The Devizes Festival of Winter Ales does what it says on the tankard, but it isn’t just about drinking Kennet and Avon Brewery winter ales and ciders in the cosy Corn Exchange.
Now I’m not talking about this year’s warming musical performances by Rob Lear and the Drystones, or even, dare I say it, the chance to catch Rod Laver’s vaudevillian ping-pong mouth juggling, which might be worth the price-tag itself.
No, you see, the festival is a fundraising event for DOCA, The Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts, and we all love the many free events they put on in our town, like the Devizes International Street Festival, Devizes Carnival and the Christmas Lantern Parade.
The Festival of Winter Ales helps DOCA meet the costs of their outstanding programme, which costs thousands to create. Think of all those fireworks last Christmas, the brilliant bands at the street festival or at Hillworth Park; all wracks up you know. We owe it to DOCA to drink some ale and cider, which can be no bad thing!
Those beers won’t drink themselves, so show your support if you can; on the evening of Friday 23rd February, from 4 – 11pm, or Saturday 24th February when the afternoon runs from 11 – 5pm, and evening from 5.30 – 11pm.
Tickets are available for three sessions over the two days, and can be purchased online here: or in person at Devizes Books, The British Lion, The Vaults and the Wadworth’s Visitor Centre. Over 18’s only though you understand.
