If you haven’t yet completed your festival trail card, time is officially running out. Today, Saturday 18th July, marks the final day of the first-ever Ainsdale Beer & Pie Fest, wrapping up a busy week that has seen the village high street packed with community spirit, and pies.
Since kicking off last weekend, the event has brought residents and visitors together across eight of Ainsdale’s favourite independent pubs, bars, restaurants, and shops. The goal was simple, celebrate the brilliant independent scene right on our doorstep in Sefton by matching great local real ales with some seriously impressive pies.
With the festival coming to a close this evening, local venues are preparing for a busy final push as trail-goers look to collect their last remaining stamps.
“Proud to Showcase Ainsdale”
The response from the community has highlighted the incredible variety of independent businesses working hard in the village.
“As Southport’s only champion pie makers, we are proud to work alongside fellow businesses in Ainsdale to host its first-ever pie and beer festival,” said Rob Marshall from The Farmhouse Kitchen. “With live music across both weekends and lots of activities in the village, thanks to Sefton Tourism for their support.”
How to Enter the £200 Prize Draw Before Tomorrow’s Deadline
To be in with a chance of winning the luxury £200 community hamper packed with local goods, you need to make sure your completed card is handed in before closing time on Saturday 18 July.
If you are a couple of stamps short – or if you want to try and smash out the trail in one final afternoon – here is exactly what you need to do:
- Grab a Card: Pick up a trail card at any of the participating spots if you haven’t got one yet.
- Get Five Stamps: Drop into the businesses, sample their festival specials, and get your card stamped. You only need five stamps out of the eight venues to qualify.
- Hand It In: Drop your completed card off at your very last stop before the end of the day on Saturday.
The grand prize draw will take place this Sunday, 19th July, with the winner notified shortly after.
Where to Get Your Final Fix
If you are planning your route for tomorrow, here is a reminder of the eight unique spots putting on custom items for the grand finale:
- The Farmhouse Kitchen: Serving up their freshly baked, award-winning traditional pies paired with real ale.
- The Mallard: The classic village pub pairing homemade pies with a proper pint of real ale.
- Dukes Wine Bar: Showcasing a great line-up of quality real ales alongside their usual menu.
- Dolce Vita: Bringing a brilliant Italian twist to the festival with custom homemade Italian pies.
- The Barr: The popular family-run bar is serving up real ales alongside some incredibly creative, pie-inspired cocktails.
- MeCycle: The perfect stop for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering a range of delicious dessert pies.
- The Chocolate Box: Joining in the village fun with custom, pie-themed sweet treats.
- The Wardrobe: Celebrating the high street with a special range of pie-inspired gifts and local items.
Live Music for the Grand Finale
To send the festival off in style, live music will be echoing through the village tomorrow afternoon and evening, matching the great atmosphere from the opening weekend.
Whether you are heading out for a Saturday stroll with the family, meeting friends for a few pints of local ale, or just picking up a sweet treat with the kids, tomorrow is the perfect excuse to step outside, support the high street, and celebrate a brilliant new fixture in Sefton’s community calendar.