Hop on Down to Beer & Cider by the Sea This Bank Holiday Weekend
17th May 2019
There’s just one week to go before the start of Eastbourne’s Spring Beer Festival, Beer & Cider by the Sea which returns to the seafront Western Lawns on 24-26 May.
Beer and cider enthusiasts will be able to savour a real taste of Sussex as over 20 local breweries will be supplying the three day festival with a mouth-watering selection of terrific tipples in what will be the seventh year of the spring festival.
With over 60 cask ales on offer, specially selected by the local CAMRA team, festival goers can take their pick from award winners, local favourites or those with a suitably quirky name! This year’s selection of local beers includes ‘What Mama Don’t Know’ from Franklins Brewery to the ‘One Hop Wonder’ from Battle Brewery.
Amongst the top picks representing national breweries is the lightly spiced flavours of the ‘Golden Wobbler’ and the chocolatey malt of the ‘Moonrakers Mild’
This year there will also be an ale specially brewed just for the event by local favourites, Harvey’s Brewery. Following an online ‘Brand the Beer’ competition, this zesty and fragrant golden beer has been named ‘Summer Hops and Dreams’ and will be exclusively available to sample alongside Harvey’s IPA and Knots of May.
There will also be an equally varied selection of ciders and perries, including a fruity selection from Merry Moon and a sloe-gin cider from Broadoak. Also joining the drinks line up will be a magical Sussex Blue Gin from Seaford based, Harley House Distillery. This gin uses a series of botanicals including the addition of a medicinal flower from Asia to create an iconic blue tint.
Director of Tourism & Enterprise at Eastbourne Borough Council, Phil Evans said “Beer and Cider by the Sea is a real celebration of local producers and we’re delighted to offer drinks from brewers and distilleries from across Sussex and Kent on the Western Lawns. The festival is the opportunity to enjoy tasting some delicious beers, ales and ciders all washed down with an accompaniment of live musical entertainment. With an assortment of games and activities for children too, it’s a great day out that the whole family will enjoy.”
On Friday 24 May at 6pm, ale aficionados or casual connoisseurs can learn more about different types of beers during a talk given by Miles Jenner, Master Brewer at Harvey’s Brewery. Miles will be speaking about his time at one of the region’s oldest breweries, and be on hand to answer questions from the audience.
Cocktails, wine, bottled beers, soft drinks and Pimms will also be on offer, along with a selection of food outlets serving up great food to accompany the drinks.
The weekend soundtrack will come courtesy of a superb line up of musicians performing on the live stage across all three days. Headlining the evening session on Friday 24th May will be Bobby Fuego’s Fat Fingers of Funk and on Saturday evening, Unihorn will be bringing some rock to the seafront. While on Sunday, audiences can raise their glasses to the traditional sounds of Bettesteiner Footstompers Oompah Band.
From 1pm on Sunday 26 May, the Harvey’s dray and horses will be visiting the show and the three day event also includes family-friendly afternoon sessions with children’s bouncy castle and outdoor games including limbo and quoits.
Tickets are now limited for Beer and Cider by the Sea, supported by Euro Self Drive, with online ticket prices starting from £7 per adult with discounts for students and CAMRA members. Children’s tickets are available for daytime sessions only at just £2 (under 5’s go free). Sessions are available 4 – 10pm Friday, 11 – 4pm and 5 – 10pm Saturday and 12 – 7pm on Sunday.
To book tickets visit Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre, the Seafront Office, telephone 01323 410611 or book online at www.EastbourneBeerFestival.co.uk
