Bigger, better and covid-safe, beer festival ready to return
TWYFORD Beer Festival is “bigger and better” than ever this year, organisers said as they gear up for the big day.
After cancelling last year’s event due to coronavirus concerns, organiser Ian Wisdom said the 2021 celebration will have “more beer, more bands, and more open hours”.
The annual event brings the community together for food, drinks and dancing to raise money for male cancer charity Orchid.
“I sensed the need for the festival in January,” Mr Wisdom said.
“We’d had a real dark period and I thought let’s put something on and make it even bigger and even better.
“Organising this event has been quite stressful in some instances but we’re nearly there.”
So far, more than 3,000 tickets have been sold for the event which will offer nearly 100 different barrels of beer to festival-goers.
“We have a huge variety of different flavours and tastes for everybody,” Mr Wisdom said.
According to the organiser, the team has also arranged a range of ciders, pure apple juices, and enough Pimms for nearly
2,000 people.
While ticket numbers soar, the organisers are putting covid-safety first and have adopted a range of measures — including a 33-metre long bar.
“We are already pretty covid safe with the way we designed the layout this year,” Mr Wisdom explained.
“The bar itself is a metre deep meaning you’re distanced from bar staff and from each other.
“We will also keep the tent open on multiple sides.”
A range of musical acts are also lined up to perform throughout the weekend — and the organiser said they are “gagging” to return to the stage.
Artists include Bottle Kids and Playhouse.
The last festival raised roughly £10,000 for Orchid. This year, organisers hope to raise as much as they can.
“If we can get anywhere near £10,000, I’d be made up,” Mr Wisdom said. “I hope to raise as much as we can.”
Twyford Beer Festival is taking place on Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26.
Saturday’s event has almost reached capacity, and organisers are encouraging people to book Friday tickets to make the most of their single-barrel beers.
Tickets cost £10 and all profits will be donated to Orchid.