BLAZE up the coals, plug in the amps and turn up the heat for the annual festival celebrating all things Caribbean.

The colourful one-day Jerk Jam returns this month with some of the finest reggae acts around.

Inspired by London’s Notting Hill festival, the event is a bid at getting music and food lovers together for a day packed full of “explosive sights, sounds and tastes.”

And this year it’s gloves off as chefs battle it out in a boxing ring for a live cooking battle over very hot coals.

With three stages, booming sound systems and the “biggest line-up yet” organisers are promising a “a real treat for the senses.”

This year’s line up includes reggae legends Aswad, as well as Kevin Rowland, Ratpack, DJ Luck and McNeat, and Nicky Blackmarket, as well as an eclectic mix of new and established local bands and talent.

As well as bars, food, and world class music, organisers say family unity is at the heart of the Jerk Jam ethos.

The festival provides arts, crafts and kid’s entertainment through the day, including fairground rides, bouncy castles, a rodeo bull, face painting by “renowned” body artists, interactive graffiti walls, games, magicians, and a Punch and Judy show.

The event takes place on July 22, at Titchfield’s Hound Hill Farm, from 11.30 am. There are camping facilities available.