A NEW festival is set to bring the taste of fire-cooked food to the countryside this summer.
The Meat Up Festival will take place at Ashley Showground in Altrincham from August 1 to 2, promising two days of live-fire cooking, British farming, and outdoor fun.
The event, described as the North’s first 'field-to-flame' festival, aims to celebrate food, countryside skills, and community connection for all ages.
Steve Crowe, a BBQ enthusiast and organiser of the festival, said: "Meat Up is more than a food event – it’s a cultural outdoor experience, bringing people together around fire, field and music.
"For the first time in the North, visitors can expect two days of high-energy atmosphere, flame-cooked food, countryside skills and unforgettable shared moments rooted in real fire and real connection."
At the heart of the festival will be the Fire Stage, featuring some of the UK’s top live-fire chefs and pitmasters, including Levi Roots, Genevieve Taylor, and Adam Purnell, who will showcase open-flame cooking and traditional techniques.
A dedicated Butchery Stage will offer demonstrations on meat preparation and butchery.
The entertainment extends beyond food, with a full programme of live music throughout the weekend.
Acts include Craig Charles, Ben Ottewell (Gomez), Mark Radcliffe, Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets), Bluetones Acoustic, and rising star Harleymoon Kemp.
A DJ and local talent stage will also highlight emerging performers from the region.
Festivalgoers can enjoy a range of experiences, including a free all-inclusive funfair, hot air balloon rides reaching 50 metres above the showground, and an outdoor cinema.
The event is designed to be family-friendly, with a Kids’ Zone offering storytelling, arts and crafts, an obstacle course, a petting zoo, and more hands-on activities.
Visitors can also explore a Farmers’ Market focused on local produce and field-to-fork transparency.
The Thatchers Cider Party will deliver a relaxed social area with a 'Chilled Ibiza' vibe, cider, and late-summer festival energy.
Ashley Showground is just minutes from the M56, 10 minutes from Altrincham train station, and less than 30 minutes from Manchester city centre.
Camping is available from Friday, July 31, with options for tents and live-in vehicles.
The festival supports The Farming Community Network and The Burnt Chef Project, raising awareness of mental health challenges in the farming and hospitality sectors.
Tickets are selling quickly, with discounts available for young farmers, students aged 21 and under, and Blue Light workers.
Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
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