Beer festival hits target

The annual festival, held at Southwick Community Centre during the Adur Festival launch weekend, included live bands in the Barn Theatre.

More than 1,000 people attended over three sessions and the picturesque gardens proved popular in the fine weather, with more than 60 different real ales and ciders available in the large bar area.

Nigel Bubloz, who led the team of more than 30 local volunteers running the event, said: “This was another great year for the festival.

“As always, there’s a lot of preparation needed to make things run smoothly. But the effort is well rewarded when you see so many friends and families enjoying such a relaxed occasion.

“This is also a big fundraising event, of course. After we’ve paid all our suppliers, the proceeds go directly to Southwick Community Centre, for improvements to the buildings and the facilities. It’s a double benefit, because people can enjoy a big popular event and also know they are helping to improve their local community centre.”

Association chairman Bob Ryder confirmed the event would make a big difference to the centre’s funds.

“There are still a few bills to come in, but we reckon we will be close to our target of a £6,000 surplus for the beer festival as a whole,” he added.

“All of this will go towards the improvements which we are planning, to bring the old 1960s entrance and main foyer of the community up to modern standards.”

He thanked people for supporting the event and helping the community at the same time, as well as the dedicated team of volunteers.