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Preview: Grillstock festival
Grillstock Festival has announced full details of the UK’s biggest BBQ and music festival taking place this weekend, July 2-3, on Bristol’s Harbourside. Expect meat, music, and redneck revelry with a soundtrack provided by the Levellers, Cuban Brothers and The Stranglers.
‘King of the Grill’, a US-style low ‘n’ slow BBQ competition that kick-started the festival, involves 30 teams firing up their grills to battle it out for the crown. Click here to meet some of the Bristol teams competing.
The cooking will begin on the Friday night as the teams get ready to cook through the night, keeping a close eye on the glowing embers to make sure the food they serve up is cooked to perfection.
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Alongside a huge selection of smokey, Southern tastes and delights comes foot-stomping music from blues-rock to Mexican mariachi.
Folk-rockers The Levellers headline on Saturday night, after the crowds have been delighted by Indie boys, The Fratellis. Sunday sees The Cuban Brothers ready to get people in the dancing mood, before British legends The Stranglers take to the stage.
The Americana festival brings the best of the Deep South to the west of England, but keeps with its roots local, as restaurant and festival founder Ben Merrington explained: “We like to promote local bands as there are so many around that are the right style of music, which is key. Food and drink-wise, we serve varieties from all over the world, as well as local beers, ciders and meats which are too good to miss out. The festival really is created from our own style that can’t be defined. It’s Grillstock style.”
Smoke will fill the air, mingling with the sounds of New Orleans as revellers will find beer showcases, eating competitions, Weber’s grill academy – including demonstrations – and a whole host of traders selling their delights, from hog fries, pork carnitas and chicken wraps of French’s Street Food to brisket, baby back ribs and pulled pork served by Hays Smokehouse. A delight for the senses around every corner.
Ben continued: “We’re really looking forward to this years’ festival and it’s getting bigger every year. The simple format of food, drink and music. That’s what the people enjoy and what Grillstock is all about.”
Saturday and weekend tickets are now sold out but you can still bag a place on Sunday. For tickets visit: https://grillstock.co.uk/festival/
Photos – Paul Box
Read more: Kings of the grill