A Guide to the Best BBQ Food Festivals in the UK

Embrace your love of Western and Americana culture with a BBQ and food festival that brings the spirit of the Wild West to life. Picture a day filled with the rich, smoky aromas of barbecue, the sizzle of grills, and the lively sounds of music. Whether you're pulling on your best cowboy boots or simply soaking in the atmosphere, a BBQ food festival is the perfect way to embrace the flavours and fun of the Western lifestyle.

What to Wear to a BBQ Food Festival?

Why not embrace the Western spirit by checking out Ariat's latest range of western clothing? Choose a pair of durable yet stylish cowboy boots, paired with classic denim jeans and a western shirt or graphic tee for a casual vibe. Don't forget your wide-brimmed hat to shield you from the sun while adding a touch of authentic Western flair. With Ariat's high-quality, comfortable pieces, you'll be ready to enjoy the festival in true Western style.

Annual BBQ Events in the UK

Smoke and Fire Festival Ascot 

When: July 

Where: Ascot Racecourse

The Smoke and Fire Festival in Ascot celebrates the art of barbecue and outdoor cooking.

Held at the renowned Ascot Racecourse, this festival features an impressive lineup of top chefs, pitmasters, and fire cooks showcasing their skills with a variety of smoked and grilled delicacies. Attendees can also try delectable delights from award-winning street food vendors and pop-up restaurants, get up close with live fire and BBQ demos and shop unique finds at the Artisan Pavilion.

Smoke and Fire Festival Maldon

Where: August

When: Maldon, Essex

The Smoke and Fire Festival in Maldon is a celebration of outdoor cooking and culinary craftsmanship, set against the charming backdrop of this historic town.

The event highlights include the Great British Open Freestyle BBQ Championships, a myriad of award-winning street food traders and international pitmasters and fire cooks. The festival also includes a live music stage ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the event.

Big Grill Festival

When: August

Where: Herbert Park, Dublin

Big Grill is Ireland's largest BBQ and food festival, dedicated to the art of cooking over fire and smoke.

Held in Dublin the festival brings together the best Irish and international chefs, restaurants and barbecue experts. Beyond the food, Big Grill offers live music, cooking demonstrations, and interactive masterclasses, creating a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the primal joy of outdoor cooking.

Meatopia

When: August/September

Where: Tobacco Dock, Shadwell

Held annually at the hallowed London location of Tobacco Dock, Meatopia is a paradise for meat lovers, offering a mouthwatering array of dishes cooked over a live fire.

Founded in the US by Josh Ozersky and now brought to the UK, the festival brings together some of the world’s best chefs, pitmasters, and grilling experts to cook over open flames, using everything from traditional barbecue methods to modern culinary techniques. Meatopia also focuses on ethically sourced, sustainable meat and nose-to-tail cuisine that looks beyond the prime cuts, offering a holistic approach to enjoying and respecting the whole animal.

Abergavenny Food Festival

When: September

Where: Abergavenny

The Abergavenny Food Festival, held annually in the picturesque market town of Abergavenny, Wales, is a vibrant celebration of local and regional culinary delights.

The food festival transforms the charming town into a bustling hub of culinary activity, with stalls, pop-up restaurants, and food-related events spread throughout its streets and historic venues.

Visitors can expect hundreds of food stalls, cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs and food experts, workshops and family-friendly activities for the whole family. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Brecon Beacons, the festival’s scenic location enhances the overall experience, making it not just about food, but also about enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Sizzle Fest

When: September

Where: Millbrook, Southampton

Now in their fourth year, Sizzle Fest is an exciting food festival that celebrates the vibrant world of grilling, barbecue, and all things sizzling. 

Alongside the mouth-watering food, Attendees can also expect live entertainment and music, cooking demonstrations, and interactive activities for families and food enthusiasts alike.

Wing Fest

When: Multiple dates

Where: Multiple cities

Held in various locations across the UK, Wing Fest is the world's largest chicken wing festival and the ultimate celebration for chicken wing lovers.

Every year, Wing Fest showcases the best chicken wings the UK has to offer, with thousands of lucky ticket holders and a dedicated judging panel determining who truly makes the best wings. Attendees can also expect tones of entertainment for all the family with axe throwing, arcade games, eating challenges and plenty of live music. 

Interview With Sam and Shauna of Hang Fire BBQ

In an article celebrating Annual BBQ and Live Fire Events in the UK, it’s fitting that we also feature an interview with friends of Ariat, Sam and Shauna of Hang Fire BBQ 

Sam and Shauna are among the most award-winning fire chefs in the country, and their passion for barbecue and innovative approach to outdoor cooking have earned them numerous accolades, making them standout figures in the culinary scene. Read our interview with Shauna below.

What makes a great food festival?

Shauna: A great food festival brings together diverse, high-quality food, vibrant local culture, and a strong sense of community. The most memorable food festivals combine a great atmosphere, creativity, and interaction between chefs and festival goers.

What are your 3 favourite festivals?

Shauna: Our top three festivals are Meatopia in London for its celebration of flame-cooked meat with international chefs from around the globe, Pub in the Park for a laid-back family-friendly vibe combined with food from the best chefs in the UK, and Abergavenny Food Festival for showcasing the best of Welsh food and producers. Each offers a unique blend of food, people, and culture that keeps us coming back year after year.

How do European festivals compare with what you’ve seen in the US?

Shauna: European festivals often focus on showcasing local, artisanal ingredients and have a more intimate, community-centred atmosphere. In contrast, US festivals tend to be larger, with a big focus on innovation and pushing the boundaries of food experiences.

What do you love most about running Hang Fire?

Shauna: We love the creative freedom and the connection with our customers who appreciate the craft and passion behind what we do. The satisfaction of bringing people together over fire-cooked food is incredibly rewarding.

Top tip for cooking over flames?

Shauna: Control the heat and learn to manage the fire—don’t be in a rush. Using good-quality wood or charcoal is key, and always give the food time to develop deep, smoky flavours.

Why is Ariat the perfect choice to wear to a food festival?

Shauna: Ariat workwear combines durability and comfort, making it ideal for long days of cooking and interacting with festival-goers. It’s tough enough to handle the heat and whatever the British weather throws at us, while still looking wonderfully stylish.

Interview With Shane and Maisie Bagley of Weber

We also have a fantastic interview with the BBQ duo themselves Shane and Maisie Bagley of Weber, also friends of Ariat.

Known for their expertise and infectious enthusiasm for outdoor cooking, Shane and Maisie have made a significant mark on the BBQ scene. In our conversation, they share their insights on what makes a great BBQ, the qualities of a true Grill Master and what they love about Ariat clothing.

How would you describe being a Grill Master? 

Maisie: Being a Weber Grill Master means mastering the grill with precision and creativity, using top-tier equipment to craft flavourful dishes. You learn to control heat, timing, and technique, ensuring perfect grill marks and juicy results. As a Grill Master you’re part of a passionate community, always sharing tips and pushing grilling boundaries. Ultimately, it’s about creating unforgettable meals and moments outdoors.

Shane: It’s all about inspiring people to cook on a grill and showing them the easiest steps to get the best results.

What makes a great BBQ? 

Shane: First of all, some great friends to enjoy it. But for me I really like to see when the cook thinks beyond burgers and sausages, and maybe the sides and even dessert have been cooked on the grill.

Maisie: A great BBQ is all about combining flavour, technique, and atmosphere. It starts with quality ingredients and the right seasoning or marinades, bringing out rich, smoky flavours, especially with the right wood or charcoal. Mastering temperature control and cooking methods is key to ensuring juicy, tender meat with perfect char. Finally, the atmosphere—a laid-back gathering with friends, family, good music, and drinks—turns the BBQ into a memorable experience that goes beyond just great food.

What are your top tips for BBQ’ing or your signature dish?

Shane: Lid down as much as possible to help capture that smoky flavour into the food. Learn the difference between direct and indirect cooking and which is appropriate for the dish you're cooking and use a temp probe, especially when you’re starting out.

Maisie: I’m passionate about baking on a grill because it brings out a depth of flavour that simply can’t be replicated in a conventional oven. Whether it’s homemade bread, cakes, or desserts, the subtle smokiness from the grill adds a unique dimension to the baked goods. Grilling transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary, making the experience of baking outdoors even more enjoyable and delicious.

What events are you looking forward to in the coming year? 

Maisie: Over the next year, I’m especially excited about attending the World Food Championships in Indianapolis, which will be an amazing opportunity to see top-tier culinary talent from around the world compete. The energy and creativity at these events are unmatched, and I can’t wait to soak it all in. I'm also looking forward to some incredible country music festivals. Last year’s festivals were an absolute blast, with fantastic performances and a great atmosphere, so I know this year's will be even better. The mix of great food and live music is something I’m really eager to experience again!

Shane: This year we had a blast at the Long Road Festival and Black Deer

What do you love about Ariat products? 

Maisie: What I love about Ariat clothing as a Grill Master is how comfortable and durable they are for long days spent outside by the grill. Whether I'm tending to the fire or prepping food, the clothes let me move easily and handle the heat without worrying about wear and tear. They’re tough enough for the work, but still have a great fit and style, which makes me feel good while doing what I love. It’s gear I know I can rely on, whether I’m grilling or just spending time outdoors.

Shane: I live in the UK and my job is mostly based outside…often in the rain so the warm weatherproof clothing and its durability is my favourite part.