Brigg people who like real ale, live music and railways can combine their passions on the same day.
If you fall into any or all these categories, take note that, after a year's gap caused by the emergency restrictions on licensed premises and music gigs, the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway will be holding its popular Rail, Ale & Blues Festival from September 17 to 19.
September 18 being a Saturday, people can board a passenger train from Brigg station (plus Kirton Lindsey & Barnetby) to visit the festival and return on a later service (afternoon or evening).
This can be done for a reasonable return fare and means there's no need to go by car with the nominated driver missing out on the range of ales. Ask the guard/conductor for an off-peak day return once you've boarded the train. Even cheaper fares are available to those holding a North Lincolnshire travel pass containing a train symbol.
Depart from Brigg station at 9.13am or 1.10pm.
Return from Cleethorpes at 3.11pm or 7.17pm.
With its own Signal Box Inn, the Light Railway is located on the seafront at Kings Road - within comfortable walking distance of the mainline terminus used by trains from Brigg. Or take a local bus along the seafront.
Admission to the rail, ale & blues festival is FREE.
Live entertainment available to people visiting from Brigg on the Saturday includes Craig Gould from 1pm, Mollyanna at 3pm and The 88s from 5pm.
Steam-hauled trains will be running along the light railway throughout the day, more than 30 real ales are to be stocked and food will be available.
Brigg Blog was prompted to pen this post when, over the weekend, we spotted a number of unexpected 'hits' on a story we wrote a couple of years ago to preview a previous Cleethorpes festival. This suggests that people are already searching for information about the 2021 festival which will be the sixth.
And finally, a helpful recommendation from Brigg Blog for townsfolk who decide to visit the Cleethorpes festival on September 18... enjoy a breakfast at Parkinsons Snack Bar on Kingsway (the seafront) which you'll pass on your way from the resort's station to the festival venue. Hungry Blues music lovers will find Stax on their plate!
Our thanks go to the Independent Brigg Line Rail Group - always campaigning for additional local train use - which has provided us with relevant information for this post. It will also help to promote and publicise the festival at Cleethorpes through its many supporters and social media followers.
There was no Brigg Beer Festival held in the town this Spring, so here's a ready-made alternative.
