Fire & Spice returns to Riverside Market today, with organisers promising a bigger and fierier event than ever before.

The winter festival will see food stalls stretch from the riverside by the Avon river all the way through to Riverside Lane, with spicy specials on offer across the market.

Crowd favourite fire dancers return this year, joined by additional performances, with live entertainment running throughout the day and into the evening.

A spicy food eating competition hosted by Shay Horay also features on the programme, alongside live music and DJs.

The event runs from noon until 7pm at Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central, and is expected to draw strong attendance from across the city.

General Manager Jo Southen said organisers were looking forward to a big turnout.

“We are excited to bring Fire & Spice back to Riverside Market, with what will be our biggest event yet,” she said.