Award winning Smoke and Fire Festivals (S&F) – the UK’s largest BBQ and outdoor cooking festivals celebrating the art of cooking with fire – are back this summer, promising to be even bigger and better with unique experiences and several firsts for foodie fans.
Fresh from its success at Ascot, the team transfers to Promenade Park in Maldon for the weekend (16-17thAugust). Top talent from across the culinary world, including chefs such as BBC’s Saturday Kitchen Matt Tebbutt alongside Argentinian Grill Master Al Frugoni, plus others from Mexico and Brazil will be showcasing their skills to festival goers bringing a new Latin American vibe.
Check out The Schultze Pit Rooms – the nations very first Texas style pit room pop up that makes its debut in Maldon. Three decades of BBQ legends and world-champion pitmasters are descending on Essex to celebrate ‘flame kissed’ meats, mouth-watering sides and the rich, smoky traditions of Texas barbecue.
The American theme continues as the team plays host to a series of American classic cars. Visitors can see for themselves a range of vintage and iconic cars showcasing the golden age of automotive design and engineering. Expect to see gleaming chrome, powerful engines, and a strong sense of nostalgia as owners and enthusiasts alike share their passion for these timeless machines.
Visitors will find award-winning street food vendors, pop-up restaurants in BBQ Alley, which showcases the latest BBQs, equipment and accessories. There’s even room for the British Army who will be talking about chef careers and other opportunities. The family and dog friendly event (check out the Bark Park area) is a must for food and drink enthusiasts – and with music from Top Loader and a brit pop ‘battle of the bands’ with tributes Blurd vs Shoasis music fans will feel the party vibe all weekend.
Latin and South American Quarter with TACOVER
A new Latin and South American Quarter in collaboration with TACOVER, the UK’s largest taco festival. Food lovers will have the chance to enjoy a variety of bold and unique flavour combinations from some of the best Latin and South American street food vendors. Watch them compete for Best Margarita and Best Taco in the National Taco Awards, plus there’s the hilarious Tortilla Slap Challenge and the fiery Hot Taco Challenge – entertainment with a kick!
Asado Grill Master Demonstration Stage
Live-fire cooking takes centre stage when legendary chefs make their UK debuts. Bringing their authentic culinary styles and expertise to the stage,
Al Frugoni, a renowned Argentinian grill master and Salva la Cocina, a viral sensation from Castelar, Argentina will star alongside fire chefs from Mexico, Venezuela, and Brazil.
Ember Lounge
Experience exclusive live-fire dining at The Ember Lounge. This unique and immersive atmosphere away from the main festival excitement offers guests the chance to enjoy menus designed by invited fire maestros from across the globe, making it an unmissable culinary highlight.
Music Line Up
Headlining on Saturday 16th August is one of UK’s favourite bands Top Loader. There are also tribute Britpop bands Blurd vs Shoasis who will battle it out on stage plus the MyWinehouse tribute to Amy is on stage on the Sunday 17th August.
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There’s the Real Ale and Cider Festival, Fire Pit Club VIP lounges with Champagne and cocktails, plus DJs and music to help the party vibe. What’s more, families can enjoy fairground rides, bouncy castles, Roaming entertainers, and a thrilling bucking rodeo bull contest for the brave! Plus for those brave enough and wanting to test their own eating skills – check out the extreme chilli and hot wing eating challenges.
And exclusive to Maldon is the British Open Freestyle BBQ Championships™: Let battle commence! With a cash prize and thousands worth of BBQ equipment and accessories, there’s a new incentive for participants. The winner of the British Open Freestyle BBQ Championships™ will earn the chance to compete at the World Food Championships in Indiana USA during November with a prize purse of $300,000 up for grabs plus it’s a huge opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage!
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Buy tickets for Maldon now directly from the website or Ticketmaster https://www.smokeandfirefestival.com/tickets/ starting from £20. Camping packages available exclusively at Maldon too.
