BARBECUE enthusiasts will be in for a treat at FoodFest as a stage celebrating all things grilled will return to the family festival this year.

The Big BBQ Cookout Stage, hosted by Napoleon Grills, will feature live demonstrations, insider tips from experts, masterclasses from chefs and more.

Hosted by masters of the grill and 'Hang Fire BBQ’ Sam Evans and Shauna Guinn, otherwise known as the ‘First Ladies of Cue’, will be showcasing new barbecue 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 barbecue dishes that the whole family can enjoy over the summer, and stars a fiery line-up of grill masters.

This year’s 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 barbecue 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. 

CarFest, founded by DJ Chris Evans, will return for its 13th year at Laverstoke Park in Overton from August 23 to August 25.

Tickets are currently on sale at carfest.org.