Raise your glass! Craft beer and gin festival returns

Friday 27 April 2018

Beers, ales, cocktails and prosecco will all be on offer to quench islanders' thirst this weekend at the Don Monument at the Parade as Streetlife Craft beer and gin festival returns today.

The doors to the festival open at 17:00 with a series of live music acts on stage from 17:15 to 23:00.

Tomorrow, visitors will not only be able to sample 70 different craft beers but also to meet the makers behind them under the marquee during 'Beer O'Clock'. Scheduled between 13:00 and 17:00, it will give beer lovers the opportunity to ask all the questions they want to the brewers. 

Pictured: Locally-brewed Stinky Bay will be one of the local beers on offer, as well as Bliss Beer Co.

John O'Connell, one of the organisers, has promised the weekend could lead to some discoveries with a number of never tasted beers and ciders. He said: "There will also some real ales for people who like them. The Liberation Group is bringing two brand new, never tasted before brews. One of them is called the Wave Rider I think. 

"There will also be some other new brews and a unique cider draft. 99.9% of people won't have tasted this one from Cidersmiths."

But if beers, ales and ciders are not your thing, do not despair. Other alcoholic drinks will also be available such as a selection of 20 different gins and a variety of mixers to go with them. There will also be a cocktail bar serving barrel-aged Negronis and Manhattans, as well as Expresso Martini. Also on offer, Yalumba wine, from one of the oldest producers in Australia, and organic prosecco for some bubbles.

Pictured: The festival tent went up earlier this week at the Parade.

For those who like food more than drink, a selection of street food vendors will be on site including Pizza Projekt, Domingos, El Fuego and Pink Panda. Organisers have also arranger for a vegan offering and a sweet stall for those with a sweet tooth. John O'Connell commented: "We have everyone's tastes covered!."

But Streetlife is not just about enjoying yourself with a few glasses and some tasty food, live music will keep playing Saturday and Sunday. John O'Connell himself will be the first act to take to the stage at 12:00, followed by a selection of local artists including Jen & Tonic, Megan Langlois, Nic Dinnie, Paul Gallagher, Craig Adler, Ben Newman, Justin Robertson and Mo'Matic. While the festival will close its doors on Saturday at 23:00, an after-party will follow at RoJo with Justin Robertson.

Mr O'Connell said: "Sunday is when the entertainment really kicks in. We will have some of Jersey's finest talent playing with many under 18 performers. We decided to make the Sunday a family day so we will have a couple of films playing from 12:15 for children. We will also have Total Mayhem Breakdancing who will bring their best moves."

The organisers are also proud to be the first event in Jersey to go cash less. Upon entrance on the festival site, visitors will be given a wristband on which they will be able to put credit via cash or card. They will then able be able to go at any bar to purchase drinks, simply by scanning their wristband. Top-up zones will be available under the marquee and visitors will be able to claim back any unused sum. Mr O'Connell said: "This will save us 30% in service time. It will mean that people get served a lot quicker and that visitors are not losing any money."

After welcoming 1,800 islanders last October, the organisers are hoping to see up to 4,000 visitors this weekend. Mr O'Connell said: "The tickets have sold quickly, we have already sold between 1,500 and 2,000. We are close to selling out on Saturday and we have only just a little bit more space on Sunday. Hopefully the sun will keep shining this weekend."