A competition to find Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s Greatest Bartender has been launched as part of the 2022 Shake and Stir Vintage Music Festival held annually in Southbourne on Sea.

To enter, you’ll need to submit a video of yourself making a cocktail by 20 May.

Judges will select the top eight bar tenders from bars, restaurants, and hotels across the BCP Council area. The entries will be put to public vote on social media. The top three will go on to a live final during the festival, which takes place 25-26 June, where they will make a cocktail they have created.

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

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 seeing all the mixing talent on display and are putting the call out for all bartenders to show their expertise.”

The contest is being supported by BH Area Hospitality Association and the Wonky Table.

Tim Seward, chair of BH Area Hospitality Association, said: “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”.

Founder of the Wonky Table, Andy Lennox, 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 – ha ha!” He added: “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.

Mandy said: “This is a great way to be able to celebrate our fabulous local hospitality industry, they have been though rough times with the pandemic so it’s time to showcase our bartenders fabulous skills and have some fun.”

Videos should be emailed to info@eventsbystir.com and more details can be found at www.eventsbystir.com