Ill fated beer fest

There has been a lot of controversy over the first ever Playa Flamenca Beer Fest.

The two main polital parties for the coast, CLARO and PSOE both believed that holding the festival during Easter would be catastrophic for local businesses. It is said that the three-day St Patrick’s Day event lost local bars and restaurants around 50 per cent of their normal takings. The two week beer fest would have an even bigger impact.

The parties were also concerned about the Town Hall’s choice of ‘Honoured Guest’. This accolade was bestowed upon former German boxing champion Rene Weller who, according to Internet encyclopaedia wikipedia was sentenced to seven years and served four in prison for cocaine trafficking, selling stolen goods…and unlawful possession of firearms.

Set aside the concerns over lost business and the honoured guest, I would question the whole concept of a beer festival that coincides with the countries most important religious festival. As my friend Pete said in response to my picture for Palm Sunday, "despite the best efforts of schools and churches it's still all about chocolate and DIY here (he means the UK). My respects to the Spaniards."

Down in Playa Flamenca it was going to be all about chocolate, DIY and guzzling beer.