9th Emsworth Beer, Cider & WIne Festival

www.wemsfest.com

9th Beer Festival Proves a Big Challenge

The 9th Emsworth Beer, Cider & Wine Festival takes place Friday 19 - Sunday 21 September and has proved to be far from easy for WemsFest organiser Mark Ringwood.

He said "We pride ourselves in sourcing ales from different areas of the UK and have encountered many instances where small micro-breweries have either scaled back their production or ceased to operate at all. Nevertheless we've assembled 26 cask-ales, several of which are section winners at this year's Great British Beer Festival, and they come from breweries as far away as The Cairngorms, Northumberland, Lowestoft, and Penzance.

The recent fire which destroyed part of the roof of Emsworth Community Centre, which hosts the event, has created logistical problems which we've overcome, and then in the last weeks one of our demonstrating Vintners went into administration and a food provider gave notice due to high staffing costs. Nevertheless, the Festival is going ahead thanks in no small part to Westbourne Cafe who will be running their food truck 'Top Burrito'."

Live Music from Southampton Ukelele Jam, Spinnaker Shanty & The Nancies, and pianist Andy Beaumont features during the 3 sessions which start at 5pm on Friday 19 September, and run from 11am to 10.30pm on Saturday 20 September.

On Sunday 21 September from 12noon to 4pm a 'Drink Up' session is held when any remaining ales are sold-off at discounted prices. Local vintners Bush Wines are showing a wide range of wines primarily from Spain, and there is a selection of ciders available.

Tickets are £12.50 and include a souvenir beer or wine glass, programme, and a free drink. Cask ale prices range from £3 a pint and all proceeds go to supporting community events and schools workshops organised by voluntary arts organisation WemsFest.

Sales outlets include Bookends, and Harbour Records in Emsworth, and online through wegottickets.com.

Emsworth Community Centre, PO10 7DD