THOUSANDS of people have been feeling the burn this weekend at Dorset’s hottest event.

Now in its seventh year, the Great Dorset Chilli Festival is being held at St Giles House in Wimborne St Giles today and Sunday.

The festival features talks, demonstrations, tastings and live music.

One particular highlight is the ever-popular chilli eating competition, which sees contestants grimace their way through a number of eye-watering rounds until the last man or woman is left standing.

Organiser Miles Halton said he's determined to make sure the event stays special.

"It could easily have turned into a massive food festival - we have hundreds and hundreds of applications from stallholders," he said.

"I want it to stay as it is - a specialist chilli festival, with entertainment and great food."

This year’s festival saw thousands of people take over the grounds of St Giles House just on the first day.

Chefs giving demonstrations this year include Sarah Ali Choudhury, Mark Hartstone of La Fosse in Cranborne, Luke Stuart of the White Pepper Chef Academy and Lisa Osman of the All Hallows cookery school.

The Larder House's James Fowler demonstrated the art of fiery cocktail making and chilli farmer Alex Duck gave a demonstration of a smoker.

Chilli gardeners also had their chance to shine in a contest to find the best grower and of course there is the ever-popular chilli cook-off.

But it’s not just about food, there were also performances from The Mother Ukers, Remedysounds, the Mexican Mariachi Band and Big Joe Bone.

For more information, visit greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk