ORGANISERS of Tameside’s Beer Festival are saying cheers to a huge success after raising an estimated £9,000 for charity.
Some 950 drinkers attended the two-day event at Stalybridge’s Civic Hall on September 19 and 20.
Now as heads clear, Tameside Rotary Club has revealed the huge total it raised in support of Willow Wood Hospice, The Christie Hospital Trust and other good causes.
Its president, Mike Glover, said: “We are delighted that the charity beer festival was such a successful event.
“We’re very grateful to the public who turned out in big numbers to visit us back in our spiritual home of Stalybridge.
“Of course, many hours of planning go into a fundraiser of this size and we could not put this on without the help of volunteers and local businesses and organisations through sponsorship and advertising.
“Our thanks go to them alongside Stalybridge Civic Hall Duty Manager Ryan, who worked both days to assist us.
“Plans are now being finalised for the monies raised to be distributed to the charity beneficiaries with a presentation to be scheduled within the next few weeks.”
More than 2,200 draught beers, ciders, lagers and wines were enjoyed at as the event was supported by 56 Rotarians and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure it ran smoothly.
Among them was a contingent from Willow Wood Hospice that helped on the bar, reception desk and with glass washing – an important job given the turnover of pints being enjoyed!
The festival’s diverse entertainment line-up comprised of 83 artists across seven local and north west groups, with many reducing or waiving their fees so more money could be donated to charity. Tameside Rotarian Angela Robbins organised it, giving praise and thanks to the Mossley Ukulele Group, St Johns Brass Band – Mossley, Pattison Fogg, High Peak Big Band, Company of Strangers, Tameside Community Voices and Andy Sproston.
She said: “The entertainers came in the true spirit of charity and love. They gave generously of their time and talents.
“All of them who have been before to the festival or our other events, in my opinion, gave the best performance they have ever done.
“In their actions, words and now emails to me telling of how proud they were to perform at the event and enjoyed the audience – which was shouting for more – they have proved they are true friends of Rotary!”
Food was available at the event. Rotarian Kay (Delights of India) supplied a range of curries.
Those fancying a pie alongside their pint, checked in with Rotarian Manhar and his wife Ramila and for those wanting something a little different to take away for later, a dazzling array of cupcakes created by Kirsty of Eclectic Cakes was available.
Jonathan Reynolds MP dropped in to sample the beer he had sponsored, which was among the top 10 sold at the event, and the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Shibley Alam, visited, taking time to speak to many of the volunteers and festival goers.
Tameside Rotary’s next major fundraiser is the annual Santa Float collection. More information will be available soon.
You can learn more about Tameside Rotary by visiting www.TamesideRotaryClub.com, where you will find information about the club and how you can get involved to help support the local community.
