A sunny September day saw over 400 people enjoy the first Cove and Kilcreggan Real Ale Festival since 2019.
Staged for the first time since Covid-19 lockdowns, the event on Saturday also saw a record of more than 700 raffle tickets sold – all in aid of Cove Burgh Hall.
Martin Cox, one of the organisers, said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ with the event, which saw locals and visitors meeting up to enjoy the fine weather.
“It’s a huge amount of work to put on, so we’re bowled over by the support from the villages and plenty of visitors from further afield – the bus to and from Helensburgh was really busy, as was the ferry to Gourock,” they added.
“For a long time, the festival has been one of the biggest annual fundraisers for Cove Burgh Hall, which is community owned and run, and, like so many events, it couldn’t take place in 2020 or 2021 – the fact we came back with such great success is absolutely brilliant.
“And it’s all down to our sponsors, the organising committee, an army of volunteers and, of course, our hugely supportive customers. Enormous thanks to all.”
There was live music throughout the afternoon, with 26 different ales on offer.
Headline ale sponsor No Limits Brewing from Dumbarton brought five types of beer, which sold out – together with all the cider and white wine, as well as much of the beer.
New glasses for 2022 were sponsored by The Rhu Inn and Cardross Inn, while other sponsors included Kilcreggan Garage, Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council, Peninsula Cabs, Creggans Inn, Ensign Motifs, Raymond Grieve, and Let’s Promote Marketing.
Mr Cox added: “Although we don’t yet have an overall total, early indications are that it promises to be an absolutely bumper result, which will make a big difference to the hall’s funds.”
Pictures by Gavin Walker and Fiona Holland.
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