The Wanstead Beer Festival (WBF) at the beginning of the month was a great success.
Around 950 attended, enjoying the different beers, ciders, gins and wine.
Brentwood Breweries Mango Unchained, was the most popular beer selling out quickly and getting voted beer of the festival. Devon-based Farmer Jim's Rhubarb Bob cider won cider of the festival.
The event goes from strength to strength. Many thanks go to the tireless team of organisers and the support from local business sponsors and breweries.
But although the WBF seems to be booming, the industry generally is having a hard time. Pubs have been shutting regularly across the country for many years.
After, the surge in new breweries opening, following the tax breaks provided by the Labour Government at the start of the noughties, some are beginning to struggle. Locally, Walthamstow-based Beerblefish and Wildcard recently ceased trading.
Fortunately, some new ones like Libertalia in Leyton have also appeared.
The difficulties began with Covid which hit the hospitality sector harder than most.
Then, inflation and the rising costs, such as employers national insurance.
Pubs are one of the things that bring people together it community - an important function.
People may go in groups to pubs or just sit alone having a drink and/or something to eat. They want to be with others. This need is likely to grow, as society becomes increasingly atomised.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has played an important role over the years advocating for the industry. The local east London branch have been very supportive of the WBF.
But even CAMRA are struggling. The trademark Great British Beer Festival (GBBF), held annually at Olympia, attracting many thousands, will not happen next year. This year the event was held in Birmingham, which proved less successful.
Promoting and supporting beer festivals is a crucial role that CAMRA play and must continue. It must be hoped that the GBBF resumes in 2027.
The other smaller beer festivals, though, need ongoing support
The success of the WBF and many other festivals shows that there is a real appetite for such events.
It was excellent earlier this year to see Urban Pubs and Bars take over the George, when Wetherspoons pulled out. The move came after a strong local campaign to save the pub, attracting some 3500 signatures on a petition.
Micropubs have proved a successful innovation in many parts of the country. There is food but usually basic stuff. There are less overheads on these usually smaller premises so they can offer a way forward.
But all in all, it is a case of use them or lose them, when it comes to pubs.
The WBF and other festivals prove how popular getting together to have a drink and celebrate with friends remains. The need for community has never been more important.
So, support the pubs and festivals, as well as getting involved with groups like CAMRA to support and protect our pubs and breweries. Cheers.
- Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council.
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