Crowds pour into 16th Melton Beer Festival

Real ales and local gins were the toast of the day at the 16th successful annual Melton Beer Festival held in the town on Friday and Saturday.
Darryl Bracey keeps the beers flowing with Jackie and Steve Ratcliffe PHOTO: Tim WilliamsDarryl Bracey keeps the beers flowing with Jackie and Steve Ratcliffe PHOTO: Tim Williams
Darryl Bracey keeps the beers flowing with Jackie and Steve Ratcliffe PHOTO: Tim Williams

Returning to the livestock market, the event offered up something for everyone with 50 real ales, a key keg bar, two pilot beers from Round Corner Brewing, 20 perries and ciders, and for the first time 20 gins available to whet people’s palates.

Music was very well-received with rock ‘n’ roll, acoustic and pop all making the grade with festival-goers.

The extremely strong line-up featured Marlow and Smith and The Atlantics on Friday evening and Govannen, CJ Hatt and The Hound Dogs on Saturday.

Chloe King and market manager Tim Webster with the variety of gins on offer PHOTO: Tim WilliamsChloe King and market manager Tim Webster with the variety of gins on offer PHOTO: Tim Williams
Chloe King and market manager Tim Webster with the variety of gins on offer PHOTO: Tim Williams

Around fourteen volunteers from Melton Mowbray Round Table helped run the bar across the two days, and a variety of hot food choices were available.

Tim Webster, Melton Livestock Market manager, said: “We had another busy festival this year. It was great to see so many real ale drinkers enjoying themselves.

“The new gin bar really took off and the music was good too.

“Thanks to all the sponsors and John Arthur for expertly sourcing the beer.”

Money from donated unused beer tokens will be counted and given to the local air ambulance charity.