Sun shines on Thatcham beer festival

The charity ale festival was so successful the organisers are planning a second one

A ONE-DAY charity beer festival in Thatcham attracted 350 people and was so successful that the pub behind it is planning a second event.

The real ale festival and family fun day at the Taste of England pub, Lower Henwick Farm, was offering 16 ales and also put on live music, a bouncy castle and a raffle and there were stalls selling jewellery, toys and cupcakes.

The event raised £150 for the Rainbow Rooms, which provide support and accommodation for terminally-ill people at West Berkshire Community Hospital.

Organiser Brian Newman said that the Rainbow Rooms charity was also close to his heart as his stepfather used the service last year and his uncle was currently using it.

Mr Newman said that by 9pm the punters had bought 1,000 pints and drunk the barrels dry.

“It was much better than we expected,” he said.

“There was a fantastic turnout of people of all ages. It was amazing the amount of people who offered and volunteered things – it was community spirit.”

The team behind the event is now looking to hold another festival later in the year.