In Pictures: Greenwich Beer And Jazz Festival 2010

By · May 31, 2010 at 18:45 pm · 7 Comments · Arts and Events, Food and Drink · Report an error ·

Yesterday we were lucky enough to pop along to the Greenwich Beer And Jazz Festival on the sunniest day of the weekend. With the event set in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, the pleasant weather really made the occasion, with a mixed crowd chilling out on the lawns and trying not to ingest too much of the occasional dust-storms that were kicked up by the wind blowing across the gravel paths.

With a selection of real ales from a decent variety of UK breweries including Dark Star, Crouch Vale, Hopback and (of course) Meantime, as well as a cider and perry tent and a (mostly-deserted) Budvar tent, the afternoon passed in a relaxed haze of fermented sampling. There was also some evidence of Pimms, presumably to cater for those who are prone to attending beer festivals by mistake. Satisfyingly beer-soaking food stalls made the most of the captive audience and, for the most part, the jazz was eminently suitable (although the folkier performances were a bit jarring and noisy).

If the festival returns next year, we’ll definitely be planning to return, although we’ll keep our fingers crossed that it doesn’t rain.

All photos by Dave.

Tagged: , , , , ,

Report an error

  • M@

    I prefer the Greenwich Jeer and Baz festival, where visitors shout abuse at people called Barry.

  • http://undefined sunfug

    We were in Greenwich and tempted to go until we saw the price. It seemed a lot of dosh for some mediocre talent, bearing in mind how much you might also spend on beer and grub (I retract all criticism if the beer was free). Funnily enough it looked quite empty inside but there were plenty of people congregating outside the festival with BYO. Londoners can sniff a rip-off a mile away.

    • Dave

      In terms of attendance, a lot of the attendees were sitting on the far side of the grounds, where the sun was, which did certainly leave a lot of space in the shadier areas. It also seemed to get busier as the afternoon progressed into the evening.

      No the beer wasn’t free – it was standard beer-festival prices.

      And yes, the tickets were quite steep, especially on Sunday. But the surroundings an atmosphere were better than any other beer festival that I’ve visited, which goes some small way to justifying the price. Maybe.

  • http://undefined sunfug

    Dave, looking back my comment read more snarkily than intended. I still think the prices were steep but the crux of it is that we’ve become accustomed to all manner of excellent free events in London (my local Lambeth Country Show being a standout). Friends and relatives visiting (especially in Summer) always comment on this. And I guess if you’re going to charge it needs to measure up. Glad you enjoyed the festival.

    • Dave

      Cheers, sunfug. I completely agree that the prices were steep, but plenty of people obviously thought they were worth paying. Maybe they had just been paid. ;-)

  • http://www.kitchendesignersplus.com/blog/kitchen-flooring/flooring-choices-when-remodeling-your-kitchen/ johnytjones

    Really nice.

  • http://www.marblepolishingmiami.com/ Marble Clean

    Greenwich Beer And Jazz Festival 2010

←
→