THE ‘Greatest Bartender’ competition has been launched as part of the 2022 Shake and Stir Vintage Music Festival in Southbourne.

The contest to find the best mixologist is being supported by BH Area Hospitality Association and The Wonky Table.

Festival organiser Mandy Polkey of Stir Events said: “This competition promises to be one of exciting highlights of the weekend.

“We are really looking forward to see all the mixing talent on display and are putting the call out for all bartenders to show their expertise!”

Any bartender can submit a video of themselves making a cocktail by the deadline of May 20.

Judges will select the top eight bartenders from bars, restaurants, and hotels across the BCP Council area and these will be shared on their website and social media and voted on by the public.

The winning three entrants will each create a new cocktail for the weekend of the festival, June 25th and 26th and these will be judged by a live competition final on the 25th of June.

The winner will take home a trophy and £50 cash prize.

Tim Seward, chair of BH Area Hospitality Association “We are delighted to again be involved with the competition and hope that many bartenders will enter. All who enter will also automatically be entered for the BAHA Recognition Awards in the autumn.”

Andy Lennox, founder of the Wonky Table said “Highlighting the talent across the town is the best thing we can do. Let's highlight them, applaud them, and give them the very best we can offer... and hope they don't go to London after."

“From a company perspective we certainly feel we've got some of the best bartenders across the conurbation. We’re going to be putting some people forward.”

The festival weekend features a whole host of events including dozens of bands playing live, participatory events, demonstrations, and competitions.

Videos should be emailed to info@eventsbystir.com.

For more information contact Mandy Polkey at mandy@eventsbystir.com or 07869149976.