Fun at the Seaside

It's heartening to so many councils recognising the great tourist opportunities presented by beer festivals and collaborating with their local CAMRA branches. One such is Eastbourne, where tickets have gone on sale for their own event at the town's Winter Garden on 9-11 October.

Last year's festival, the fifth, attracted 3500 visitors and tickets were completely sold out on the Friday and Saturday evenings. As a further incentive to book early this time, a two-for-one ticket offer has been set up via the August edition of Waitrose Food Illustratrated. Bookings can also be made on 01323 412000.

Sponsors include the family brewers Harvey's, which has been producing beer in nearby Lewes since the 18th Century and currently owns more than 40 "tied" pubs.

Eastbourne Borough Council's Emma Wilkinson told us: "Festival goers can look forward to more than 100 real ales with the chance to sample the likes of a Fruit Bat, Kamikaze and Ginger Tom. Good old pub grub will be on the menu throughout the event and the festival opens each evening, with a special afternoon family session on the Saturday rounding up in a huge pub quiz.

"Thursday evening will see the return of the popular jazz night session, with local musicians turning up to entertain crowds on the Beer Festival stage, plus the Oompah band will be back with more foot stomping beer kellar fun."

Can't think of a better excuse to head down to the seaside in October.

Cheers!