We visited Eastleigh town centre briefly last Saturday and were surprised to find a rather unusual festival called Chilli Festival.
There were about 20 chilli-based stalls for you to sample chilli dishes, and also other food such as olive and baklava.
It was just a quick visit, but I got to see a few stalls.
Chilli plants from Fletching Glasshouses
I was most impressed by Organic Veg from Fletching Glasshouses. They showed a variety of chilli plants.
Dr Alan Rae, Chairman of Fletching Glasshouses, wore a matching cheerful shirt dotted with chillies.
Fletching Glasshouses are an organic nursery with two acres under glass at Fletching Common near Newick, Sussex. The company got the Soil Association certificate in September 2008.
Meet artist Sonny Chana
I was pleased to see interesting jewellery. Artist Sonny Chana displayed his art work and chilli-inspired jewellery amongst chilli plants and food around him, and I found his stall different and attractive.
Sonny Chana described himself in his art website:
“I have been an artist for 25 years painting portraits and landscapes in watercolors, acrylics oils and pastels. My art qualifications are from London. I have painted in Italy, Scotland, Australia, Spain, Africa, America and England.”
From the website of Sonny Chana – Fine Art
Eastleigh: Excitement in old railway town
I also visited the very first Eastleigh Craft Market at Market Street. Last weekend, Eastleigh town centre was bursting with colour, heat, creativity, and fantastic market stalls. Together with Eastleigh Family Fun Day on Friday throughout the summer, when alpacas, emus, and llamas all came to visit the town centre, this summer Eastleigh is particularly enchanting.
As a railway town Eastleigh is so rich in history and culture. I love exploring the local history of Eastleigh, and also enjoy the excitement that new events have brought to Eastleigh.
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[…] Eastleigh Craft Market was held on the same day as the Eastleigh Chilli Festival 2014 took place at Leigh Road Recreational […]