MELKSHAM’S first ever Food & River Festival is sure to be a sizzling event whatever the weather when it opens in the town centre this weekend.

Brave competitors with a passion for pungent peppers will be invited to test the strength of their taste buds by eating chillies of increasing intensity, of which will be provided by the Wiltshire Chilli Farm.

Adrienne Westbrook, chairman of the organising committee said: “The chilli eating competition is one of the highlights of the festival and always attracts a big crowd.

"Past winners have included Chippenham’s new MP, Michelle Donelan. She was one of three winners in 2013, and the fiery experience may have helped her prepare for the fierce heat and competition in the House of Commons.”

The two-day event will take place this weekend from 10.30am on Saturday onwards.

On Saturday, Littlefest will be based in Littlebrook Centre near Waitrose and will lead a regatta-themed day of outdoor eating, and tastings and samplings of locally supplied products.

The King George V Playing Field will be the venue for Sunday’s event, with over 50 stalls selling an array of local food, drink and food related products and the day will also see cookery demonstrations, including one by new Melksham Italian venue Casa Restaurant, a demonstration of how to make paella, a Waitrose masterclass on how to prepare fish, and an ‘Anybody Can Cook’ session.

There will also be plenty of action on the River Avon, organised by the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. Both Saturday and Sunday will see public boat trips and canoeing sessions; plus a water rescue demonstration by the Fire Service, and a demonstration by Bradford on Avon Diving Club on Sunday.

For more information, visit melkshamfoodfestival.weebly.com.