British Open freestyle BBQ champion crowned

Smoke and Fire Festival 2023: A Culinary Odyssey Returns to Maldon's Promenade Park

This Bank Holiday weekend, Promenade Park in Maldon, Essex, was a mecca for BBQ aficionados. The three-day extravaganza featured an irresistible blend of BBQ, bourbon, and live music, drawing thousands to relish in the festivities.

The event was graced by the presence of BBQ luminary Tuffy Stone, adding a touch of celebrity expertise to the proceedings. Notable appearances also included Marcus Bawdon of the UK BBQ School and Countywoodsmoke, as well as Mat Burgess, known as MatBlak, and Jay Beamont from Meatstock Australia, among other distinguished talents.

This year's Smoke and Fire Festival proved once again that when it comes to mouthwatering BBQ and a vibrant atmosphere, Maldon is the place to be.

A standing ovation for Hog and Beyond, who dominated Day One's Steak Cookoff Association Freestyle Rounds, winning all three categories in their inaugural competition. Kudos to the Bullet Brothers BBQ Team for taking home the SCA Steak trophy.

Day Two was no less exhilarating as we shifted focus to The Great British Open BBQ Championships. Special congratulations to the Reserve Grand Champions, Kamado UK—a team not only competing for the first time but also having recently come together as a team the weekend belonged to Team Wonky Donkey who romped home to win the title of British Open Freestyle BBQ Champions™ 2023.

1st Wonkey Donkeys

2nd Kamado UK

3rd The Brisket Box

The British Open freestyle BBQ champion showdown is making waves in the contemporary culinary scene, signalling an upward trend with budding teams eager to make their mark on the competitive BBQ landscape. Stay tuned, as next year's dates will soon be unveiled, paired with thrilling new features. Behind the scenes, the Smoke and Fire team is diligently curating an experience that beautifully blends camaraderie, spirited competition, and the timeless joy of congregating around a sizzling grill.