From Tuesday 7th to Sunday 11th June, Herm’s Mermaid Tavern will be hosting another ale and cider festival, providing a great excuse to hop on the ferry and head over to one of our smaller neighbours for a day trip and stay into the evening. This year the festival will feature 36 real ales from seven breweries across the Channel Islands and the UK, and twenty-seven ciders from 4 producers, as well as a wine and champagne tasting bar, with festival organizer Tom Jones hoping that there will something to suit every taste.

“Herm’s Ale and Cider Festival isn’t just aimed at ale aficionados, it’s an event with a really broad appeal that couples and groups of friends can enjoy.”

Many of the ales and ciders that will make an appearance at the festival haven’t been available in the Bailiwick before, giving locals a great opportunity to try something new, whilst some local producers such as Rocquettes produce a special edition cider especially for the festival.

“I’m always excited about serving Rocquettes at the festival” said Tom, “James always does it so well, year on year, delivering fantastic flavours and producing something new for the festival.”

There will also be fourteen different offerings from celebrated Welsh cider and perry producers Gwent Y Ddraig, as well as local beers from White Rock Brewery and Liberation Brewery. The taps in the Mermaid Tavern’s main bar area will be changed to serve seven different craft IPAs and lagers (including blonde and fruit specialties) as well as the ales that will served straight from the keg. Food will be available throughout the festival, including a selection of handmade sausages produced by the town butcher, and there will be live music performances from local bands in the Mermaid’s courtyard from Wednesday onwards. Herm is always a wonderful destination for a day trip from Guernsey with beautiful beaches and some great walking, and the Ale and Cider Festival is another great reason to catch the ferry over and extend your visit into the evening to enjoy the festivities. The festival is not a ticketed event, however it is advisable to book tickets on Trident’s evening ferry services (via the Mermaid Tavern) to ensure you get a seat on the boat, and if you are visiting especially for the festival then it is hoped that attendees purchase a souvenir glass to help support the event. Over the course of the festival around 2000 visitors are expected on Herm, with Friday and Saturday traditionally being the busiest days, and ferries will depart Guernsey at quarter past the hour, every hour, returning at 35 minutes past the hour. The last ferry back to Guernsey from Herm during the festival will be at 10.45pm.

If your stay with us at the Bella Luce coincides with Herm’s Ale and Cider Festival and you would like to head over to sample the delights of Herm and experience this great event then please let a member of our reception team know, and we will be happy to assist in making transport arrangements for you. More information about the festival can be found on Herm Island's website.

Images courtesy of Jonathan Watson/Herm Island