The Wanstead Beer Festival is nearly upon us

So if you haven't got a ticket get one now. Tickets are going fast and it's cheaper in advance than on the day. There has certainly been a lot of keen interest, since the idea of the Wanstead Beer Festival was launched earlier in the year. A small group of devoted beer drinkers have come together to make the event happen at Christchurch Halls on Saturday 14th October. The event will bring together a whole variety of beers, ciders and some wine from around the country There has been great support from a number of brewers, including, Brentwood, East London, Exale, Beerblefish, Pretty Decent and Redemption. But there are beers from across the country from the Vale of Glamorgan to Burton on Trent and Harvey's in Sussex. Hopefully, all tastes will be catered for. There will also be a selection of ciders - a drink that is increasingly popular with youngsters. Not forgetting the commemorative glass, which is included in the ticket. The heron themed Wanstead touch gives it that real cache feel. This year has been an important and challenging one for the beer industry. Clear of COVID at last but then along came the cost of living crisis. It has been a struggle, especially for our pubs, trying to keep their heads above water. This year, has seen a full program of beer festivals across the country, with the punters flocking in. Many locals will have attended the Epping and Ongar Beer festival in July. Not only was the beer great but there was the opportunity to travel on the trains between North Wield, Epping and Ongar. Great work in organising the festival from the local Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) branches. The East London & City Camra branch really does punch above its weight, partnering in Epping & Ongar as well as running the hugely successful Pigs Ear beer festival in Hackney at the end of November. The event attracted 3,000 ale drinkers last year. So anyone whose appetite is wetted in Wanstead, why not go onto the Pigs Ear event in the run up to Christmas (. ). The Wanstead Beer Festival is a not for profit event, with any money made being divided between three local charities. After the successful Wanstead Fringe and Wanstead Festival it is hope that the Wanstead Beer Festival will also become a regular fixture in the calender of events in the area. Hopefully it will bring in people from beyond Wanstead for a first taste of life here. Then they might come back to visit our pubs and restaurants and go to the shops.