2021 will be a special year in Tewkesbury as it will mark 900 years since the Abbey was first consecrated and also 550 years since the War of the Roses Battle of Tewkesbury.

In the lead up to this major anniversary, a local group called 2021 Tewkesbury Together is organising a number of events, and this month will be hosting a Summer Beer Festival.

“We want to start putting on events and encouraging others to hold events,” said Colin Jones, one of the 2021 Tewkesbury Together committee members.

“From now up to and including 2021 we want to celebrate the rich and remarkable history of Tewkesbury and raise the town’s profile.”

Colin moved to Tewkesbury from Birmingham six years ago to “have a lifestyle change from city life”.

He’s now part of several groups in the area, including the Tewkesbury branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), who will be on hand to provide over 20 different ales and ciders for visitors to the Summer Beer Festival to savour.

“I knew CAMRA held their successful Winter Ale Festival,” he continued, “and thought why not try and do a Summer one too.

“The whole idea is to involve as many local people as possible – we’ll have drinks from local breweries, local butchers will be holding a BBQ and hog roast and other local caterers will offer other food including vegetarian options.

The Tewkesbury Summer Beer Festival takes place on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June at Tewkesbury Abbey from 11am to 5pm.

“We’ll also have entertainment from local bands and artists,” added Colin.

“Hopefully it’ll be a success and we can repeat it every year to 2021 and beyond. That’s the ethos of the 2021 committee – to celebrate the town of Tewkesbury's heritage with events that will continue on after the landmark year.”