Chilli Festival Bangor 2026 EOI

Overview

🌶️ Chilli Festival Bangor – Trader Expression of Interest (EOI)

Ards and North Down Borough Council is now accepting Expressions of Interest from food and drink producers across Ireland to participate in the Bangor Chilli Festival, taking place in the stunning setting of Bangor Walled Garden on:

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026
11:00am – 5:00pm (both days)

The event will be delivered alongside Taste at Bangor Castle, set within the surrounding castle grounds, and the Aspects Literary and Arts Festival in nearby Ward Park. Together, these events will be promoted as a unique weekend celebration of speciality food, local literature, and culture, attracting a diverse and engaged audience to Bangor.

This marks the fourth year of the Chilli Festival, which has previously been limited to businesses within Ards and North Down. For 2026, the festival is being opened to food and drink producers from across Ireland, offering an exciting opportunity for new traders—provided they meet the event brief.

👩‍🍳 Who Should Apply

We are seeking high-quality food and drink traders who can contribute to a vibrant and engaging festival atmosphere, particularly those who:

• Showcase artisan, locally produced, or craft food and drink products
• Offer products that feature chilli, spice, or complementary items
• Demonstrate a creative and distinctive offering
• Provide a professional and engaging market presence
• Align with the overall quality, authenticity, and visitor experience of the event

📍 Event Details

• Event: Bangor Chilli Festival
• Location: Bangor Walled Garden at Bangor Castle
• Dates: Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September 2026
• Trading Hours: 11:00am – 5:00pm
• Format: Outdoor trading within the Walled Garden

Trader setup options:

• Gazebos can be provided, or traders may bring their own branded gazebo (standard 3m x 3m)
• Trestle tables can be provided if required

Please note:

• Spaces are limited
• No hot food vendors as we already have our local quota
• Priority will be given to traders offering chilli-based products or items that strongly complement the chilli theme

Why your views matter

What we offer

• A high-profile trading opportunity within a signature food event that was listed as one the top 25 best food festivals in Ireland by the Irish Times in February 2025
• Exposure to a large and engaged audience
• Inclusion within event marketing and promotion
• Potential product inclusion in 'Meet tyhe producer'
• A low cost pitch fee, capped at £40 (€46) per business