REGISTRATION
Two chefs cooking Jollof rice in a cook-off competition, with Chef Yaw stirring a pot and Chef Amara seasoning a pan on fire

Luton Baako Festival 2026 – Jollof Rice Competition

Who Makes the Best Jollof?

The Luton Baako Festival Jollof Rice Competition celebrates one of Africa’s most-loved dishes by bringing together talented home cooks, caterers, restaurants, and food businesses to showcase their signature jollof rice.

Whether your recipe represents family tradition or your own unique style, this is your opportunity to compete for the title of Luton Baako Festival Jollof Rice Champion 2026.

Competition Date: Saturday 15 August 2026

Venue: Marsh House, Leagrave Park, Bramingham Road, Luton LU3 2SR

Who Can Enter?

Applications are welcome from:

  • Home Cooks
  • Caterers
  • Restaurants
  • Food Businesses
  • Professional Chefs

Competition Requirements

To ensure fairness, all competitors must meet the following requirements:

  • Prepare one sample of your signature jollof rice for judging.
  • Present your jollof in a clean, food-safe container suitable for judging.
  • Complete the official competition registration form.
  • Provide a full ingredient list.
  • Declare all allergens contained within the dish.
  • Bring your prepared jollof sample to the festival during the allocated competitor check-in period. Full arrival details will be sent after registration.

Judging Criteria

A panel of invited VIP judges and dignitaries will assess each entry using the following criteria:

  • Taste
  • Look

The judges’ decision will be final.

Awards

The competition will recognise the top three entries.

🏆 Luton Baako Festival Jollof Rice Champion 2026
The overall winner will receive the Luton Baako Festival Winners Cup.

🥈 Second Place

🥉 Third Place

All winners will be announced during the festival.

What You’ll Need

Before completing your registration, please have the following information ready:

  • Contact details
  • Business name (if applicable)
  • Country or style of jollof represented
  • Full ingredient list
  • Allergen declaration
  • Any cross-contamination notes

Registration Deadline

10 August 2026

How to Register

Complete the Jollof Rice Competition Registration Form below or download below and send to BAAKOFESTIVAL@theghanasocietyuk.com.

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Thank you for registering.

Thank you for registering for the Luton Baako Festival Jollof Rice Competition. A member of the festival team will contact you with competitor instructions, arrival time and next steps.

Register to take part in the Luton Baako Festival Jollof Rice Competition. Competitors must bring a prepared jollof sample on the day for VIP judging and must provide full ingredient and allergen information.

Are you entering as:(required)
Allergen Declaration – choose all that apply(required)

Download
Apply online

Stay Updated

Register your interest to receive updates about:

  • Jollof Rice Competition
  • Caribbean Rum Cake Competition
  • Festival programme
  • Live entertainment
  • Performers
  • Vendors
  • Family activities
  • Festival announcements

Register here:

https://baakofestivalluton.org/register-your-interest-baako-festival-2026

Follow Luton Baako Festival

Website
www.baakofestivalluton.org

Facebook
@LutonBaakoFestival

Instagram
@baakofestival

Hashtag
#LutonBaakoFestival

Important Information

  • Entry to the festival is FREE.
  • Competition places are limited and subject to approval.
  • Competitors are responsible for ensuring all ingredient and allergen information is accurate.
  • By entering the competition, you consent to photography and videography during the event for promotional purposes.
  • The organisers reserve the right to amend competition arrangements where necessary.

Contact Us

Email: Info@baakofestivalluton.org

Website: www.baakofestivalluton.org

We look forward to celebrating the incredible flavours, traditions and diversity of African cuisine with you at the Luton Baako Festival 2026.