Axe beer festival organisers look to top last year’s event

Thursday, 07 June 2012

Organisers of Axminster Beer, Music and Cider Festival hope for continued public support to ensure a smooth relocation of the town’s tourist information centre (TIC).

The festival is organised by Axminster Chamber of Commerce, which runs the TIC. This year’s festival will be held at the showground on Saturday June 30th from 12noon to 1am.

All monies raised from the festival is ploughed into the TIC, which will relocate next year to Thomas Whitty House as part of the heritage centre project.

The aim is to increase the TIC’s opening hours after the move, which will come at a cost.

Last year’s festival yielded a surplus of more than £6,600, the best ever for the four years the chamber has run the festival.

Chamber chairman Shane Morgan said: “We need to increase income for the TIC more than ever because of the forthcoming move. Overall it will be a better service as we will be looking towards longer opening hours.”
His wife and fellow chamber member Claire, said: “It would be fantastic if we could match last year’s surplus.”

Both agree that everything seemed to come together last year, and the weather also helped.

After having tried various formulas, including a two-day festival, last year’s event proved a great success overall, apart from the fact that somebody tampered with a generator and caused a brief blackout.

At a previous chamber meeting, Shane said that security would be beefed up to prevent a repeat.

Shane and Claire said: “We have found a nice and simple formula, and hope for continued public support.” They are also looking for volunteer marshals and bar staff.

This year’s extravaganza will, for example, feature 30 different beers plus live music provided by a large selection of bands and artists. Potential volunteers can call Claire or Shane on 01297 33375 for more information.
Festival information - including ticket details and a list of bands and artists - is available online at www.axminsterbeerfestival.org and on posters throughout the town.

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