Milnrow Cricket Club preparing for second annual beer festival

Milnrow Cricket Club beer festival

Milnrow Cricket Club is hosting its second annual beer festival from 9 - 11 February after the success of last year’s event.

In 2016, the club raised over £1,000 with its first beer festival which featured up to 20 different beers, ales and ciders. The money funded junior cricket activities over the summer as well as the purchase of new practice nets.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100926/milnrow-beer-festival

Organisers are hoping for similar success at the club’s Harbour Lane ground this year. Bar secretary Allen Brett said: “We’re hoping for the same response again this year, so we can raise more money for our junior cricket. Last year we didn’t sell out all the beer, but this time we want it all to go.

“Hopefully we can also attract some new members, and get some interest in our function room which is an important source of income for the club. I’m not expecting to recruit any new cricketers on the back of the festival though.”

Featured beers are supplied by Marsdens, and will include popular names like Ringwood, Lancaster Bomber, and Jennings. Mr Brett said the festival could also accommodate one or two beers from a local brewery. This year’s event will also feature a range of gins.

Mr Brett, who is also Deputy Leader of Rochdale Borough Council and cabinet member for Finance, said: “My involvement in Milnrow Cricket Club over the last three years is an important way for me to give back to my community.”

So far, the festival has attracted around a dozen sponsors, including Rochdale Online and local businesses, plus Rochdale Hornets president Paul Ormerod. Sponsors are being invited to a special sponsors' night on Thursday 9 February, before the festival opens to the public on Friday 10 February (2pm-late) and Saturday 11 February (12noon-late).

Entry to the festival is free, with all pints costing £3. Beers can also be bought in thirds (£1) and halves (£1.50), while food will also be available.