BEER lovers still have chance to sample Arkell’s speciality Stratton Festival Ale following its launch for the Stratton Festival at the weekend, with a second weekend of fun in store this Saturday.

For the past five years, Arkell’s Brewery has worked with the parish council by agreeing to brew the special Stratton Festival Ale, which is only available for a very limited time throughout July to coincide with the Stratton Festival and Stratton Stroll.

This year the iconic family brewers have also sponsored the Main Stage at the Stratton Festival, which took place at the weekend at Grange Leisure.

Alex Arkell said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be involved in the Stratton Festival and Stroll this year. The reason John Arkell brewed beer here in the first place 174 years ago was to bring together the local community to enjoy the social spaces and events over a delicious beer.

“We look forward to carrying on this tradition.”

The parish council works closely with local pubs across the parish to bring the community together each year for the Stratton Stroll music festival.

This year’s Stroll is taking place on Saturday and strollers will be able to go from pub to pub, taking in live music and enjoying classic ales, including the Stratton Festival Ale.

Chairman of the parish council Joe Tray said: “The parish council is committed to working in partnership with local businesses.

“The Stroll and the tasty Arkell’s Stratton Festival Ale gets more and more popular each year. We hope to see people flock in their hundreds to this year’s infamous Stratton Stroll.”

The free music festival kicks off from midday at The Kingsdown, The Crown from 1pm, The New Inn from 2pm, Grange Bar from 3pm, The Wheatsheaf from 4pm, finishing at The Rat Trap from 7pm until late.

Grange Bar will feature live music later than in previous years through to 10pm.

Throughout the day the Parish Council will be collecting donations from strollers for the Alzheimer’s Society, the chairman’s chosen charity for 2017.

For more information about local business links, please contact the clerk to the council.

For more information about Stratton Festival and the Stratton Stroll contact the events and hospitality officer Johanna Edwards on events@strattonstmargaret.gov.uk