More beers on offer at third Wanstead Beer Festival

The third Wanstead Beer Festival (WBF)is set to kick off on 4 October. Bigger and better than ever. There will be more beers and ciders this time, topping the 50 mark. Gin, wine, prosecco and a selection of soft drinks will also be on offer. Our hosts, Christchurch, will again be offering their superb burgers and hot dogs. Among the beers to look out for are Milestone brewery's Cromwell Best, a deep, slightly malty bitter. Then, there is the lighter East London brewery favourite, the award winning Cowcatcher. The always popular champion winning beer Captain Bob from Mighty Oak brewery will again be available. Those who like a dark beer can't go far wrong with Brentwood breweries stout Walrus of Love. Sussex beer, Harvey's Best, will be on tap. Among the ciders, there will be a good selection from Somerset based Farmer Jim. Get in early for the tasty Rhubarb Bob. The WBF is once again seeking to blend the local with national in the selection of beers. Among local breweries contributing are Brentwood, East London, Redemption, Neckstamper, Pillars, Pressure Drop, Mighty Oak and Pretty Decent. These are tough times for the hospitality sector, with pubs and breweries under pressure. Thousands of pubs are closing every year - it is a real case of use them or lose them. So we all need to do our bit to support the sector. Sadly, since last year Walthamstow brewer Beerblefish has stopped trading. They were an early backer of WBF. Whilst Beerblefish will be missed, we have a new brewery to add in Leyton based, Libertalia. It is hoped that among Libertalia's offering will be the popular new bitter Private Eye. The WBF organisers aim to keep prices around £5 a pint. Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss out. Bought in advance tickets cost £10, which includes the unique WBF glass. This year there is a new twist, with a bit of colour added. Tickets on the door will be £12. The organisers hope to keep most drinks at £5 or less. Thanks go to all those local businesses, who have sponsored the event and help make it possible. The WBF is a real community effort all round. Proceeds raised by the event are to be split between three charities - the Wren Group, Wanstead Community Riding Stables and the Christchurch restoration fund. The funding for the stables will be going towards buying a big horse. "A horse that is safe, strong, kind, well schooled and suitable for riders with disabilities," said a member of the fundraising team. So now the clock is ticking toward kick off at 1pm on Saturday 4 October. To get your ticket, see: www.wansteadbeerfestival.co.uk