Bideford’s charity beer festival returns!

Bideford’s very own charity beer festival is set to return on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September, bringing back Sham Fest to the Pollyfield Centre in Bideford's East-The-Water. After a successful debut last year, where it raised over £1,500, this year's event aims to double that amount for local charities.

The event will once again aim to raise thousands of pounds for struggling families and the local community.

Organiser Huw Thomas said: “We're hoping to build on last year with a gin bar to go alongside our selection of real ales and ciders from across the South West.”

The main beneficiary will again be The East-The-Water Community Food Pantry, which provides food and hygiene essentials for those in need, with a particular focus on tackling child food poverty. 

Other funds will go to the Pollyfield Centre, which is a vital hub for the community and a registered charity.

Brunswick Wharf will be the main sponsor for Sham Fest 24, with other pledges of support coming from local businesses and individuals - plus several of the region's brewers. 

This year's festival ale will be a special brew from East-The-Water's own Clearwater Brewery.

Last year's inaugural festival raised just over £1,500 and it's hoped to at least double that in 2024.

Huw said: “East-The-Water has a great sense of community but there are a shocking number of people who are struggling to put food on the tables for themselves and their families.

“The Food Pantry is a lifeline for many but it relies on donations for everything it does.”

He added: “The Pollyfield plays a key role in our community. A new team has been running the centre for the past year or so and they've made a huge number of improvements, making the centre much more welcoming and attractive for everyone who uses it.”

The festival is also looking for more sponsors.

For more information, see the Sham Fest page on Facebook or email shamfest@gmail.com