Get packing

GRILL POWER

The barbecue takes centre stage at three wild summer events with American master of smoke, Weber, offering free lessons at its Grill Academy. Seek out the sizzle at Big Feastival, the foodie frolic from Jamie Oliver and Blur bassist and gentleman farmer Alex James, right, at the latter’s Cotswolds estate (August 26-28). Jamie will also cook along with everyone from Raymond Blanc to Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain.

There’s also the American-style barbecue frenzy Grillstock, at Bristol Harbourside (July 2-3), and CarFest North, a high-octane mix of motoring and music (sausages

Squeeze) led by Chris Evans, at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire (July 29-31). Got the taste? There are Weber courses at 16 cookery schools, from North London’s hip butchers, Meat N16, to Dublin’s Cooks Academy. weberbbq.co.uk

SMOKE SIGNAL

Now you’ve got the knowledge you really can dispose of those naff disposable barbecues and invest in this hip portable Weber, great for the beach, country picnics or camping. The Colour Q1200 is sturdy but light and folds down for easy transport. It comes in five cool shades, including fuchsia, below, and is easy to operate, running off a standard camping gas canister. £249.99. Stockists: as above.

SLEEP LIKE A LOG

You won’t need a barbie if you go posh camping at Embers (0345 257 2267/emberscamping.co.uk)... it’s so rustic-chic that you get a personal log-burning firepit. All three Embers sites are on country estates – the latest opens in July at the National Trust’s Polesden Lacey in Surrey, joining those at Beaulieu in Hampshire’s New Forest, and Bentley, East Sussex. Take your tent or lord it with the concierge service, renting all the gear. Two nights for a family of four from £84.