A POPULAR barbecue festival is set for its return to Maldon at the weekend.

The Smoke and Fire Barbecue Festival will be back at Promenade Park on Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Monday.

The event was last held in Maldon in 2019 before moving to Colchester's Castle Park.

But now the event is back, with the aim of providing a huge range of meats as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

The festival announced its return to Maldon back in December last year.

There will be live music from Kaspar ‘Berry’ Rapkin and The Swamp Dogs on the live stage, performing in an electric blue and Chicago, Mississippi and southern boogie style.

There will be lots for visitors to get involved with at the event.

A festival spokesman said: “Who’s ready for a barbecue festival with a difference? Indulge in the aroma of grilled delights, laughter and the unmissable scent of barbecue.

“Feel the thrill of the cooking competitions and dare to be the last one standing in our X-treme eating challenges.

“Let your taste buds go wild with feast from the fire. Lose yourself in the live music, explore the kids' zone, watch our food demos and bask in the joy of being surrounded by friends and family.”