Ōtautahi Christchurch central city came alive with a spicy spirit throughout August thanks to the inaugural Turn Up The Heat event created through a team focused on COVID recovery and activity in the city. The month of Spicy Sounds, Sights and Bites showcased events ranging from roaming characters, comedy, cabaret, drag, variety shows and a fiery food competition!

Over 50 central city hospitality joints joined the fiery food competition, each offering a different spicy dish or drink, all battling for spice supremacy. Over 500 public votes were placed rating each entry for quality and spice, with Black Burger crowned the inaugural winner for their Chilli Cheese Extreme burger entry.

The Chilli Cheese Extreme burger featured SpicyBoys Garlic Reaper Hot Sauce and Wagyu smashed patties, cheddar cheese, pickles, jalapeños, and chilli jam with a splash of jalapeño and lime mayo. The Chilli Cheese Extreme was one of the hottest entries in the competition. Head grill master Tom Cripps said, "a lot of time, testing and tasting went into it. At one stage, I caught some spicy sauce in the eye and had to wear an eye patch for half the day! We had a real range of people try it, including a nine-year-old boy who handled it well. We were also amazed at the number of people who returned to have it again and again."

Black Burger is located within Riverside Market. It was formed in 2020 by three mates who realised no one was making a classic LA-style cheeseburger using premium ingredients. If you are game enough to try the Chilli Cheese Extreme, Black Burger will continue it throughout September to celebrate the win.

Turn Up The Heat Programming Manager Holly Chappell-Eason curated a programme of 60+ events focused on supporting local artists and bringing some heat to the central city. There was everything from a New Regent Street serenade, a secret piano bar, roaming performances, free hip hop classes and a chilli circus at Little High. "It was such an honour to work with our incredible local Ōtautahi artists and hospitality industry to bring an exciting new festival to our city. I love being able to head out for a fun night of entertainment, food and drink - after the last couple of years, we've all needed a little spice in our lives," said Chappell-Eason.

Turn Up The Heat Coordinator Johnny Gibson said, “it was great to see parts of the central city come alive with some energy and excitement. For a first event, we're stoked with how it came together and the participation from the public and central city businesses. Year one is about building a great foundation, and we've done well. Looking forward, I’m excited to see where it can go from here, as I see huge potential for a thriving event that's truly unique to Ōtautahi Christchurch."

*Turn Up the Heat was created in partnership by ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council, Christchurch Central City Business Association, Hospitality NZ and Property Council New Zealand.

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