Brentwood Brewery was pleased to welcome hundreds of beer fans on Saturday (9th December) to their Christmas Beer Festival including special guests, Santa, The Mayor of Brentwood, Cllr Will Russell, and the town’s MP.

“What a brilliant way to start the Christmas season, drinking Chestnut Stout and buying Christmas trees.  It’s been a brilliant afternoon.  I’m only sad I can’t stay longer,” said Brentwood and Ongar MP, Alex Burghart.

Joy

The Mayor of Brentwood said:  “It was wonderful to return to Brentwood Brewery. This time, to enjoy the Christmas Beer Festival and all the joy the occasion brought.

“I managed to sample a few different beers, great food and company. I was delighted to join Santa welcoming guests.  All the children appeared to love the atmosphere and of course, Santa’s sleigh.”

Music

A programme of musical entertainment throughout the day contributed to the festive atmosphere.  Festival goers were treated to performances by local musical groups including Shenfield Operatic Society, Song Cycle, singer Michelle Ward of Phoenix FM fame and Johnny ‘Timebomb’ Taylor and the Yule-kelistics, ukulele band.

SNAP Charity

Jos Hollington from SNAP charity’s fund raising team and a rota of SNAP volunteers were also at the festival, raising funds and awareness of the charity’s work throughout Essex.  They ran a raffle, children’s games like Beanbag Splat and sold mugs filled with Christmas treats.  Collection pots were also stationed on the bar to garner further support for the Warley based charity which helps families and children with special needs and disabilities.

“We are very grateful to Roland and his team for inviting us to the Christmas Festival; it was a fun and social community occasion, as always, with Santa the undoubted highlight! Thank you also to everyone who generously supported our raffle,” said Jos Hollington.

Jewellery

Jaye, who usually works in the brewery’s sales team, was at the festival with her creative, handmade jewellery collection, Made With Love by Jaye.

Brewery Team

The brewery’s Christmas beers were enthusiastically received, especially Winter Warmer, Good Elf and Frosty Baubles, keeping the bar team busy throughout.  And the brewery’s snack van, Beer Grylls, headed by Brewery Manager Dean Beckwith and with help from Jade, offered hot food and snacks to hungry guests.

Roland Kannor, MD of Brentwood Brewing Company, said:  “I’d like to thank everyone who came along and made the Christmas Beer Festival such a special occasion.  Also Brentwood Rotary Club who very kindly lent us Santa’s sleigh for the day.

“I’m told Santa had a great time.  Not only did he top the Beanbag Splat leader board for a while but he also joined in singing Slade’s Christmas hit, Merry Christmas Everybody, with Michelle Ward.  But I didn’t really see much of him.  Intriguingly, we were never seen together in the same room!”

Santa

Santa posed for photos and selfies with children and festival goers of all ages who were keen to sit on his sleigh.

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