AN annual beer and music festival will raise thousands of pounds for community groups.

The WivFest, at Cotleigh Brewery, in Ford Road, on Saturday, August 9, includes children’s entertainment and craft and produce stalls, with free entry from noon until 5pm.

Musicians from the area will be playing throughout the event, culminating with Devon-based Castletown in the evening, with a £5 entry fee after 5pm or £2.50 for under 18s.

The day is hosted by the Jim Laker Fund in memory of the managing director of Wiveliscombe’s Exmoor Brewery and inspiration behind the town’s Westfest until his sudden death in 1996.

The fund, set up the following year, has paid out more than £60,000 to support community groups.

Jim Laker Fund chairman Marian Mann said: “We are delighted to be giving a platform to our talented local musicians of all ages.

“To add to the enjoyment our two breweries, Cotleigh and Exmoor, are each providing five local beers at a very reasonable £2.80 a pint, and of course there will be other drinks and delicious food available all day.”