Managers of The Fox and Pelican, Kim & Mark Bibby, have gone for Gold, generously sponsoring 'FirkinFest' Grayshott's very first Real Ale & Cider Festival being held at Grayshott Village Hall on Friday 30th and Saturday 31st October.
Not only that but they are also donating a firkin of 'Red Fox', one of Fullers seasonal ales, to complement a stunning line-up of 30 beers and ciders carefully chosen by CAMRA enthusiast Tony Legat, who together with Peter Hatch, David Phillips and Graham Pullen form the FirkinFest committee organising this years inaugural event.
There are still opportunities for local businesses and organisations to support the festival by sponsoring a Firkin for £50. FirkinSponsors will have their name placed above their Firkin at the festival and be listed in the Tasting Notes section of the Festival Guide, which is distributed to the 750 festival goers along with their souvenir glass, and also published online with links to their website. They will also receive a complimentary ticket to all three sessions. Limited advertising space in the festival guide is now only available to Silver and Bronze sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring a Firkin or FirkinFest please email peter@firkinfest.co.uk or phone 07855519644
FirkinFest gets underway at 6pm on FirkinFriday 30th October with 'The Claire Phoenix Band' offering chic, sophisticated, mellow soul, pop and jazz later on, featuring Grayshott's music maestro Vic Cracknell.
The festival continues on Saturday at noon with FirkinJazz with 'Binky's Dixie Demons' who play a regular monthly gig at Grayshott Social Club - their next one is on Tuesday 20th October a chance for a sneak preview.
Headlining the festival on Saturday night at the FirkinFinale are the ultimate tribute band 'The Upbeat Beatles' featuring Grayshott's John "Macca" Wilson.
As well as the mouth watering selection of beers and ciders there is the FirkinFayre offering wine, soft drinks and snacks which together with the FirkinBBQ will be available at all three sessions.
Full details can be found on the festival website www.firkinfest.co.uk or you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Tickets for FirkinFest are now on sale at Grayshott Books and organisers are advising that as beer festivals often sell out it is advisable to buy early to avoid disappointment.
The Fox and Pelican is due for a major refurbishment and will be closed from 5pm on Sunday 3rd January 2010 for a couple of weeks with some outdoor work taking place this November. Plans for the refurbishment, which include a new 'snug', are now on display in the back bar.
Meanwhile Kim and Mark are preparing for a busy Christmas season and are currently taking bookings for their seasonal and Christmas day menus.
