Maldon's Blue Boar Bank Holiday beer festival sees Essex bands and brewers fill line-up this weekend

All hands to the pumps - Blue Boar managers Chloe Quye and Emma Dolton are excited to host local musicians and brewers. (Credit: Blue Boar Hotel)

TALENTED local musicians and award-winning beers are on offer this August Bank Holiday, as a historic Maldon pub’s beer festival returns. 

The Blue Boar Hotel, in Silver Street, will host 16 real ales and a variety of live music performances from Friday 22 to Monday 25 August. 

This year’s festival features a line-up of musicians who all perform in and around the Maldon District. 

Chloe Quye, manager at the Blue Boar, said: “We loved welcoming everyone to our first ever beer festival last year.

“We can’t wait to see lots of happy guests dancing the night away in our lovely beer garden. 

“Events like this are a great way to celebrate our community. That’s why we’re proud to host talented local musicians and award-winning Essex brewers at our festival.” 

Fun in the sun - punters packed into the beer garden last year. (Credit: Blue Boar Hotel)

A wide range of beers and ales are on offer, including Amarillo premium golden ale and the multi award-winning Brewers Gold beer from Crouch Vale in South Woodham Ferrers.

Bishop Nick from Braintree will also fly the flag for Essex, with its 1555 amber ale. 

This year’s musical line-up includes Maldon singer Joanna Power, who has performed across the UK, Dubai, Paris, Ibiza and all over the world. 

Joanna will kick off the live performances on Friday 22 August. 

She said: “I had such a blast last year! 

“It was so much fun, getting the crowd up and singing and dancing. I’m looking forward to doing it all again this Bank Holiday Weekend.” 

All smiles - singer Joanna Power (pictured right at last year's festival) will return to perform. (Credit: Submitted)

Guitarist Paul Etherton will soundtrack Saturday afternoon, before saxophonist Christian Beck takes the stage in the evening. 

Four-piece Duke St will start Sunday’s live music line-up at 2pm. 

They will be followed by the Maldon-based Mighty Bosscats, whose new album is topping blues charts alongside blues legends Buddy Guy and John Fogerty. 

On Bank Holiday Monday, Essex covers band SX5 will perform hits from the sixties, seventies and eighties from 2pm. 

Entry to the festival is free. For more information, visit the Blue Boar’s Facebook page: facebook.com/blueboarmaldon