A BARBECUE festival is set to arrive in Colchester this summer after its debut was delayed due to the pandemic.

The Smoke and Fire Festival will take place in the Lower Castle Park in August.

The event had been held at Maldon’s Promenade Park for three years and attracted more than 18,000 visitors back in 2019.

It was due to move to Colchester last year but the Covid-19 pandemic halted plans.

It will take place from August 20 to 22 and feature the first ever British Open BBQ Championships.

The event, in aid of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, will see visitors feast at dozens of stalls.

There will also be open-fire cookery, live demonstrations and masterclasses.

Visitors will also be able to try hot wing and chilli eating competitions and enjoy live music and DJs.

There will also be an axe throwing competition, artisan producers and bars.

On Friday night, Oasish, the UK’s top Oasis tribute act will perform.

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The first British Open BBQ Championship will see 30 teams and individuals, with entries from the UK and Europe, compete to be crowned the undisputed British BBQ Champion.

Teams will compete in the contest cooking with eight categories including steak, ribs, plant-based and dessert, which will be judged on taste, tenderness, texture, creativity and skill.

Smoke and Fire festival director Ashley Peniston-Bird said: “Food cooked over fire has always created excitement, anticipation and a connection with our history and our nature, a time long before cookery became so complicated and rushed.

“Fire evokes relaxation, comfort, aroma, flavour as well as a sense of theatre, spectacle, celebration and feasting.

“Our aim at Smoke and Fire Festival is to tear up the rule book and create something that’s a taste sensation whilst delivering an engaging experience for each and every one of our visitors.

“We will be bringing all the excitement and flavour of food cooked over fire to Colchester this summer.”

Tickets for the Friday event cost £9 for adults and £4 for children.

Entry for Saturday and Sunday is £15 for adults and £4 for children.

Visit www.smokeandfirefestival.com.