UK BBQ Events Calendar 2026
The UK BBQ scene is growing fast, with more events, open days, and cook‑ups than ever before. From backyard gatherings to national festivals, there’s plenty happening right across the country.
This page is my best shot at pulling everything together in one place — a simple, community‑driven calendar showing what’s on and where. No brand bias, no hidden agenda, just a shared love of great food and good company.
Before anyone starts moaning — I’m not listing every single paid masterclass that’s running around the UK. There are far too many of them, and this isn’t the place for commercial promos. This calendar focuses on open events that welcome everyone, not ticketed lessons or brand marketing exercises.
If you’re hosting a BBQ event that fits that vibe — open invite, community‑focused, and all about the food — send over the details. Let’s make this the go‑to list for BBQ lovers looking to get out, meet people, and enjoy some proper smoke and fire.
Meat Up Festival
Get ready for something seriously special – the first-ever Meat Up Festival is lighting up Ashley Showground, Cheshire on 1st–2nd August 2026, and trust me… this is gonna be next-level. A full weekend of live-fire cooking, British farming, butchery craft, banging tunes, and pure BBQ passion. With headline acts like Craig Charles, Levi Roots, and Inspiral Carpets, plus fire-cooked feasts from legends like Marcus Bawdon and Genevieve Taylor – it’s not just a food festival, it’s a full-blown flame-fuelled experience.
And here’s the kicker… I’ll be there with the FOURGE crew, slinging our finest flame-kissed bites, repping our gear, and bringing the heat. So come say hi, grab a plate, check out our kit, and join us around the fire. There’s camping, demos, butchery stages, hovercraft races (yep), axe throwing, country pursuits, a proper kids’ zone and more smoky flavour than you can shake a pork rib at. Meat Up ain’t just a name – it’s what we’re all doing. Let’s go!
