Brighton's Open Market To Host 'Mindful Drinking Festival'

Brighton's first Mindful Drinking Festival will be held at The Open Market on July 9 and 10, featuring 'some of the world's best' "No and Low" alcohol drinks.

It's Club Soda's 10th  free Mindful Drinking event, giving people the opportunity to taste what they say is the best in the growing Low and No market, including craft beers, wines, spirits, lower-sugar sodas, tonics and infusions.

There will also be cocktail masterclasses, beer tastings and drink talks with local experts as well as inspirational talks and panels with influencers and experts on changing drinking habits and boosting wellbeing.

Panels and speakers are being hosted in Presuming Eds, next to the market, and keynote speakers include comedian Rosie Wilby, author of The Breakup Monologues, US-based author and psychotherapist, Veronica Valli, of the Soberful Podcast, and Dru Jaeger, author of How to Be A Mindful Drinker. Masterclasses will be led by experts including BBC Radio Sussex’s drinks reviewer Jane Peyton and local beer writer Emma Inch.

Club Soda founder Laura Willoughby MBE, said:

"A festival in Brighton has been a long-time in the works and we are so glad this is our first big event after Covid. You don’t have to be alcohol-free come along, you may just want to swap out a few alcoholic drinks for something a bit healthier.

"So, whether you’re going sugar-free, on a fitness regime, drinking more mindfully, or going alcohol-free, we know you will find something to hit the spot.”

Joanna Dring, Head of Media, Corporate Affairs, HEINEKEN UK Limited said: 

“Events such as the Mindful Drinking Festival are testament to how far the sector has grown over the last few years. No longer do people who choose not to drink alcohol have to compromise with their drinks choices.

"We believe in there always being a choice for people, so we’re proud to have Heineken 0.0 , Birra Moretti Alcohol Free and Old Mout Berries & Cherries cider alongside some of the most innovative alcohol free drinks in the country at the festival in Brighton.”

Danny Shell, Lyre’s Brand Ambassador and Brighton resident, said:

"We're delighted to be the headline spirit sponsor at this year's festival in Brighton, my hometown and, for me, the perfect location to host this popular event.  The free to attend festival is a great opportunity to try a variety of the latest Low & No alcoholic drinks, all under one roof.

"From refreshing summer serves such as Lyre's Amalfi Spritz, to Lyre's non-alcoholic prosecco style variant Classico,  there's something for everyone. When you make it a Lyre's, you discover the endless possibilities available to you in a non-alcoholic version that enables you to stay spirited all day long."

Amanda Thomson founder of Noughty Alcohol Free Sparkling Wines, said: 

“It’s such a pleasure to be partnering with Club Soda for this inspired festival.  Brighton is the perfect summer location for our alcohol-free bubbles.  We very much look forward to popping corks with everyone in the South East!”

Raissa de Haas, co-founder, Double Dutch, said:

“We are super excited to be teaming up with the wonderful team at Club Soda for the Mindful Drinking Festival! We designed our range of flavourful mixers to be sipped solo or mixed with alcohol-free spirits to ensure when you aren’t drinking, you don’t miss the party!”

The festival is hosted by mindful drinking movement, Club Soda and sponsored by Lyre’s Spirits,Noughty Wines, Heineken 0.0 Beer and mixer brand Double Dutch.