There are a limited number of early bird tickets available for £15.  A weekend pass plus camping costs £30 person and there are a range of tickets available for each day from £8 – or £5 for an early bird discount. Tickets for children under five are free and it is £3 for children aged between five and 15.

Further details and tickets are available through the 2017 Chilli Fest website www.chillifest-ne.co.uk.

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