SUPPORTERS of a popular beer festival that raises funds for scouting will be given the chance to have a significant say in one of its key aspects for this year.

Bands will vie for the chance to perform at this summer’s Slimbridge Beerfest at a ‘Battle of the Bands’ next month.

Nine groups have signed up to take part in the event on February 25 when they will each be given 25 minutes to win over the crowd which will choose this year’s line-up.

Organiser of the evening, Donna Cook, said: “Although the Slimbridge Beerfest is well established – this year will be the 16th time the event has been held – we always look for new ideas and the Battle of the Bands gives bands a chance to be seen and for our supporters to be involved in choosing who will play at the Beerfest.”

Doors open at 6.30pm ahead of the 7pm start at the Chantry Centre in Dursley which will see each band play at least four songs in their 25-minute slot.

At the end of the evening the crowd will choose its favourite performances with the winners then invited to take part in the beer festival at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre on June 24.

Admission for the Battle of the Bands will be free and the bar at the Chantry Centre will be open. Advance tickets for the beer festival in June will also be sold.
Slimbridge Beerfest has been running since 2002 and has raised significant funds for scouting in the Cotswold Vale. 
More information can be found at slimbeerfest.co.uk/battle-of-the-bands