THE heatwave may have ended but the pop up Chilli Fest in Swindon town centre provided a heat-packed sting in the tail.

Around a dozen contestants took to the stage set up in Wharf Green to chomp on chillies in front of a crowd of supporters.

As the chillies got spicier those with weaker constitutions downed their complementary milk drinks in a bid to dull the fiery effect and dropped out of the competition, which hotted up even more.

By the time naga chillies were brought out only a determined few were in the hot seat. A second round of nagas – one of the top 10 hottest chillies in the world measured on the Scoville heat scale – challenged contestants to munch on two of them at the same time.

It was too much for one who decided to call time before the round started.

The eventual winner was Chilli Queen Shahina Waseem from London, who has won competitions around the country and eaten Carolina reapers, which put a man in hospital. She was presented with her prizes by deputy mayor Kevin Parry.

Master of ceremonies Jack Baverstock said: “It was a really great crowd. Everyone that took part did well with the smaller chillies, but as soon as the nagas came in they started dropping out.”

The event, the fourth of its kind, was all about chilli, from sauces to snacks. As well as the contest, which attracted an audience of shoppers, the festival included stalls showcasing producers and caterers.

There was also live music, chilli beer and even cocktails.

Hosted by inSwindon BID, it is one of a series of events aimed at encouraging people to use the town centre.

Said Jack: “We are trying to do something every month just to get local communities together in this fantastic space.”

In just over three weeks the team is bringing a beach to the town centre for five days, complete with deckchairs, donkey rides and ice creams.

Starting on August 25 there will be sand for children to play on, beach games and fitness, live music and a family beach party. The Urban Beach Experience, funded by local businesses, will also feature a seaside market offering the chance to sample food from the coast.

Then in September the town hosts the Swindon Half Marathon which has a new route this year taking in the Magic Roundabout, the County Ground, Old Town and a finish line at Wharf Green.

A student lockdown shopping event follow in October.