Chilli-Fest

As the summer slips away from us, there’s another way to stay warm this Autumn, as the Chillifest is back, and hotter than last year.

As part of the Open House Festival about to get underway in Belfast, Chillifest has invited some of the rowdiest, hillbilly-ist, and firey-ist musicians to complement your chilli experience with some Blue-Grass, Americana flavoured music.

The Chillifest takes place over three days at the end of December, were you can do the hillybilly hop along to some truly impressive acts, probably in an effort to cool down your mouth.

In amongst chilli cookery demonstrations and hot chilli eating contests will be The Rockridge Brothers, a fiery four piece who stand around the microphone in their Oh Brother, Where Art Thou style, bashing out some serious bluegrass.

The D Rangers also feature on the three day rotation slot. This string only six piece blend bluegrass, swing, honkytonk, skiffle and and some mighty fine beards to crank out a few off the wall covers including Nick Cave, Bill Monroe, Hank Williams, and countrified offerings of Black Sabbath and the Dead Kennedys.

And staying with a bit of punk, Trampled by Turtles, described as the Ramones in bluegrass’ clothing, completes the line-up.

So if you’re looking for an alternative to Ovaltine to warm you over the cooling Autumnal afternoons, the Chillifest could be your answer.

The Chillifest takes place on the weekend of 26, 27, and 28 of September from 12.00am to 6.00pm each day at the festival Marquee, Custom House Square. Entry is £7 for adults, £2 for children. Under fives get in free.