Local caterers who helped organise the Krombacher Beer Festival in Ipswich over the Bank Holiday weekend have been approached by five other councils across the country just days after the event to lay on similar festivals.
The beer festival took place in Christchurch Park from Thursday to Monday, and featured the popular German brewer’s beers on tap with traditional German oompah bands, long beer-hall style tables and a selection of wursts.
Beer-lovers were able to enjoy the early summer sunshine with beer served in the traditional stein beer mugs, and sample German-style street food, all held across eight sessions.
Co-organised by local firm NGN, which also runs the catering for events such as Global Rhythms, Christchurch Park fireworks and Ipswich Music Day, the firm has hailed the positive feedback it has received since the event.
Russell Griggs, co-organiser from NGN, said: “We were a little disappointed with the numbers – there was around 200 or 300 per session, but the feedback from all the customers was very good.
“When the German bands got going everybody was dancing and it was just a really nice atmosphere.
“Ipswich Borough Council have already asked us to come and do another next year.”
The festival was the first stop on a tour around the UK by the Krombacher brewery, with a stop in Colchester’s Castle Park currently in the works. A firm date for the Colchester event has yet to be confirmed.
But NGN has already been approached by other local authorities to set-up similar events in their areas.
“We have had enquiries from five councils who have asked me to put it on in their boroughs,” Mr Griggs said.
“People from Surrey and London came down to see it and they all loved it, so I am quite proud of what we have achieved.”
The festival is the latest in a packed year of beer festivals happening in Ipswich this year.
St Peter’s by the Waterfront hosted the town’s first ever Beer and Folk Festival in April, while an Oktoberfest event will be at the venue in the autumn.
A Winter Beer and Wine Fest has also been lined up for December 30 and 31, while two gin festivals have graced the town – one at Christchurch mansion in April and one at the Town Hall this weekend.
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