A horse drawn carrier
will deliver the first barrels of ‘Beacons to the Sea’ – a new ale designed by
Brecon Brewing to celebrate the historic waterway’s bicentenary – before it is
loaded aboard a barge that will set sail for pubs and restaurants along the
canal.
The celebrations,
funded by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s COLLABOR8 Interreg IVB NWE
project and Powys County Council, will see the boat visit from Brecon to
Talybont-on-Usk on Friday, March 30, before heading towards Llangynidr the
following day.
Real ale lovers and
outdoor enthusiasts are being encouraged to join in the festivities and look
out for the horse drawn dray and narrow boat delivering the beer – in the same
way it would have done two centuries ago.
Buster Grant, Head
Brewer at Brecon Brewing, said: “The canal used to be the major transport
corridor for coal and iron, but there is also evidence to suggest beer was
produced and exported in the same way using the canal network. In my mind,
re-enacting that journey is perfect.
“’Beacons to the Sea’
is a 4.1%, zesty, golden ale that we feel sums up the canal pretty well. It’s
very refreshing and goes very well with the Canalman’s Lunch. It’s perfect for
enjoying while enjoying the canal.”
Member Champion for
Visitor Centres at Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, Cllr Gareth
Ratcliffe, said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for both visitors and
residents to take part in this nostalgic event and enjoy a locally produced
beer and fantastic surroundings as part of the ongoing events to celebrate the
Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal’s momentous anniversary.
“But people don’t
just have to stop at this event, they can enjoy the Canal Food Trail between
Brecon and Talybont-on-Usk and have a walk or cycle along the canal – it’s a
great day out for all the family. Pick up a Canal Food Trail leaflet from one
of our Visitor Centres or Tourist Information Centres and eat and drink your
way along this fantastic canal.”
David Morgan, Mon
& Brec 200 Co-ordinator, said: “We are very much looking forward to seeing
the beer arrive to the canal in horse and cart and being delivered by boat –
recreating the traditional ways. Together with joining in with the
festivities you’ll be also be able to catch a glimpse of the action on Countryfile
on 8th April. This is just one of a whole host of special
events throughout the year taking place on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal
helping celebrate its bicentenary.”
Carol Williams,
Tourism Growth Area Project Officer for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority,
added: “The ‘Beacons to the Sea’ event sees one of our local breweries finding
a quirky way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Monmouthshire
& Brecon Canal. The beer is a great catalyst for bringing the pubs along
the Canal Food Trail route together.”
A
series of celebratory events will be held throughout the year (including Canal
Dog of the Year!) and for more information please visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/monandbrec200 or www.breconbeacons.org/canaldog.
For more information
about the bicentenary celebration activities and events happening along the
length and breadth of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal during 2012 please
visit www.canalrivertrust.org/monandbrec200.
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