LANSON Grill Fest, held on Saturday, is the newest festival on the fast-growing barbecue scene.

Organisers Firebrand Bar and Restaurant, Firebrand Brewing Co and Penpont Brewery, said it was so successful that meat and beer had to be re-stocked four times.

Owner Joe Thomson said: “We were gutted when we had to postpone Lanson Grill Fest in May due to high winds and heavy rain, but the enormous success of Saturday’s event shows we definitely made the right decision.

“Barbecuing isn’t about charred sausages and undercooked chicken, it’s about cooking over live fire using charcoal and wood, whether it’s smoking large joints of meat low and slow, or char grilling fresh seafood and much more.”

Just Pigs, No 8, Jericho’s, Bangers on the Go, Proper Pancakes, Sizzle Grills and Clio’s Van du Vin all joined Firebrand and Penpont to share their take on Cornish barbecue and drink.

The crowds clearly enjoyed it, resulting in an almost complete sell out. Art and craft stalls from Paige’s Paintings, Eccentric Ella, Diane Short and Karen Farrington provided entertainment, along with face painting from Encore Kids, performances from McQueen’s Theatre School, graffiti by Dorian Weeks, music by the Big Dog Boogie Band and circus skills and fire displays from Feral Fairy.

Joe added: “People keep saying our events are exactly what Launceston needs more of, so we’re putting on Launceston Family Fun Day on Saturday (August 1) and the third Launceston Beer Festival on Saturday, August 22, both in the town square.”

Thanks were expressed to Launceston Voluntary First-Aid Service whose members supported the festival and helped ensure everyone had a safe day out.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.