Can you eat the world’s hottest chilli?

July’s North East Chilli Festival at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland will be holding a chilli eating competition and wants local volunteers to try to ensure the award goes to a north east heat fan.

The event on Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 July will be asking brave contestants to eat chillies ranging from the tongue tingling, through to the world’s current hottest specimen, the Trinidad ‘Moruga Scorpion’.

The chilli, which resembles a small wrinkled tomato, was recently rated as over two million times hotter than a pepper under the Scoville heat scale, recognised around the world as the official measure of chilli heat.

Organisers of the event are issuing a warning that the challenge is not for the faint hearted and that adult-only contestants will be required to sign a medical disclaimer before taking part.

July’s north east chilli challenge is being run by ‘Chilli Pepper Pete’, a legendary figure in the world of heat, and organiser of numerous eating events across the UK.

Mark Deakin, Northumberland-based owner of Hot Stuff Chilli, and one of the organisers of the event along with Newcastle-based deli mmm… and National Trust, says only the bravest need apply.

He said: “As a producer of hot sauces myself, I obviously like a bit of heat. But after seeing some of the contestants struggle to eat the hottest ones at other events around the country, I think I will be leaving this challenge to others.

“We are organising an amazing event this July, and the chance to crown the King or Queen of north east chilli fans will be the highlight of a great weekend.”

Brave hot heads can register their interest for the chilli eating competition by visiting www.chillifest-ne.co.uk or e-mailing ian@chillifest-ne.co.uk

Organisers are also telling non-chilli lovers the event will be a lot more than just heat – with a host of music, strolling bands, children’s activities, an international food marquee, picnic areas, history, walks, games and more.

Tickets for the event are now on sale – with 2-for-1 adult and children under 14 go free deals – online at www.chillifest-ne.co.uk and at mmm… in Newcastle’s Grainger Market.

The North East Chilli Festival will be held on Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 July at Seaton Delaval Hall, The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, NE26 4QR.

For ticket offers, news, opening times, travel details and exhibitor details visit www.chillifest-ne.co.uk

Social media users can also follow @chillifest_ne on Twitter or www.facebook.com/northeastchillifest on Facebook.