It’s nearly festival time again in Baldock – and next weekend it’ll all kick off when the town’s annual independent beer festival returns for the 10th year.

The Comet: The Baldock Independent Beer Festival is celebrating its 10th iteration this year.The Baldock Independent Beer Festival is celebrating its 10th iteration this year. (Image: Archant)

The Independent Baldock Beer Festival, held at Brandles School in Weston Way, returns on Friday, April 28, with some 100 real ales, live music and more.

The festival, which has raised more than £34,000 for good causes in the Baldock area over its nine years, is now in its second year as a registered charity – and it all started a decade ago when a group of friends were challenged to see if they could put something together for the Baldock Festival.

Chairwoman Tara Geere said: “We’re really surprised by the support we’ve received. During the first couple of years we had to beg and borrow all the kit we needed, and we had amazing support from Brandles, CAMRA, local breweries like Buntingford Brewery and cider makers like our friends at Apple Cottage Cider, here in Baldock.

“There is still an original group of six people that started the event, but likeminded people have joined us over the years and brought with them passions like music, wine, street food and children’s entertainment to help us grow into the great community event that we now have.

“Our extensive and highly-regarded range of real ales – there will be 100 this year – is complimented by ciders and continental beers, as well as wide-ranging entertainment and musical offerings across the weekend.

“On our main stage we have a number of local bands playing – and further local talent is showcased through the acoustic tent, supported by G LaRoche of Balstock, another great Baldock event.

“Year on year we’ve grown, but we think we have retained our ethos of great beer and good entertainment for the community.”

The 10th Independent Baldock Beer Festival is from Friday to Sunday, April 28 to 30, at Brandles School, and marks the start of the 34th annual Baldock Festival.

Baldock Events Forum manager Richard Sell said: “The Baldock Festival brings a myriad of fantastic events to the town over a couple of weeks, and I can’t think of any better way of kicking it all off than the Independent Baldock Beer Festival, which embodies the spirit of the whole endeavour – having fun while raising money for great causes as well.”

To find out more see baldockbeerfestival.org.