Heavenly ale to raise cash for Albrighton church
Parishioners will be raising a glass for a good cause as they host a beer festival to generate cash for a crucial restoration project.
St Mary Magdalene Church in Albrighton will be hosting the event on Friday and Saturday in a bid to secure much needed funds to restore the stunning Chancel East Window.
Hundreds of real ale and cider enthusiasts from the region are set to descend on the unlikely venue for a ‘pint’ and to enjoy live music from local acts, including The Dirty Rockin Scoundrels, Epic Volume and Jones in the Fast Lane.
So far £12,000 has already been raised as a result of previous events, with organisers hoping to beat their best ever performance by generating over £5,000 this year.
The Rev Mary Thomas, vicar at St Mary Magdalene said: “We need about £55,000 to fully restore the East window to its former glory, repairing cracking, stonework and dropped joints in the tracery.
“The beer festival is our most successful fundraising activity of the year, with people in the village coming out in force and others travelling in to enjoy 13 different beers and four ciders, as well as some great tasting snacks.
“What can be better on a spring evening than to enjoy great ale and great conversation, listening to fantastic music all in the unique setting of a stunning church?”
The brainchild of previous Vicar Jill Warren and Organists David Smith and Gerald Leach,the St Mary Magdalene Beer Festival first started in 2013 and in that time has attracted more than 2,000 people and showcased 35 different beers and ciders.
And 2018 is set to be the biggest yet, with more live music confirmed and local brewers Battlefield, Stonehouse, Lymestone, Rowton and Chapel all adding their support.
The festival will run from 6pm until 11pm on Friday and from midday to 11pm on Saturday.
For further information, email abdbeneficeoffice@gmail.com or frank.aston@outlook.com
