Return of the Petersfield festival that’s in a glass of its own

THERE’LL be a Velocirapture, a Dragonfly and a Hazy Hog to watch out for when a popular Petersfield festival returns at the weekend.

These will be some of the many quality and crafts ales on tap at the Petersfield Beer and Cider Festival taking place on Friday and Saturday.

Hundreds of revellers are expected in the Festival Hall, with breweries including Meon Valley Cider, Langhams, Hogsback, Staggeringly Good, Southsea Brewing Co, Wild Weather Ales, Urban Island Brewing Co and JJ’s Ciders in attendance.

The Lighter Cider Life, Shepherds Warning, Storm in a Teacup, Crackerjack, Low Tide, Crafty Shag and Chalk Steam are some of the imaginative names the beers and ciders have been given.

There will be live music too, with bands taking to the stage throughout the event which runs from 6pm to 11pm on Friday, and from noon to 5pm and 6pm to 11pm on Saturday.

Petersfield four-piece The Mantic Muddlers return to headline on Saturday night, with covers ranging from Howlin’ Wolf to Tom Waits.

Said organisers Steve Jacob and Ben Errey: “Hometown Festivals are excited to bring back this very popular event following on from the success of their previous festivals which help blow away the winter blues.

“As usual there will be three sessions across two days full of awesome ales and ciders from across the region accompanied by top quality music and fine food.”

Acts entertaining the crowds will be 16-year-old Hampshire singer songwriter Devin Jade, the Mark Nelson Trio, with blues originals, and covers band Komaro on Friday.

Saturday will feature Gavin Driver, Letters to Daisy, Richard Morris, Emmay, Megan Linford and Dutch Criminal Record, offering everything from folk and roots to surf pop.

There will be a secondary bar with wine, and a selection of spirits and soft drinks. The Spice Lounge Restaurant will provide curries, and locally-produced pork pies will also be sold.

Entry to each session is £7 per person to include a souvenir pint glass and a free beer token. Book tickets on www.petersfieldfest.com or buy from One Tree Books in Lavant Street.