A row over the running of Bearsted Fayre’s beer tent left one brewery boss with a bitter taste in his mouth.

Tony Williams, of Musket Brewery in Linton, ran the bar at the much-loved community event last year.

In February he was sent an email headed exclusive, inviting previous stallholders to re-book for the June 2017 fete.

But he said he was told not only had the pitch been given to another company, but in mid-March chairman James Capon said this had been done a month previously – before the advance email was sent.

In explanation, Mr Capon said this had been done because he was under the impression Musket Brewery did not wish to attend after poor weather hit sales in 2016.

Later he also states bookings are taken on a first come, first served basis.

Mr Williams, 63, said: “This makes a complete nonsense of the fair’s own rules inviting previous stall holders to attend, before inviting other interested parties.

"However, Mr Capon seems to think waiving the rules in this way is perfectly acceptable and now refuses to rectify his mistake.”

Bearsted and Thurnham Carnival and Fayre takes place on Saturday, June 24, on Bearsted Green.

Now in its 38th year, it is run by a charity made up of volunteers and through it thousands of pounds are raised each year to support a host of good causes.

A spokesman for the organisers said: “The fair’s committee has recently gone through a transitional period as we have sought new officers to replace retiring members.

“Unfortunately, on this occasion, an unintentional administrative error was made by recently appointed officers getting to grips with the fair’s organisational procedures.

“This resulted in emails being sent to some past and new stallholders in the wrong order. We have apologised to the stallholder in question and advised them which committee member can be contacted to resolve the issue.

“The Bearsted and Thurnham Fayre Committee look forward to seeing you all on the 24th June Bearsted Green at 1pm. “