Tickets for the upcoming Strathaven Beer Festival will go on sale in February, with locals given priority billing.
That’s thanks to a ticket-sales event at The Weavers on Green Street.
Aimed at ensuring locals are given first dibs at tickets, there’s an added bonus for those who turn out to the February 20 sales event, with briefs that evening free of online booking fees.
And organisers Fraser Wilson and Richard Malloy say they “can’t wait” to meet with residents.
Fraser told us: “We do a tickets sales event in the village for Eaglesham Beer Festival, which we run, and it is one of my favourite parts of organising the event.
“It’s a great way to kick-start the year after a difficult month (January) and you really feel the buzz from the community, who can’t wait for summer to come along.
“We’re also always really glad to ensure that locals get first dibs on tickets. It’s an event for the local community and we want to make sure they are given every opportunity to attend.”
Running for just one day on May 31, the festival will be held in Strathaven Park (towards George Allan Place) and is an opportunity for locals to enjoy an array of craft beers from some of Scotland’s best breweries.
A fun-filled community event showcasing the best of Scottish, there will also be gin, cocktails, wine and fantastic street food on offer.
A different event to the town’s already successful Round Table Beer Festival, Fraser and Richard are confident there is space for both events.
Former journalist Fraser added: “The Round Table event is really popular with a number of the brewers we know, who say it is a fantastic event.
“I guess what we’re doing is different in that it is aimed at showcasing craft beers to a wider audience, but also, it’s as much about the food and entertainment as anything else.
“We’re aiming to make it a real community occasion, with entertainment for kids by way of Operation Play Outdoors, facepainting and balloon animals, and ice cream – lots of ice cream.”
Looking to utilise local service providers and traders where possible, the event will welcome food from Country Park Catering, Roasted and Nether Lethame Farm, with local wine traders, Champer Camper, also attending.
And Fraser and Richard are keen to give back to the community as well.
Richard added: “The event runs from 12pm-7pm and the hope is that the town then benefits from the passing trade.
“We want the pubs, restaurants, taxi services and shops all to do a turn, and we hope the festival is recognised as a valued event in the social calendar, much like the gala day, Hangar Fest, the balloon festival, and Reindeer Day.
“We’re also keen to support local groups and will be looking to donate money to some of them after the event.”
Tickets for the Saturday, May 31, event go on general sale at 9am on Friday, February 27.
The in-person ticket sales event will take place at The Weavers Inn on Thursday, February 20 from 6pm – 9.30pm.
For more information on the event, tickets and who will be pouring, make sure and follow the festival’s socials on Facebook and Instagram.
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