FRIENDS of an ‘absolute diamond’ pub manager from Middlewich who died very suddenly last summer are throwing the most fitting of tributes.

Liam Bridle, who managed the Beer Emporium in Sandbach, died at Wythenshawe Hospital on June 17, 2023, after a very short illness which took his many friends and family by surprise.

The 37-year-old loved live music and was a skilful drummer himself, as well as a devotee and connoisseur of craft beer, a passion he was wise enough to turn into a career.

Now, almost a year on from his death, his close friend and colleague, Middlewich-based artist Ian Hill-Smith, is organising a music festival in his honour, bring together Liam’s two great passions, live performance and great beer, on Saturday, June 8.

Northwich Guardian: Liam was wise enough to turn one of his great passions - beer - into a careerLiam was wise enough to turn one of his great passions - beer - into a career (Image: Ian Hill-Smith)

The one-day event, dubbed Bridle Party, will take place at Liam’s beloved local, the White Bear on Wheelock Street, where the performers, who all knew Liam personally, will be giving their services for free.

The event is free to attend, though organisers are pre-selling beautifully designed t-shirts to help with some of the upfront costs, which will only be available until May 8.

There’ll also be a special memorial beer on sale, called Two Metre Ratatat, developed by Liam’s colleagues at the Beer Emporium with help from Rat Brewery in Huddersfield, one of their suppliers.

Northwich Guardian: Ian Hill-Smith designed the pump clip for Liam's memorial beer, Two Metre Ratatat, which will be on sale at Bridle PartyIan Hill-Smith designed the pump clip for Liam's memorial beer, Two Metre Ratatat, which will be on sale at Bridle Party (Image: Ian Hill-Smith)

All money raised by the event will be donated to the Music Venues Trust, a charity which works to supports live music venues around the country, which have been struggling since the pandemic. 

Ian, who worked alongside Liam at the Beer Emporium, said: “He was an absolute diamond of a guy - so full of energy and exuberance and interested in everything.

“A man more full of life I’ve never met.

“The tragic and sudden timing of his death meant it was a great shock. He and his wife Steph were expecting their first child the following September. 

Northwich Guardian: 'A man more full of life I’ve never met' 'A man more full of life I’ve never met' (Image: Ian Hill-Smith)

“Now, a year later, I felt it was important to do an event, partly for the family, but also he because he meant so much to so many people.

“His funeral was hugely well attended, and we packed out the White Bear, which was his local.

“But this event is going to strike a lighter note. It’s more a celebration of his life for everyone he mattered to.

“We want everyone to come out and have a big party in his name, in a way he would have enjoyed. A fitting memorial, if you like.”

Ian says plans are coming together well, and there’s been no shortage of offers from local musicians, many of whom where Liam’s friends.

“The bulk of the guys performing actually approached us and asked if they could play," he added. 

“The afternoon set will probably be more acoustic, and things will no doubt get a bit livelier as the day goes on.

”We'll be doing things in a way which Liam would have enjoyed."