Raise a glass at Sham Fest in Bideford this September

A new charity beer festival has been launched to help raise funds for families who are struggling to make ends meet.

Sham Fest 23 takes place on Friday and Saturday, September 22-23 at the Pollyfield Centre in Bideford's East-The-Water.

The event's main beneficiary will be East-The-Water Community Food Pantry, which provides food and hygiene essentials for families who are struggling financially, with a particular focus on relieving food poverty for children.

Other funds will go to local football club Shamwickshire Rovers and the Pollyfield Centre, itself a registered charity, which provides a vital hub for various community groups and activities.

The event is being organised by local district councillor Huw Thomas. He said: "Families everywhere are struggling with the cost of living and the Food Pantry does an amazing job of helping people who've hit a brick wall. But everyone involved is a volunteer and donations are needed constantly.

"There's a strong sense of community in East-The-Water but it's also one of the poorest areas in the north of Devon so every bit of help is really valuable."

Sham Fest 23 will feature a range of craft ales produced by independent brewers from across the area, with Abbotsham's award-winning Country Life Brewery helping to co-ordinate the event and set up the bar.

Huw, a Green Party councillor who was elected in May to represent Bideford East, said: "The aim of the event is to celebrate some of the best beers from across North Devon and, at the same time, raise funds for some important community causes."

In addition to a range of beers, it is hoped to also have a selection of ciders, a gin and rum bar, various food wagons and other attractions at the event.

Huw added: "We'd like to make this an annual event but in order to get it off the ground we really need some local businesses and other organisations to help with sponsorship."

For more information, see the Sham Fest page on Facebook or email shamfest@gmail.com