The heat was on at chilli festival near Market Drayton

The sixth annual chilli festival saw around 20 exhibitors from around the county and further afield coming to showcase their chilli dishes.

Other people were on hand selling chillis, live bands were playing and crowds were enjoying the entertainment.

The festival began six years ago, and raises money for the gardens charity.

Kathryn Robey, the gardens curator, said the event has grown and grown each year and is popular with people in the county.

She said: "It isn't your usual festival really.

"There are events on Sussex and around other areas of the country, and it is something that people do enjoy.

"We've raised a lot of money through the charity, it is just one of our events we hold throughout the year."

As well as a chilli market selling plants, there are a host of sauces, chutneys, jams, drink and spices on offer.

Shropshire salsa school Telford Salsa, run by Sylvie Daw, played on Sunday and gave a demonstration on how to shake your hips.

Crafts were also available for the younger visitors, alongside a bouncy castle, face painting, jugglers and henna tattooists.

Zdenek Valkoun-Walker was selling his grown chillis, and likes the variety of the spices and chillis on show.

He said: "The show has grown here, and some of it is down to the variety of what is on offer.

"There are so many chillis, different textures and flavours that people like to enjoy.

"I've been selling chilli plants I've grown, I got into it a few years ago and have just continued."

Some of Zdenek's chillis were involved in the highlight of the weekend, the Ran Ales chilli eating contest.

It took place on Sunday, with 15 brave chilli fans trying to swallow whole chillis.

However in case of any emergencies, the fire service were on hand to cool any over heating contestants down.