Jerk Fest at Hackney Wick - what is it and when is it happening

Thousands of food lovers are expected to descend on Hackney Wick for the UK's first Jerk Fest.

The two-day celebration of Jamaican food and culture takes place over July 25 and July 26.

Grace Foods UK has teamed up with Black Eats London to bring the festival to east London with some of the UK's leading jerk vendors serving up dishes cooked with Grace jerk seasonings and marinades.

The Jamaican cuisine involves marinading meat over a long period then cooking over coals. (Image: Jerk Fest)

They will compete for the title of the UK's best jerk vendor with a public vote deciding the winner of the inaugural award.

Organisers hope the festival will inspire more people to explore Jamaican flavours and recreate some of the dishes at home with the likes of Grace Jamaican Honey Jerk Seasoning and Grace Jerk BBQ Marinade.

The festival will also offer the chance to discover recipes, cooking inspiration, and serving ideas around Jamaica's iconic culinary tradition of marinading meat in the likes of Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice - then grilling it over fire.

Kimberley Lue Lim, head of marketing at Grace Foods UK, said: "Jerk is one of Jamaica's greatest culinary exports, but many people in the UK still haven't experienced authentic jerk cooking or understand the traditions behind it.

The first UK Jerk Fest takes place in Hackney Wick this weekend with vendors vying to win the inaugural award. (Image: Jerk Fest)

"As the authentic Jamaican brand, we want to inspire more consumers to discover what real jerk is all about and show them how easy it is to enjoy those flavours at home.

"Partnering with Black Eats London on the UK's first Jerk Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Jamaican food, culture and community.

"Together, we're helping people experience authentic jerk while supporting the outstanding vendors who are keeping these traditions alive."

Jackson McLarty, founder of Black Eats London, said: "Jerk is so much more than great food – it's part of Jamaica's history, identity, and culture.

"UK Jerk Fest is about giving people the chance to experience authentic jerk in the way it should be enjoyed, while shining a spotlight on the incredible chefs and independent businesses who have dedicated themselves to keeping those traditions alive here in the UK."

Find out more at ukjerkfest.com.