Cheers! Let’s celebrate victory over the Vikings (From This Is Wiltshire)

Cheers! Let’s celebrate victory over the Vikings

12:30pm Monday 25th August 2008

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A REAL ale and cider festival is being held next month in conjunction with the Wiltshire Times & Chippenham News and Trowbridge Town Council to commemorate a famous battle.

The Ethandune Real Ale and Cider Festival, in the Civic Hall from 1pm to midnight on Sunday, September 21, is to mark the battle of Ethandune, near Westbury, in 878.

The battle came about when Saxon leader Alfred defeated Guthren and his army of Danes to rescue the country from its Viking invaders.

Once he had defeated the invading army, Alfred was exalted to the throne of England and the country had its first single monarch.

The festival will have more than 25 real ales, a few ciders and a couple of perries, all from breweries and presses in the south west.

Steve Large, event organiser, said: "This is the first time this area has seen an ale festival on this scale and I'm looking forward to the event as it is going to be an amazingly fun day.

"I am hoping that it will be successful enough to secure an annual place in the calendar."

Drink tokens will be in strips of five or 10 for £5 or £10 and each token will be redeemable for a half pint. The main bar will also be open selling the usual drinks and soft drinks.

Music and entertainment has been organised by Peewee Hunt and will be provided by bands such as Stress; an Irish jig band, the Clifton Jazz Band and Banned from the House.

Food will be available all day from local caterer Victoria Moore.

Tickets are £5, including a commemorative tankard-style glass, and are available from the Civic Hall on 01225 762439, the Tourist Information Centre on 710535 or at the Wiltshire Times offices in Duke Street.

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