Brewery celebrates reopening with Sarktoberfest

Scott Sullivan and Seigneur of Sark Christopher Beaumont in the brewery

Sark Brewery is celebrating reopening after five years with a new beer and a one-day German-themed Sarktoberfest where the brewery's new name will be announced.

The Seigneurie Marquee will be transformed into a Bavarian Beerhall on 4 October when people can get a first taste of the Sark-brewed tipple.

One of the organisers, Scott Sullivan, said the reopening had been two years in the planning and he hoped the festival would be an annual event and the "last blast of the season to get people over".

Drinkers can enjoy German beer and food as well as the new Sark beer, an Oompah band and a Bavarian singalong, hosted by Welsh National Opera's principal baritone Mark Llewelyn Evans.

Mr Sullivan said people are curious about the launch of the new beer and the team have had advice from people who used to work at the brewery.

"I'm stopped in the street quite often and asked 'when's it out, when's it out?' Everyone's keen to see it," he said.

"We've done a few test runs and everything seems to be working, so it's looking good."

He added that islanders will have to wait for the event to discover the name of the new brewery and the brew - "so you've got to be there".

"The only downside is the increase in electricity prices", he added, which he said are set to more than double to about £6,000 monthly for the brewery and Hathaways restaurant combined.

He believes the increase will be "only temporary" and added "no matter what Sarktoberfest is still going ahead".

He promised a well stocked bar with a "good range" of beers "so there's something for everyone" and other drinks.

The event also includes a best-dressed competition "so everyone needs to get out their lederhosen," said Mr Sullivan.

Tickets are available via the La Seigneurie website and ticket holders are entitled to discounts on ferry travel.