Counting down to the festival, the organisers are now on their annual hunt for the bravest, spice-loving Brummies to take part in the infamous chilli eating competition.

Up to 20 contestants will compete to see who can stomach some of the world’s hottest chillies; all in a bid to be crowned the 2016 Chilli King or Queen. Places for the competition are now open and are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. As well as the honour of being crowned champion, the winner will receive a Chilli Festival t-shirt and arguably the best prize for the event to date – a year of free meals at wagamama in Brindleyplace!

Alex Perrins, Marketing Executive for Bilfinger GVA’s Destination Marketing team who manage marketing and events across Brindleyplace, said: “Forget about July being the hottest month on record, September will see temperatures reach scorching heights as competitors battle it out in the fiery competition”.

There will be plenty going on to attract those with milder taste buds too, the Birmingham Chilli Festival will host a chilli themed food and drink market, live music and family-friendly entertainment. The festival will take place between 11am and 7pm on Saturday 17 September in Central Square at Brindleyplace, with some of the market stalls opening a day earlier, on Friday 16 September, to help people prepare for the main event.

Sam Lawrence, Director of Property Management for Brindleyplace, said: “In 2015, the Chilli Festival was the busiest day of the year at Brindleyplace given how much there is for people to enjoy, so we’re expecting there to be huge demand for the challenge and would encourage anyone wishing to take part to get in touch sooner rather than later.”

Alongside this year’s Chilli Festival, West Midlands Fire Service and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity will be raising temperatures in the bandstand at Brindleyplace with an endurance-testing Hamster Wheel Challenge. From 5pm on Friday 16th September, 50 of the region’s firefighters and paramedics will each run for one hour in full kit on a human hamster wheel in aid of Birmingham-based blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia, in addition to MAAC and the Firefighters Charity.

The Chilli Festival, which is free to attend, is one of Brindleyplace’s flagship summer events, aimed at bringing together the local community. Other events that Brindleyplace has organised this year include the Film Festival, summer markets, live music and the ever popular fundraiser – the Dragonboat race.