We've all heard about Mr Potato Head but what is a chilli head, and how do you know when you have become one? Andy Lynes has given the question a great deal of thought, as you might expect from someone who is serious about their chillies. Andy is an author and freelance food, drink and travel writer. His work appears regularly in The Times, The Daily Telegraph and The Independent.

More about the author

He has reviewed restaurants for the Metro and the Guardian, and is currently a member of the 60SecondReviews.com team. Andy is also a contributing editor to Seasoned by Chef's magazine, and food and drink editor of Zuri magazine. He writes regularly for Host, the pub and bar magazine, and The Caterer. As well, he has contributed to a number of books, including two editions of Where Chefs Eat and the Oxford Companion to Food.

Chilli heads at West Dean

West Dean Chilli Fiesta 2015 is the place to be for anyone who is a hot food fanatic. With over 250 varieties of our favourite fiery fruit on show in the Gardens and over 180 stalls displaying great chilli-based delights over the 3 day event, there's plenty for the chilli head to get stuck in to. Andy Lynes knows all about what makes chilli fans tick and this is your chance to witness what the ultimate chilli enthusiast has to offer.

His second book, How to be a Chilli Head (Portico, May 2015) is full of obscure and bizarre chilli facts, fun features, recipes, hints & tips and is "the essential guide to the wild and wonderful world of the chilli head". Andy will be appearing at the 20th Anniversary Chilli Fiesta at West Dean Gardens, and sharing his recommendations.

At the Fiesta:

Discover the easiest chilli varieties to grow at home and how to cook with them (Andy also reached the semi-finals of BBC TV's MasterChef)

Watch some of the best and funniest chilli-related YouTube clips in 'You've Been Pained'.

Create your own chilli brand with the Random Chilli Sauce Name Generator.

Win a signed copy of How to be a Chilli Head in an on-the-spot chilli quiz.

***COMPETITION TIME!***

Follow us and comment on this blog or on social media for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Chilli Fiesta on Friday 7th August and get your hands on your own copy of How to be a Chilli Head.

Twitter: Simply log in and tweet "I'm a chilli head!" using the hashtag #chilliheadcomp and handle @westdeangardens.

Facebook: Like us at www.facebook.com/wdejf and post on our timeline "I'm a chilli head!"

That's all there is to it! All names will be entered in to a prize draw and 3 lucky chilli heads will win a pair of tickets and their own copy of this sizzling-hot book!

The winners will be contacted directly via this blog, twitter or facebook upon the competition closing date…

Please read the competition terms & conditions for more details

West Dean Gardens Chilli Fiesta celebrates 20 years this year (7- 9 August 2015) with a spectacular firework display on Saturday night. It has grown from humble beginnings in 1995 to become something of a national treasure. Chillies take centre stage as celebrity chefs demonstrate their favourite recipes, with a chilli twist. Around 22,000 people come to the family-friendly summer festival to enjoy live music, food and entertainment, with many camping in the spectacular grounds in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Andy Lynes will be appearing at Chilli Fiesta (Friday 7 and Saturday 8 August). www.andylynes.com Follow @andylynes

For full information and to book tickets visit www.westdean.org.uk/chilli.