It may be the 13th Easton on the Hill Gala (and 12th Beer festival) this year, but at least one person will be lucky when they win the £250 cash prize in the Grand Raffle. This 5 day event has been growing in popularity over the years since being held in tandem with the Blue Bell Pub in their huge garden and marquee, thanks to the sponsorship of landlords Alex and Cinzia.
There’s something for everyone across the weekend, and the village welcomes all visitors from near and far to come and share in the fun and fundraising. The proceeds from the Grand Raffle, The Traditional Village Fete, “Easton’s Got Talent” and the Pet Show all go to support local village clubs and organisations and the organising committee aims to provide some great entertainment and fun in a traditional village pub setting. Innovations for this year include a barmy “Easton Horse Trials” event at the Monday Fete (expect hobby horses, space hoppers, and general lunacy) and a performance by EATS of “The Jewel of Lamjung” – a short play, as part of the “Easton’s Got Talent” evening, which itself will have an Old Time Music Hall theme.
The full programme is as follows:
Thursday 23rd May 18.00: Beer Festival opens and lasts all weekend; more than 26 beers from near and far plus 10 or more ciders. Meet the brewers on Thursday evening.
Friday 24th May 19.00: Northern Soul Night featuring Motor City Vipers; £8.00 early bird tickets via Eventbrite, £10.00 via Eventbrite or on the door. Tickets also available from the pub or the band's members.
Saturday 25th May 13.00: 20/20 Cricket between Easton Cricket Club and a Village 11 at the playing fields. BBQ and Bar open 19.30: Easton’s Got Talent (Variety Show) £3.00 Adults, £2.00 U-16. (note-marquee bar closed during performance)
Sunday 26th May 12.00: All Day Free Music Festival with 7 bands: The Money Shot Band, The Jam Room, Filthy Contact, T’100s, The Expletives, Last Minute Brigade, Let There Be DC, plus acoustic stage. Monday 27th May 11.00: Pet Show – all pets welcome 12.00: Traditional Village Fete, including “Easton Horse Trials”, children’s crafts, heritage tea rooms, stalls, games, maypole dancing, music from the D’Ukes of Rutland and grand raffle draw at 4.00pm.
All events are free unless otherwise stated and all take place in and around the Blue Bell Marquee, High St, Easton on the Hill PE9 3LR. Further information from www.eastononthehill.com or email moc.llihehtnonotsae@alag or call the Blue Bell on 01780 763003

At the Community Hall, Wolf Lane, Gorefield, PE13 4NE
50+ real ales, ciders, gin and more. Music each evening. Free entry
6-Midnight Thursday and Friday. Noon-Midnight Saturday.
More info on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Gorefieldbeerfest/