[GALLERY] 10th Old Town Beer Festival breaks fundraising record

By Jessica Durston - 19 May 2023

AttractionsFood & DrinkBusiness

The Old Town Beer Festival's four-day stint served its final beers on Sunday, after a record-breaking event which saw over 1300 attendees and a total of over £15,000 raised for local charities.

The volunteer team headed by Chris Smith of the Community Centre at Christ Church said they had put months of work into making the four-day festival the best it has ever been.  

An overwhelming amount of support from the local community meant that the 1000 pre-sale tickets sold out, and then another 500 people attended over the four day period. 

A spokesperson said: “It was an incredible turnout, and it even beat last year’s record which we thought was amazing!  Although it’s unusual to have a beer festival in a church it means we can engage our community in a really positive, fun and unique event”.  

The event began with a comedy night in partnership with Old Town Comedy Club which was hosted by Sam Michael and saw some fantastic acts including Andy Gleeks, Dani Johns, Ian Murphy & Graeme Coulam. 

The festival showcased an extensive selection of over 80 different types of beers and ciders, form a variety of local providers including The Hop Inn and Arkells. Attendees could gather inside the main church building, and gazebos were also put up outside in the grounds.  

On the Friday, the sponsors night thanked big supporters of the event Los Gatos, Gel Studios and The Hop Inn. 

For the first time, there were two nights of live music - the first on Saturday evening featuring local bands Jol Rose, Zach FC Trio, What the Pluck and Joli and the Souls.  

The festival concluded with the Renewal Gospel choir in concert on the Sunday evening. Organisers said it was a fitting way to end the festival with such heartfelt singing and dancing in the aisles.

The Old Town Beer Festival not only celebrated the spirit of community but also served as a platform for supporting charitable causes. The £15,000 raised during the event will be distributed among three organisations, Ukrainian support organisation Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership, The Veterans Charity, and Christchurch itself.

The Old Town Beer Festival at Christ Church aims to foster community engagement and inclusivity by hosting events that promote open dialogue. With professional security, the church ensures visitors respect the grounds. The festival contributes significantly to the church's funding, allowing it to continue its community work. 

Reverend Simon Stevenette said: "The Beer Festival stands as a testament to the power of community spirit, highlighting the ability of individuals to come together and make a positive impact on their community.

"Through their passion for fun, music, and charity, the attendees and organisers of this event have demonstrated the immense good that can be achieved when a community unites for a common cause."

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