A Dorset garden centre is promising a fun-packed day of game-changing cooking methods with its inaugural ‘Grill Fest’.

Stewarts Garden Centre in Christchurch says next month’s event will provide an opportunity to level up outdoor cooking skills with guidance from the BBQ and pizza oven professionals.

It will also allow you to enjoy delectable samples from the outdoor cooking brands as well as many local food and drink companies.

The festival takes place on Saturday June 29 and Sunday  June 30 from 11am to 4pm in the garden centre’s back yard event space.

Also on the menu will be live music from local bands and musicians together with plenty of free samples of grilled food, drinks, pizzas and feasts cooked on fire bowls.

The bar will have local drink brands to sample and purchase including cocktails made by Southbourne-based CONKER Distillery, local brews from Hampshire-based Pig Beer and Powder Monkey Brewing Co and Purbeck Cider.

Amy Stewart, Marketing Manager, said: “We are really excited to be launching our Grill Fest and are urging everyone to come along with friends and family to enjoy a superb afternoon out, live music and the many mouth-watering options that will be on offer.

“There will be live cooking demonstrations and a chance to ‘try before you buy’ on some of the current, hottest outdoors brands such as Christchurch-based Gozney pizza ovens, and Ooni, Kadai, Weber, Traeger, YETI and more. 

“If you’re wondering which is the perfect pizza oven for you, or looking to move from gas to smoky wood pellet BBQing, Grill Fest is a brilliant opportunity to get involved in the products that you’re considering buying and seeing and understanding first-hand how to maximise their potential with an amazing range of cooking accessories.

“There will be exclusive offers on the day including a free drink if you buy a YETI cup or bottle.

“There’s also £20 back for a £100 spend and £40 back with a £200 spend on outdoor cooking products and YETI*.

“We will be running a raffle in aid of our charity of the year, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, with some fabulous opportunities to win YETI gear, like their famous coolboxes, drinkwear and caps as well as Lafuma chairs and more.

“An event not to be missed this summer with something for everyone, including face painting for the kids and an ice cream stall, we would really love you to come along for this fun afternoon out.”

Tickets are available online at www.stewarts.co.uk/GrillFest and are priced at £20 for adults and £5 for under 18s.

Until June 22 tickets are half price.

Ticket sales are limited.

 * Ts&Cs apply, see Stewarts’ website for details.