Public's real ale festival a success

A real ale festival at The Public has been hailed a success by event organisers after more than 2,000 people flocked through the doors.

The Couture festival featured 16 independent breweries including Enville Ales, Loddon, Caledonian, Cotleigh, Holden's, Wye Valley and Wild Walker.

Visitors to the event at the West Bromwich arts centre were also able to enjoy music from the Trevor Burton Band who provided a lively mix of blues-rock on Saturday from 4pm.

New Orleans jazz band Tipitina also played at the venue yesterday with an up-lifting mixture of gospel and boogie woogie.

Former cleaner June Turton, aged 64, of Tildesley Street, West Bromwich, said: "I have had a great time. I have tried nearly all of the ales. I really liked Enville Ginger Beer."

Philip Hunt of Wednesbury celebrated his 49 birthday at the festival. "I have had a really good time," he said.

More than 5,000 pints were sold, with a pint costing £2.50 and a half-pint £1.50. Event organiser Thaira Parveen said she was thrilled by the success of the festival.

The gallery part of The Public has gone into administration, and administrators were meeting with creditors today.