Next year's Fleetwood Beer Festival called off

The event, which has been staged at the town's Marine Hall for around 40 years and attracts up to 2,000 people each year, is organised by the Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The group says it has reluctantly taken the decision to cancel the event because of ongoing uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Gary Levin, festival organising committee chairman, said “We have looked at various options to allow us to stage the festival in some form or other in 2021.

"However, continued uncertainty as to whatever restrictions will be in force during the festival, and the need to look after the safety of both our customers and many volunteers, mean that we are unable to go ahead.

"We were aware that festival would have been a totally different affair probably with table service and a reduced number of beers but we believed that we should try and stage the event if possible.

"Unfortunately, the time has come to sadly cancel next year's festival.

"We know that many of our regulars will be disappointed, as we are, but these really are circumstances outside our control.

"We hope to be back in 2022."

Rick Pickup, chairman of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre CAMRA commented “We are, of course, deeply disappointed to cancel next years festival.

"These are very difficult times for pubs and the brewing industry so for us not to be able the showcase the best of the brewers art is extremely sad.

"We hope that our regulars attendees will give their support to local pubs and try and drink beer from our local brewers.

"In the long run it is more important that they survive than we stage a festival. It would also be wrong for us to take potential trade from them while they are unable to properly trade.

"We encourage all to responsibly visit pubs, when allowed, and to try their best to support local businesses. Buy a pint of a locally brewed beer in a pub that is part of its local community!”

It is hoped the festival can return in February 2022.