HOT fun is promised in Colchester market though things might turn chilli.

Colchester Market is hosting a Chilli Challenge next Saturday as part of a weekend of chilli-themed activities.

Ten people will be testing their mettle to see who can eat the hottest chilli at the market stall run by the Scoville Chilli Company.

Colchester born-and-bred Paul Duffet has been making chilli sauces and chutneys for about 15 years.

He turned this into a business and began trading on the market when he was made redundant.

The Colchester Chilli Challenge begins at 11am Saturday and to add to the atmosphere, there will be a magician from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Over the weekend, traders will also offer a selection of chilli-themes foods from curry to cakes, chilli con carne to chocolate. There will also be a selection of chilli-themes items such as t-shirts and other novelties.

Council deputy leader Tim Young, the portfolio holder for culture and regeneration, said the special weekend promises to be fun.

“It highlights the great diversity of products and services we are lucky enough to have on High Street Market. It’s also an illustration of how Colchester residents can make a successful business by using the market as a platform to reach customers directly.”

For details of market activities, go to www.facebook.com/ColchMarket