The Driftwood Spars in St Agnes will host its inaugural Barrel of Laughs Beer Festival from 10th – 12th March, with a stellar line-up of top comedians, live music and handcrafted beer from some of the UK’s best small breweries.
Louise Treseder, Owner of the brewpub and microbrewery in Trevaunance Cove, said: “This is perhaps our most exciting festival line-up yet, and the first time we’ve incorporated comedy as part of the schedule. There’s loads going on across all three days, plus we’ll be showing the Six Nations rugby matches for anyone who doesn’t want to miss out!”
Entry to the festival itself (including most of the music performances) is non-ticketed and free, and everything will take place within the cosy surroundings of the rambling, historic coastal brewpub – although they’ll be the opportunity to enjoy food and drink outside if the Cornish weather plays ball. The event kicks off with a free comedy jam on Friday 10th March, 6pm – 7.30, during which local comedians will try out new material or simply enjoy some stage time in front of a friendly audience.
The main comedy acts will take place in the sea-facing bistro throughout the weekend; for these, tickets are being sold in advance or on the day until capacity is reached.
Britain’s Got Talent Runner Up, 23-year-old Jack Carroll, is the comedy headliner of the festival, performing on both the Friday and Saturday. The Pride of Britain award winner starred in Trollied on Sky One, the 2018 film Eaten by Lions, and has previously appeared on Live at The Apollo. On Sunday, Kernow King and support acts will close the event; tickets have already sold out for this, and the other performances are expected to follow suit.
The music line-up features rock and blues cover band blueStealers, Hedluv and Passman (this is a ticketed event), and True Collison, plus an Open Mic session on Sunday at 5pm following the Six Nations match between Ireland and Scotland.
Meanwhile, craft beer lovers will be in their element, with a selection of cask and keg beers to enjoy alongside great pub food, which will be served each day from 12-9pm (8pm on Sunday).
Mike Mason, Head Brewer at The Driftwood Spars Brewery and curator of the beer offering, said: “We’re really excited about the selection for Barrel of Laughs, which features beers from some of our favourite breweries from across the UK. From Cloudwater in Bermondsey to Track Brewery in Manchester, this is a brilliant opportunity to try some of the finest handcrafted brews around.” He continued: “We’re particularly excited to welcome Small Beer Brew Co. to the line-up, a B Corp brewery which specialises in big flavour, low alcohol beers.”
The Driftwood Spars will also be celebrating the arrival of their own new brand beer, Sea Shanty, at the festival. Louise said: “Sea Shanty is the first new addition to our core range for over five years and we’re really excited to properly unleash it at Barrel of Laughs. The light pale ale with subtle tropical notes is the perfect session ale for spring – and what better excuse for a session than a pint-sized festival of music and comedy on the Cornish coast!”
For more info or tickets to music and comedy performances, visit the website HERE
