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Rugby club scores first try with revived beer festival

Tuesday 5th of May 2009

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Revellers headed to Petersfield Rugby Club to enjoy the revived Real Ale and Music Festival, making a welcome return after a two-year break.

One new location, 27 beers, six live acts, three-sessions and two days added up to a hugely successful event, say organisers.

"The festival last took place in 2006, and many attendees told us that they had missed the event, and how pleased they were to see it back," said Petersfield RFC President, Paul Martin.

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Staged at its new venue of Petersfield Rugby Club, drinkers tackled a choice of 27 ales from brewers within a 40 mile radius, meticulously selected by club ‘BeerMeister' Chris Todd.

Many of the brews had been sponsored by local businesses including B.Barden Electrical, Custom Audio Designs, Chapel Media, Dowers, Edifice Consulting, Farrow Creative, Michel Focard Photography, Jacobs & Hunt, N2K Publishing, NKH Building & Maintenance Services, Picketts & Pursers and Pink Cow Services. The event sponsor was ADP Security, with tickets and print sponsorship from PetaPrint.

Working in conjunction with Stiff Promotions, the organisers assembled a fine array of musicians to keep the rugby club rocking over all three sessions.

Friday night saw The Playlist delivering a tempting mix of highly danceable numbers from the last five decades in the clubhouse bar. The sunny Saturday afternoon was perfectly suited to the mellow acoustic music from the balcony by four terrific singer / songwriters - Aitch, James Blake, Jess Wilson and Linda Harrison. While Saturday night's band Kelly's Tattoo offered a fast-paced, energetic delivery which served up a fitting climax to the event.

Pleased with the attendance over the two days, Mr Martin added: "We were
delighted to see so many familiar faces returning to support the festival, together with a host of new ones. Judging by the comments received, everyone seemed to enjoy the experience. We'll review the feedback and develop the event to be an even more enjoyable occasion in 2010."