Ales, ciders and live music at cricket club beer festival

Following the success of last year’s event, Philadelphia Cricket and Community Club, in Shop Row, Houghton, is again staging a beer and music festival at the ground from Friday, July 1, to Sunday, July 3.

There will be a minimum of 40 cask ales and ciders as well as live music from 4pm on the Friday and from noon onwards on both Saturday and Sunday onwards.

Organisers are hoping to build on the success of the inaugural event, which brought in over 1,000 people thanks to sunny and pleasant weather across the weekend.

Chairman of the cricket club Malcolm Pratt said: “Last year was our first attempt and it went down very well.

“Around 1,000 attended over the weekend and we anticipate 1,500 will come this time.

“Those who did enjoy it last year have spread the word and there’s no doubt it’s going to be bigger and better this July.

“We have booked some really good bands.”

The headline acts for Friday will be live covers band Borderland, on Saturday Spa-Toons will take to the stage and on Sunday, Rattlers will perform.

Tickets are now on sale.

For Friday evening the cost is £5 to include one free drink; entry for either Saturday or Sunday is £10 with three free drinks included.

There is also a weekend ticket, which are priced at £20 and includes a total of seven free drinks.

Mr Pratt added: “Last year, it brought the community together.

“There was a real family atmosphere and there were people of all ages.

“We are sure this year’s festival will go down even better with the community.”