ARE you the type of person that adds a little bit of extra chilli to your meals?

If so, you might want to head east this weekend when the world's hottest chilli makes an appearance at Eastnor Castle.

It is part of the infamous chilli eating competition at the annual Chilli Festival.

Running from Sunday, April 30 to Monday May 1, visitors to the festival can expect to see the castle courtyard transformed into a chilli marketplace selling a huge range of products such as chilli chocolate, bread, cake, vodka and chutney as well as grow-your-own chilli plants.

Visitors can also enjoy cookery demonstrations from local chefs, music and entertainment.

Now in its sixth year, this popular event will include more than 60 stalls and something to entertain all ages including music from the Roving Crows who are playing both days.

There will also be a number of specialist hot food suppliers selling authentic Asian curries and spicy foods.

A huge highlight of both days is the Chilli Eating Competition which is facilitated by Bristol-based, Clifton Chilli Club.

The competition sees contestants attempt to eat a range of chillies which gradually increase in heat until they are unable to carry on any further.

In their arsenal of chillies this year is the world’s hottest - the Carolina Reaper - which measures an average of 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

Put into context, a Jalapeno chilli measures 3,000 – 6,000 SHU.

Contestants rarely reach the Carolina Reaper but if two or more that get to that level then a huge chilli nicknamed 'The Intimidator' is used and the first person to consume and show a clear mouth is the winner.

David Littlewood, general manager at Eastnor Castle, said “We look forward to the Chilli Festival every year and the Chilli Eating Competition is a huge highlight both for us and for the crowd on the Valley Lawn. We can’t wait to see whether any contestants will be able to reach the Carolina Reaper this year.

"As always, we’ll make sure we supply the contestants with plenty of milk to help cool their mouths down once they are knocked out of the competition.”

Tickets for the Eastnor Chilli Festival are available to purchase online from eastnorcastle.com

Pre-booking is highly recommended as tickets are limited and Eastnor Castle are unable to guarantee there will be any available on the day.

Tickets cost £11 for adults, £7 for children and £30 for families (two adults and three children).

Gates are open from 11am until 5.30pm both days.