FROM humble backyard beginnings, a Hampshire festival based on all the delights of the Notting Hill Carnival, is back bigger and better than ever before. 

Jerk Jam returns next month, following a Covid-induced hiatus, to a new home at Pinkmead Farm, near Botley. 

The festival features a set from Pete Devereux, who as an original member of Artful Dodger, was one of the figureheads of the UK garage movement, releasing the smash hit 1999 track Re-Rewind with Craig David.

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Also on the bill are The Allergies & Channel One, special guest General Lvy, King Tubby's, Kurupt fm's Danny Rankin, DJ Mickey Finn, and many more artists. 

The event centres around the popular BBQ Battle, a unique competition that takes place in a large purpose built boxing ring sporting authentic jerk pans, sound system, DJs and MCs. Chefs battle it out to take home the title.

There are two other music stages with an eclectic mix of local and international artists and DJs from the worlds of reggae, soul, funk, ohuse, hip hop and folk.

The likes of Aswad, Omar, Shola Ama, Norman Jay MBE, Grooverider, Dawn Penn, General Levy, Kevin Rowland Altern-8 and many many more have all performed there.

The mission of Jerk Jam is to provide a safe, inclusive, reasonably priced truly creative space in which families can enjoy the vibrant multi cultural flair and fun of the South coast’s diverse community.

It all started when a group of DJs and music fans with an obsession for all things Notting Hill carnival went about hosting a yearly BBQ competition for friends and family which soon evolved through popularity and word of mouth into a fully fledged music festival.

The Jerk Jam ran for five years on a site in Fareham and forged a solid reputation amongst festival goers as the go-to family event of the summer.

The festival has previously been nominated for best grassroots and best boutique UK festival awards.

Jerk Jam now includes camping and takes place on Saturday July 22.

Tickets are on sale now.