THE best way to chase the cold away on a frosty Warwick night is to sit back with a warm bowl of soup.

This view is behind the growing success of the Hot Pots and Jazz Soup Night held at the Potters' Place gallery each July.

What started with a few dozen people sitting around, eating soup and listening to live music has grown over the past 15 years into an affair catering to hundreds of chilly diners.

Warwick Potters' Association president Rod Cullen said he had planned for 450 guests.

"It's been getting bigger and bigger every year,” Mr Cullen said.

"It's the attraction of a cheap night out, some good soup and a nice piece of pottery you can take home.”

The potters spend the weeks leading up to the Hot Pots and Jazz Soup Night throwing and glazing hundreds of bowls.

"It's fair process to make a piece,” Mr Cullen said.

"You've got to throw the bowl then next day you turn it upside down to let it dry.”

It takes about a week for the bowls to dry before they're packed in the kiln and blasted with 1000-degree heat.

While the firing process only takes about half a day, Mr Cullen and his associates must wait 48 hours for the kiln to cool before the pots can be glazed.

In past years, club member Ray Tainton made most of the bowls.

This year he has pulled back a little, producing a more conservative 300 bowls.

"We have had a broader amount of people making the bowls so there'll be quite a variety,” Mr Cullen said.

Along with a tasty bowl of soup and a handmade bowl to keep, attendees will also be treated to a night of live music.

Mulled wine will be on offer for a gold coin donation, along with raffles and a first look in at the association's latest exhibition, Hands Together in Clay.

Each of the association members will show off - and sell - their handiwork.

"It's a good way to promote the club to the community,” Mr Cullen said.

"Potters generally are friendly people.”

Tickets to Hot Pots and Jazz Soup Night cost $15.

That money gets you selection of soups, including fan favourites pea and ham or a classic pumpkin.

There's no need to book.

Hot Pots and Jazz runs from 5.30pm on Thursday, July 26 at 63 Horsman Rd.