The Jersey Beer and Cider Festival, which is due to take place this autumn in the People’s Park, is being organised by EC Events. It replaces the Camra beer festival, which has been discontinued.
As well as the traditional range of real ales and ciders that have been offered at past festivals, they are putting on a gin bar, featuring locally produced spirits, and an extended line-up of musical acts throughout the three-day event, which is due to take place from 14 to 16 September.
Julie Settle, of EC Events, said that she wanted to increase the appeal of the traditional ale festival by broadening the range of drinks and entertainment.
‘I’m getting very excited about it. Everything is getting in place now,’ she said. ‘I have experienced a few beer festivals this year and taken a look at what the good points and bad points were. We are going to be doing a few things differently because we want to create the right ambience for this beer festival.
‘There’s going to be something for everyone in terms of taste in drinks, music and food.’
The new format will feature a large central bar with a fenced beer garden to the back. Information about each of the drinks will be displayed above the kegs.
EC Events are working with Liberation Brewery, which will be sourcing more than 50 ales and beers for the event. Thatchers will supply the cider including its Haze, Gold and Stans range and Jersey Royal Gin, produced from Jersey Royal potatoes by La Mare Wine Estate will be on sale accompanied by Fever Tree tonic waters.
Wine and prosecco will also be available and La Robeline Cider and Sausages will have a stand. Music will be provided by a number of local artists as well as UK rock ’n’ roll act The Jetsons.
Tim Hubert, managing director of Liberation Brewery, said: ‘There is nothing quite like a beer festival and Liberation Brewery are delighted to support the Jersey Beer and Cider Festival.’
The event is due to run between 3 pm and 10.30 pm on the Friday, from 12 pm until 10.30 pm on the Saturday and between 12 pm and 9.30 pm on the Sunday.
For £10 customers will receive a free drink of their choice. Once inside tokens worth £2.50 will be available to buy and exchange for drinks, which will all cost £5, or £2.50 for a half. Corporate VIP packages will be available from 12 noon to 3 pm on 14 September, which will give ticketholders the opportunity to try the beers before everyone else. On 11 September the JEP will be printing a four-page beer guide for the festival. More information can also be found at beerfestjersey.com.
