New research ahead of the UK’s biggest hot sauce festival, shows nearly a third of Brits (28%) are obsessed with adding a spicy kick to their food, and an estimated 1.3 million actively seek out the hottest spice levels available.
With that, it seems like the perfect time to welcome back the unparalleled celebration of the UK’s incredible hot sauce scene.
Hot Sauce Society is making a fiery return to Copeland Park in Peckham this May. On May 9th and 10th 2026, this chilli-packed event promises to be spicier than before. With a mere £5 entry fee and free admission for kids under 12, the festival is set to be an inclusive day out for families, foodies, and hot sauce aficionados alike.
With 4,000 visitors expected across the weekend, the festival reflects the UK’s growing obsession with bold, fiery flavours.
This year’s lineup features over 40 independent hot sauce makers, including Yep Kitchen, Eaten Alive, JD’s Hot Honey, Raptor Hot Sauce and Darkfire.
Alongside the heat, festivalgoers can cool off with craft beer from Gipsy Hill Brewery and frozen tequila cocktails from Cazcabel selection of hot honey and tequila frozen cocktails.
In the street food yard, food enthusiasts will be thrilled with this year’s culinary offerings. Chick n Sourz will be serving up their hot chicken tenders and burgers, guaranteed to satisfy spice lovers alongside Oh My Dog and Maame’s Kitchen. Sweet relief will come in the form of Nonna’s Gelato, providing perfect pairings to the hot sauces on offer.
Peter Benninson, Big Ginger Sauce Co and one of the vendors at Hot Sauce Society has said, “The Hot Sauce Society is a literal who’s who of the UK’s artisanal hot sauce scene. If you’re a hot sauce fan, do not miss this one!”
If you’re worried about your spice tolerance, Peter adds; “my thoughts on spice tolerance… Good sauce isn’t just about heat, it’s about balanced flavours, complexity with heat there to enhance but not overpower. Flavour always comes first!”
Adding to the excitement, the festival will feature live DJs to keep the energy high throughout the day. And for those feeling brave, the much-loved “Hop Burns and Black Present Chilli Karaoke” will challenge attendees to sing their hearts out while battling the heat of a Scotch bonnet. Free chilli face-painting will be available for a fun touch, alongside group games for a dash of competitive “spicy” spirit.
Allie Behr, the brainchild behind Hot Sauce Society, and the team at Animate London are thrilled to offer an even bigger and better festival experience this year. “We’re excited to bring back the Hot Sauce Society Festival for a 7th year. We’ve got the biggest lineup of traders yet and awesome food and drink. We can’t wait to share it with everyone. It’s my favourite weekend of the year, hands down”
You can purchase your tickets to the Hot Sauce Society Festival here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/hotsaucesociety/2023900
