An Ipswich-based beer brewing company has stepped in to organise a beer and cider festival to tie in with this year’s Maritime Festival, after regular festival organisers were unable to lay on an event.
Ipswich Beer Festival had previously been run by the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and was held on the Waterfront to loosely tie in with the Maritime Festival.
But after having to move the event to Portman Road in 2015 coupled with heavy rains, the branch made a significant loss which left organising a festival last year financially questionable.
Last year an Ale Trail took place at pubs across town instead, and after the branch discussed whether a CAMRA-organised festival could return this year, members instead opted to support the Saints Maritime Beer & Cider Festival, organised by Beer&Co.
Minutes from the Ipswich and East Suffolk’s March meeting, said: “Our last two beer festivals had not been a financial success and this was an opportunity to be involved with an Ipswich beer event without us facing any financial loss. It was decided the branch would offer assistance for these events.”
Greg Cooper from Beer&Co said: “We have attended the fantastic CAMRA real ale festivals during the Ipswich Maritime celebrations in previous years and are really pleased that they are supporting Beer&Co’s Maritime Festival this year.
“We will be introducing some new and exciting beers and ciders of real quality to Suffolk at the festival, with around 50 varieties on tap. Plus we will have some wines and fizz available too”.
“It will be a special festival at the stunning St Peter’s by the Waterfront – and we are really looking forward to it!”
The festival will be held from 12pm-late on August 18-20, and feature live music, street food and a pop-up record shop.
The firm has previously organised a host of beer festivals at the venue, including the Winter Beer Festival, April’s Beer & Folk Fest and Oktoberfest.
A spokesman from Ipswich Borough Council added: “The Saints Beer & Cider Festival will be a great addition to the Maritime experience this summer.
“We are putting together a fantastic weekend of fun and we are sure that Greg and his team will put on another successful event to go alongside the Waterfront attractions.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here