The Macclesfield Beer Festival Committee, which includes representatives from Macclesfield Roundtable and the Campaign for Real Ale, once again organised the annual Macclesfield Beer Festival on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th May at Macclesfield Rugby Club, supported by local MP, David Rutley.
Now in its 24th year, the Beer Festival once again raised funds for an important local charity. This year's nominated charity was Space4Autism. The event aimed to help raise funds for the refurbishment of its new premises on Mill Lane, including the creation of a sensory room. David had the pleasure of visiting the charity earlier this year, and learning more about its plans for himself.
Patrons could choose from over 200 beers of a variety of styles and tastes, a number of which were produced by local brewers, including from Poynton, Wincle, and Tatton, as well as around 65 ciders. There was also a Gin Bar stocked with a number of local gins, as well as wine and prosecco available, and artisan food stalls, whilst attendees enjoyed live music. As with previous Beer Festivals, a special shuttle bus service was rostered to convey guests from the Waters Green Tavern to the Festival and back again.
Since it was first started in 1995, the Festival has raised over £200,000 for a range of local charities, including: the Rossendale Trust; Park Lane School; and the Seashell Trust. Last year's event alone raised over £17,000 for the Seashell Trust, as well as supporting grass roots rugby. On his visit, David took the opportunity to thank the Festival's organisers, including committee member Ben Whiteley and a team of over 160 dedicated volunteers who give their time to help put on this much-valued local event.
Speaking after his visit, David said, "Once again, Ben Whiteley and all the volunteers have helped to put on a fantastic Beer Festival. As the high attendance level demonstrates, this has become a very popular event and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for much-valued local charities. I will continue to support this important initiative, and would encourage any local business interested in sponsoring the Beer Festival to get in touch with the organisers."