Here’s to beer festival

May 29, 2007, 8:52 am

ONE of the biggest beer festivals to be staged in Devon will take place at the North Devon Leisure Centre next month.

The inaugural North Devon Beer Festival is being organised by Barum Brewery at Pilton, Country Life Brewery near Bideford and Parkwood Leisure, which operates both the Leisure Centreand Tarka Tennis Centre.

The event, taking place from Thursday, June 28 to Saturday, June 30, will feature 100 real ales, 25 ciders and many wines.

The chosen charity will be Devon Air Ambulance and visitors will be able to buy “beer tokens” on entry, valid for a half pint , or they can choose to donate them instead, with 90p going to charity.

They will be able to vote for their favourite festival beer and be entered into a prize draw.

Tim Webster, of Barum Brewery, said the festival would feature only Devon producers and focus on a “buy local” theme.

“I have been looking for a suitable venue for a decent festival in the Barnstaple area practically since we started brewing,” said Tim.

“Alan Waistell at Parkwood Leisure is a real ale fan and invited us to hold it here.”

Every brewer throughout Devon is invited and it is expected almost all will be taking organisers up on the offer.

Wine is being provided by Richard Smith of the Riverfront Cafe, via renowned Devon vineyards Pebblebed at Topsham and Yearlstone of Bickleigh.

The grand opening will take place on Thursday, June 28, with a Battle of the Bands that night and live music running throughout Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

Alan Waistell said it was the first time a beer festival had been held at one of Parkwood Leisure’s 65-plus sites. “It’s not something we’d normally host and obviously as a company we want it to be a great success,” he added.

“We’re thrilled to be working with two award-winning local producers and want to thank North Devon District Council for its blessing to host the event.

This article was taken from: North Devon Gazette