Come and join us; 19th - 22nd Sept’ at Fermoy’s Garden Centre, Ipplepen

This year will see Abbfest, the Beer, Music and Food Festival, celebrate 20 years since its inception. Originally formed to raise money for repairs to the parish church and held at Abbotskerswell Cricket Club, Abbfest has raised over £260,000 for local charities and good causes. Not bad for a festival organised and run completely by volunteers!

The success of Abbfest meant the event soon outgrew the cricket club, and the organisers recognised that a charity to handle funds and distribute surplus was required. The charity was formed and the Trustees were able to secure the field adjacent to Fermoy’s as its new home.

The 20th Abbfest will see another incredible programme of entertainment, including celebrity chefs and some fantastic local bands, as well as a massive selection of local beers and ciders, street food vendors and a food and craft marquee. It will all kick off with a Night of the Classics with Torbay Symphony Orchestra on Thursday 19th Sept and culminate with “Dogfest” a fun Family Dog Show on Sunday 22nd Sept.

Abbfest is delighted that this year will see the return of Michelin starred Michael Caines, a familiar face at many previous festivals, alongside new faces including celebrity chef Jack Stein, Sadekul Islam from Newton Abbot’s Eastern Eye restaurant, Sally-Ann from Darts Farm and Oliver Williamson from Ollie’s and Portofino restaurants in Torquay.

 Highlights of this year’s programme include:

·     Thursday 19th Sept – A Night of Classics with Torbay Symphony Orchestra

·       Friday 20th Sept – Beer Festival opens with music from Mammoth and The Red Cups

·       Saturday 21st Sept – Beer Festival, food and craft stalls, street food, cookery demonstrations and music throughout the day including the Rock Choir, local bands and into the night with Eventine and Loose Cannons headlining

·       Sunday 22nd Sept – will include Battle of the Bands with local youth groups and “Dogfest” fun Family Dog Show.

Abbfest is one of the best Beer festivals in our area and features over 200 Devon beer and ciders, which alongside Pimm’s, wine and gin bars plus a selection of non-alcoholic drinks means there is plenty on offer – all this plus the free shuttle bus that operates from Newton Abbot to the festival all day until closing makes it a great weekend for all to enjoy.

 For more information and to book your tickets please visit www.abbfest.org