Filming for Staggeringly Good Beer at WarriorFest 2018

After living in Portsmouth for just over six years we've always admired HMS Warrior but never had the chance to go onboard. After ordering our Uber we had a familiar ride along the beautiful Southsea seafront and were dropped off at The Hard. Just glimpsing past the newly built bus station sat the historic ship with the beginning's of an awesome sunset behind. Each time I see the ship I‘m in awe.

As we made our way through the gates at The Historic Dockyard our bags were checked and we were joined by excited party goers - the theme was clear. Pirates and dinosaurs, a great combination and the punters came dressed up in force. With a few mermaids and sailors thrown into the mix we entered up the ramp and onto the upper deck. The staff very kindly showed us which way to go and down we went!

What a place for a beer festival. As soon as we hit the floor the atmosphere and amazing venue offered something I had not experienced before. We started filming as we wanted to capture this superb event. Walking through the ship and admiring the history we picked up our Staggeringly Good beer glasses with Warriorfest Guide’s inside.

We then explored each part of the ship filming as we went, visiting each bar and with each bar came a great selection of beers and then AHOY! We came across the secret bar which gave us a huge sense of achievement. There were many great beers to choose from with local and far away brewery’s such as Staggeringly Good, Southsea Brewery, Weird Beard, Warpigs and many more. As I like something a little fruity I used my wrist bad to grab an Ultimate Punch where as Mike chose a firm favourite Reptile Dysfunction, both from the Staggeringly Good Brewery. 

We headed downstairs to the bottom deck to explore the ship further. It just kept getting better and better. With friendly merry people around we heard signing in the distance, we passed through the ship following the singing via different historic quarters and eventually entered the far room. Here we were joined by The Shanty Boys, a singing group who were in full swing with old fashion sailor songs. After having a good sing song and watching people enjoying a knee’s up we headed back to the upper deck to view the sunset once more.

We met the home guard on the upper deck who had Mike pledge his allegiance to the queen, upon completing his task he received a coin! Aka beer token.

It was a fresh evening and viewing the Solent, next to a flapping flag, on a historic ship with a beer in hand, it was the perfect evening. But it was about to get better.

As we headed back down a deck we were greeted by some fantastic music. The Lady and The Dukes really set the evening off with uplifting sounds and serious dance moves. People started to gather and we could feel the evening really setting in. The extremely talented The Bossard String Quartet were next and they knocked our socks off. They were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and it was clear to see. Skaraman then followed and boy, had the party started. With their upbeat music and amazing trombone everyone danced the night away.

After finding a toy dinosaur that had clearly fallen from someone’s outfit we had a photo shoot. We named him Eric.

We then climbed the wooden steps onto the upper deck where it was now dark. Taking our glasses as souvenirs, we headed down the ramp viewing the party that was still going strong through the port holes.

We were greeted with a fabulous smell which we followed to Need Street Food. We were tempted by their pirate themed menu but had eaten before we headed out. As we walked around the corner we were greeted at the gates by the Museum staff to ensure we had had a good night and were travelling home safely.

You need to experience Warriorfest next year. It’s a must. Check out our video below! Oh and if you haven't already please subscribe to our blog.

Warriorfest 2018 - What an amazing event, really well organised and full of happy, friendly people. The great tasting beers, superb music and a well planned event made for the beer lover! A beer lovers dream!