The 18th National BBQ Week will take place from 26 May to 1 June 2014. The BBQ season signals warmer days and lighter evenings and the joie de vivre that brings!!

Inevitably most of us will stick with the tried and tested chicken, burgers and sausages, but this is the time to be experimental! Seafood is great on the barbie wrapped in foils and covered with herbs and lemon juice to make them extra delicious. The organisers of National BBQ Week suggest that “if you do stick with the usual meats you can always marinate them – such a small change – but it makes food extra tantalising!”

They also suggest that you BBQ dessert options too – barbequed pineapple or bananas with a huge dollop of ice cream is one suggestion!! In terms of drinks, the perennial favourites, a jug of sangria or Pimms are top of the list.

All you need next is to plan a garden party, invite some friends and family. The one thing you cannot control is the weather, but to accompany your sun dance, here is the Record Press Top 10 Best Summer themed BBQ Party Songs to mark National BBQ Week –

Top 10 Best Summer themed BBQ Party Songs

1) Isley Brothers – Summer Breeze

2) Kinks – Sunny Afternoon

3) Fifth Dimension – Let the Sunshine in

4) Beatles – Here Comes The Sun

5) ) Doors – Light My Fire

6) Stranglers – Always The Sun

7) Lovin’ Spoonful – Summer in the City

8) Mungo Jerry – In the Summertime

9) Katrina & Waves – Walking On Sunshine

10) First Class – Beach Baby

For all the guidance you need on the tastiest meats and vegetables, plus marinades and desserts to cook you’ll find a great selection of recipes at the National BBQ Week website.