BBQ enthusiasts are in for a treat at FoodFest, with The Big BBQ Cookout Stage hosted by Napoleon Grills at this year’s CarFest presented by bp pulse, taking place from the 23rd-25th August at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire - the perfect activity for anyone already excited about the upcoming National BBQ Week (3rd - 9th June).
Get ready for a BBQ masterclass like no other, as the festival returns to serve up a feast of grilled delights, complete with live BBQ demonstrations, insider tips from renowned experts, the secret to mastering the perfect BBQ char, and much more.
The stage is once again hosted by Napoleon Grills, a brand synonymous with all things BBQ, and recognised globally as premium manufacturers of barbecue grills and experts in gas, infrared and charcoal grilling. This year, they are not just bringing the char, but are also offering guests a look at their varied product range, exclusive discounts on-site on grills, cooking accessories, and just about anything you need to turn into a distinguished pitmaster.
Hosted by masters of the grill and 'Hang Fire BBQ’ Sam Evans & Shauna Guinn, otherwise known as the ‘First Ladies of Cue’, will be showcasing brand new BBQ recipes made exclusively with Napoleon Grills, demonstrated live for the first time to CarFest audiences. The Big BBQ Cookout offers guests the opportunity to learn how to whip up delicious BBQ dishes that the whole family can enjoy over the summer, and stars a fiery line-up of grill masters.
This year’s BBQ line-up is hotter than ever with a host of some of the most established TV chefs including Angela Hartnett, Michael Caines, Atul Kochhar, Omar Allibhoy, Cyrus Todiwala, Glynn Purnell and Lisa Goodwin Allen standing comfortably alongside an exciting, fire-ready brigade of young stars.
At just 17, Aston Prideaux has already been an apprentice under two Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge. Exploring cuisine of the Balkans and beyond, Macedonian chef Irina Janakievska brings her stunning style of cooking exclusively to The Big BBQ Cookout, showcasing an array of dishes which channel a long line of amazing women in her family with a talent for beautiful food.
Adding a kick of Texas flavour to proceedings, Big Nath brings his award winning unique brand of live fire cooking to the stage. Great British Menu winner and Michelin star chef Nathan Davies will be sharing his love of foraged produce cooked simply over fire to The Big BBQ Cookout Stage.
Finally, Tunde Suyaman - the creative mind behind the eponymous Suyaman brings his Nigerian heritage to the grill, serving up West African flavours, introducing guests to the rich culinary heritage of Nigeria.
Also joining the line-up are two culinary powerhouses, Omar Allibhoy and James Sharp. Omar, the talented Spanish chef and author who continues to create a buzz within the UK food scene, brings a dash of Mediterranean flair to the festivities, as he brings to life his best-selling cookbooks and critically acclaimed restaurant. Meanwhile, James' eclectic culinary journey has seen him go from the Alps to Michelin-starred restaurants, via MasterChef: The Professionals’ in 2023, infusing the BBQ scene with a touch of fine dining. He will be showcasing this skill at FoodFest by cooking his infamous hash browns over the flames much to the crowd’s delight.
Beyond the food, CarFest also boasts a star-studded music line-up, sure to get everyone from parents to kids queuing to get on the dancefloor. Guests can rock and roll like never before, as the stage will be set on fire with the legendary talents of former Verve lead singer Richard Ashcroft; lead singer of Scissor Sisters Jake Shears; and guitar virtuoso Johnny Marr of The Smiths. The star-studded line-up also includes X Factor icon Olly Murs; Eurovision heavyweight Sam Ryder; queen of British soul Beverley Knight; pop rock legends Scouting for Girls; reggae pop fusion pioneers UB40 ft Ali Campbell and many more.
Building on the triumph of last year, CarFest presented by bp pulse, which was founded by Virgin Radio breakfast presenter Chris Evans, returns for its 13th year, bringing back its now firmly established and loved seven magical festivals: AdventureFest, FoodFest, KidsFest, RetroFest, SpaFest, StarFest and, of course, CarFest, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Since its inception in 2012, CarFest’s core mission has been to raise funds for UK children's charities. In 2024, the festival will be supporting BBC Children in Need, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, My Black Dog, Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Young Epilepsy, and local Hampshire-based charity Naomi House & Jacksplace.
Tickets are currently on sale at www.carfest.org.
