THE Big Meat’s back, bigger and better, with a new location next to the Rural Life Centre in Tilford, near Farnham on the August bank holiday weekend.

Over Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28, the festival has got something for everyone, celebrating all things barbecue from low and slow cooking of the American deep south, through to Argentinian asado, Caribbean jerk and not forgetting the humble British banger.

With demonstrations both days from Simon Dyer, winner of ITV’s BBQ Champ, showing how to make homemade ‘Ugly Drum Smoker’, and also from the reigning Grillstock champion, Priscilla Queen of the Firepit, displaying her popular barbecue recipes.

Visitors can also learn about and taste authentic Argentine grilling, tasty fresh pizza on Go Cook Outdoor’s pizza oven range, and low and slow barbecue basics from a host of barbecue experts.

The Big Meat has also arranged two days of live music including international funk sensations, Redtenbacher’s Funkestra, cajun and zydeco super group The Pistol Shrimps and blues from The Nat Martin Band from London.

And on the three string transponder, Seasick Steve tribute ‘Sicknote Steve’ will be playing his Dog House Boogie. Check out the website for the full lineup.

Festival goers can bring their own non-disposable barbecue and cook up some tasty treats by using on-site meat, or alternatively visitors can choose from the selection of on-site barbecue caterers who will be serving up some of the best barbecues in the country.

Wash it down with award winning ales from Frensham Brewery, cold craft lager or french wine courtesy of Gout de France.

For those feeling adventurous there will be some South Carolinian moonshine from Shine London or nitrogen infused cold brew coffee from Frank and Earnest.

Pick up barbecue goodies like spices, rubs and sauces from BBQ Gourmet and Chobham’s Jimmy Ginger’s Fine Chilli Products.

Woking’s Skyco will also be selling their range of hard to get American imported groceries too and Go Cook Outdoors and Bristol Drum Smokers will have a display of grills, ovens and smokers for sale.

A new addition to this year’s event is an IBQN (International Barbecue Network) sanctioned barbecue competition, with more than 20 teams cooking over the weekend in five different categories to be crowned grand champion.

With dishes being turned in on Sunday lunchtime visitors can grab a taste of each team’s entries in the competition area.

Leo Mansell, The Big Meat co-organiser, said: “Last year was fantastic but this year is going to be hard to beat. We’re so excited to have such a varied range of barbecue in one place, let alone the great music and everything else that’s going on.”

Camping is available both Saturday and Sunday night for a small fee and with a family friendly atmosphere the team will have plenty of things to keep their little guests busy.

James Lowe, The Big Meat co-organiser, added: “Barbecue is so popular now, it seems to be everywhere at the moment. The Big Meat though will show you what authentic barbecue is, not the mass produced shop bought ‘cue that’s going around.”