DIB DIB GIG

The stereotypical image of real ale fans, supping the foam from a lukewarm, cloudy pint whilst discussing leather elbow patches and picking the remnants of yesterday's pork pie from their beards is as outdated as my haircut as last year's beerfest proved. Indeed, it was such a popular and merry affair that the promoters have decided to do it all again this year. And what an event it is shaping up to be.

This year, the event will be spread out over not one, but two glorious beer quaffing, hog roast munching, sun-kissed days.

Some of you may know this already, but I play bass in a local band, and at last year's BeerFest, we were invited to play. So when one of the organisers approached us to play again at this year's festival, we virtually tore his arm off at the chance. But that would have been stupid as he probably needs both hands to tie woggles and sew badges on sleeves.

We had such a great time last year, that we couldn't refuse. Not only is the festival a fantastic community event with the opportunity to sample delicious ales, ciders and wines etc., but it is also a great fundraiser for the local Scouts.
I have been lucky enough to play at some fantastic venues with The High Barnets, all over the world. (Well, we played in Madrid once.) But the thing is that it doesn't matter how large or exclusive the venue is, without a half drunk audience bouncing up and down in front of you, spilling beer everywhere, and with bits of hog still caught in their teeth, you don't have a night to remember.
That's what made last year's beerfest so special - the people. The sun bought the best out in everyone. Throughout the day, families with young children happily mingled with groups of friends out for a jolly.
By the time it came for us to play, the gaff was buzzing with excitement and expectation. You can always tell if a gig is going to be a corker after the first song. And that night, the roof virtually lifted off the hut - not because we played extraordinarily well, but because everyone was, well, mad for it. And since that night, we have been aching like a tramp's tooth to play it again.

So join me if you will, in raising a nice warm foaming glass of Vicar's Dripping and toast the Hersham BeerFest 2009.