Festival brings locally-sourced produce to Berwick

Berwick food and drink festival at the barracks

Taking place from September 4-6 in and around the historic Barracks, it will feature a huge range of beers from both sides of the border.

New for 2015, as Berwick-upon-Tweed celebrates 900 years of history, there will be a specially-brewed beer, created by the local Bear Claw Brewery, using local Simpson’s Malt.

Organised by the town’s Slow Food Group and Simon Vickers of The Barrels Alehouse, the festival is a celebration of local produce. Held in a huge marquee on the Barracks Parade, the Beer Festival kicks the weekend off on the afternoon of Friday, September 4. Once again, Simon and his team have put together a fantastic range of beers from Scotland and the North East of England.

He said: “All our beers are kept in cold storage on site before being served on a rotational basis. We operate a cash bar and entry to the beer tent is free, just pay your £2 at the main gate to the Food and Beer Festival.”

Berwick and its surrounding areas have been associated with the brewing trade for centuries.

The name Berwick comes from the Old English word for barley farm and the malt grown for main festival sponsors Simpsons Malt is still used by modern breweries.

For a full list of beers making an appearance, visit www.berwickshire-news.co.uk

Musical entertainment has become an integral part of the event, and this year, visitors will be able to enjoy local band Hardly Original on Friday, September 4 and highly-acclaimed Who tribute band Who Too on Saturday, September 5.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a wide range of street food – always one of the busiest parts of the festival.

On offer will be Well hung and Tender burgers, The Big Blu pizza van, Berwick Shellfish Company , Kelso butchers pie and mash stall , Monsieur crepe, Eyemouth-based Giocopazzis ice cream and locally-roasted coffee from the Northern Edge coffee Company.

The Berwick Food and Beer Festival takes place at The Barracks in Berwick-upon-Tweed from September 5-6, from 10am-5pm, with the Beer Marquee opening on the afternoon of September 4 and in the evenings. In addition to the Beer Festival, highlights include more than 40 stalls of local produce, a demonstration kitchen, animal farm, children’s activities, music and entertainment. More information about the event can be found at www.berwickfoodandbeerfestival.co.uk