Beer festival with ‘bite’ to be held again in summer

Over the past five years, Panther Brewery has made huge progress, reports owner and head brewer Martin James. “One of our major achievements since setting up the business was the success of last year’s Panther Beer Festival, which will return by popular demand,” he said.
 

Norwich-based The Dirigibles played at last year’s Panther Beer Festival

 
The second annual beer festival will be held from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August, again at Stimpson’s Piece. “Like 2014, any profit will go to Reepham-based charities as we are keen to give back to the community that supports us so affectionately,” Mr James explained.
 
“As to the most important feature (i.e. the beer) we have taken on board consumer feedback and this time will be running a continental bar comprising German and Belgian beers. These will be served alongside local ales, ciders and speciality ales from outside the county – as well as our multi-award winning Panther ales, which are now offered in eight different breeds.
 
“Our most recent addition is the 5.5% Amber IPA, The Beast of the East, which is available in bottles, casks and ‘caskfresh’ (a patented self-venting bag-in-box) and has already proved a hit.”
 
For this year’s beer festival, Panther Brewery is again keen to promote local bands and has already booked the first headline act – Rock Garden – and will welcome back blues duo Dove and Boweevil and the talented Adam Meek. There are still a few spots remaining, so if you are interested, get in touch at office@pantherbrewery.co.uk
 
Other entertainment will include exhibits and games run by local clubs, as well as bar games. “The beer, music and entertainment will be the perfect accompaniment to local stalls selling Caribbean food, wood-fired pizzas and ice cream,” said Mr James. “If any other food producers would like to attend, please contact us.”
 
Meanwhile, Panther Brewery has recently taken on a new apprentice, Jack Mortimer, a local lad previously employed at the King’s Arms, which has supported the Reepham-based brewery from the outset. Mr James was impressed by the high number of applications and grateful to all those who applied.
 
“We will also make a major announcement in next month’s Reepham Life that will make us so much more than just your everyday brewery.”
 

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