You’ll find merriment aplenty in Letchworth this weekend during its first Beer & World Food Festival, with a giant beer tent, live music and more on offer in the town centre.

The Comet: Norma Hutchinson-Regault of Amrons House of Fashion, which is holding a Big Sew Down on Saturday, putting up buntings from noon to 4pm.Norma Hutchinson-Regault of Amrons House of Fashion, which is holding a Big Sew Down on Saturday, putting up buntings from noon to 4pm. (Image: Archant)

There’ll be a taste trail and more than 100 stalls at the festival on Saturday and Sunday, as well as an oxygen bar in The Avenue on both days and a shisha tent in The Wynd on Sunday.

And Letchworth BID manager Tom Hardy told the Comet visitors could expect a similar atmosphere to May’s food festival, which he called the highlight of his tenure so far.

“That tied in very well with the opening of the Garden City Brewery in The Wynd,” said Tom.

“The Wynd was busier than I’ve ever seen it, and I’ve lived here all my life. That was a highlight for me not just as BID manager but also just as somebody from Letchworth.”

The Garden City Brewery is set to play its part this weekend by putting on Letchworth’s own Oktoberfest, with guest ales bringing home the tastes of Bavaria and Austria.

“We’ll have a broad selection of our own ales, including a brand new dark wheat beer brewed specially for the occasion – and guest ales including a pils-style lager on tap using Vienna and Munich malts,” said brewery boss Holly-Anne Rolfe.

The festival starts at noon on both days and finishes at 6pm.

In The Arcade, Amron’s House of Fashion is holding a ‘Big Sew Down’ on Saturday, putting up buntings from noon to 4pm.

“We’re trying to bring the community into the town centre with this free project,” said owner Norma Hutchinson-Regault.

“Please bring your own sewing machines if you have them, and any old fabric you might have. You don’t have to be great at sewing to take part in this – there’s something everyone can do.”

Saturday also sees the opening of a new shop in Leys Avenue stocking fish, turtles and other marine life – Letchworth Aquatics, which is where Citizens Advice used to be.

Boss Mark Tugwood has come to town after running similar shops in Southend and Enfield, and he can’t wait to welcome his first customers.

He said: “It’s been a good couple of months’ hard slog to get it up and running, and I’m very happy to finally open the doors and bring my expertise to Letchworth.”