Things are heating up at The B.East on Lygon Street, the official home of the Melbourne Chilli Eating Championship. On Sunday, March 20, 24 brave souls will put their lives on the line in this searing hot contest to find Melbourne's steeliest tastebuds.

Doors open at noon, with the main event kicking off at 2pm. The contest consists of two heats and a final, with things getting progressively spicier as the competition intensifies. Participants can be eliminated by tapping out, passing out or vomiting their guts up – although, hopefully it doesn't come to that. It starts with fresh pods and spicy food, progresses to jalapeños and all culminates with the consumption of the Carolina Reaper.

If you'd like to partake, you need to sign up in person at The B.East. And sign a waiver, of course. If you'd like to just watch, it's free to be a spectator.

In addition to the championship, there'll be a special spicy menu available from 12pm (including spicy burgers, drinks and snacks). There'll also be live bands and DJs from 7pm once the comp has wrapped up.