A FOOD festival in Maldon has just been given the green light by the largest international barbeque society.

The Maldon Smoke and Fire Festival which took place earlier this year have secured the approval of the Kansas City BBQ Society.

This will turn up the heat on competitions next year as teams from Europe and the US can join in and share their culinary skills.

A spokesman said: “At the heart of our alternative food, festival is a competition that allows individual BBQ teams made up of up to five members to compete in four cooking categories: beef, chicken, pork ribs, pork and beef brisket.

"This will be with sole aim of becoming the grand champion and going on to compete in the World Food Championships held in Alabama.

“Now the organisers of the festival have stepped the event up a gear by secure the sanctioning of the largest society of barbeque enthusiast in the world.

“This year visitors can expect to see teams from across Europe and possibly even a couple from the USA.

“We are delighted to have secured this for the festival as it means that we have been recognised as one of the top BBQ events in the country.

“We have already had enquiries from a couple European teams requesting entry details and a couple of potential large sponsors which will is bound to increase tourism and interest in the Maldon.

“Next year we will be launching the festival on a Friday with an all ticket event and entertainment yet to be announced.”

The festival attracted more than 18,000 visitors this year.

The Maldon Smoke and Fire Festival with take place on August 16 to August 18 next year.

For details, email info@smokeandfirefestval.com.