HATHERLEIGH will go crazy for chilli-con-carne over the late May bank holiday weekend, for the town's second ever Chilli Festival. The town square will play host to the festival, which is inviting all local businesses, organisations and individuals to make a vat of chilli con carne with accompanying rice, and compete against each other to see who makes the best chilli. The public vote for their favourite dishes, and the cook with the most votes will take home the title of Hatherleigh Chilli Con Carne Champion 2014. Last year's inaugurual chilli festival drew around 200 people and raised nearly £1,000 for the Hatherleigh Festival. The annual event brings music, art, workshops and more to the town during the summer. The festival committee is already busy planning original and creative events to entertain and excite those attending Organiser John Morris said: 'Last year was a brilliant event, we were thrilled at how many people turned up and the numbers that came forward to make the vats of chilli con carne. 'We managed to raise much needed funds for Hatherleigh Festival and with your support we hope to do the same again this year. 'All monies raised will be added to the existing Hatherleigh Festival pot and used to stage the next Hatherleigh Festival. 'Just like last year the town square will be dressed with tables and chairs creating a real street party feel. 'There will be a DJ for some musical accompaniment and we are holding a couple of extra chilli themed competitions during the evening to keep the crowds entertained.' One competition, imaginatively named 'The Chilli Chow Down Championship' will see who can eat the hottest chillies and the other, equally imaginatively named 'The H'eat It Up Challenge' will see who can eat the most chillies in a minute — two great palate pounding events to astound the crowds. John said: 'Drinks will be available in our local pubs surrounding the square or people can bring their own. All in all it should be a great evening out where individuals and families can socialise and have lots of good old fashioned wholesome fun.' The festival takes place in Hatherleigh town square from 5pm until late on Saturday, May 24. Plates cost £5 per person to try as many of the competing chilli con carne dishes as you like. Children eat for free. All money raised will be used to support Hatherleigh Festival. For information on how to enter any of the competitions and have a stand at the festival, call John Morris on 07940 400970 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]