UK Jerk Fest, one of the largest jerk chicken festivals in the country, will see 11 vendors from across the UK descend on Hackney Bridge in Hackney Wick this summer. The event takes place on July 25 and 26, 2026, with over 6,000 people expected to attend and help crown the best jerk vendor in the UK.
Festival details and pricing
All vendors will price their jerk chicken at £6.50, emphasizing taste and quality over cost. The lineup includes Maureen's Brixton Kitchen and other top vendors offering jerk prawns and jerk oxtail mac and cheese. Three awards will be presented: Best Jerk in the UK and Jerk Innovation, decided by public vote, and the Judge's Choice, selected by a panel of respected figures from Caribbean food culture.
Founder's inspiration and mission
The festival is presented by Black Eats LDN, a platform founded by Jackson Mclarty. Mclarty moved to Jamaica at age 11 and spent his early years there, experiencing authentic jerk chicken firsthand. After returning to Jamaica in March 2026, he was inspired to create UK Jerk Fest. "Jamaican culture has a platform in the UK through music, but the jerk food scene has become predictable and the history has been lost. This isn't just about eating jerk without context; it's about understanding the journey behind it. This festival is long overdue. We're building our own table," Mclarty said.
Cultural and educational aspects
Mclarty emphasized the diversity of jerk styles across Jamaica, noting that the island is only 150 miles wide but boasts a massive range of recipes. "Jerk also goes beyond a seasoning, as it was a survival technique. People will learn that at the festival, as well as who the best vendor is in the UK," he added. "Spending 5 years growing up in Jamaica, this festival is personal for me. I know what authentic jerk is and how it should be represented, and coming back to the UK without seeing that, I want to revive it and uphold the standard."
Entertainment and activities
Beyond food, the festival will feature live music and DJs playing reggae, dancehall, lovers rock, and more. A marketplace, community-focused activities, and entertainment will also be available. Black Eats LDN, launched in August 2020, is a food and culture platform that champions, showcases, and celebrates Black-owned businesses, created in response to a lack of spotlight on Black-owned restaurants in mainstream media.
Ticket information and session splits
Tickets are available for purchase on the website at final release pricing. Entry is free for under-3s. Sessions are split into two: a relaxed daytime experience suitable for all ages from 12-4pm, and an 18+ evening session from 5-9pm with DJs and livelier crowds. The venue is cleared between sessions, and staying across both is not permitted; tickets are required for each individual session.
