The Trustees Announce Castle Hill Summer Picnic Concert Series Line Up and Important Changes to BYOB Alcohol Policy

Ipswich, MA – June 3, 2013 – The Trustees of Reservations today announced the summer line up for their popular Castle Hill Summer Picnic Concert series held annually on this National Historic Landmark from July through August. The Thursday concert series offers a different style of music each week, kicking off on July 11th with Entrain, one of the New England’s all-time favorites, and wrapping up on August 29th with the Orville Giddings Band.

The Trustees are also announcing some important changes to their alcohol policy. Effective this season, concertgoers will no longer be permitted to bring their own alcohol to the concerts but instead will be able to purchase beer and wine on site. As the picnic concerts have grown in popularity, with an average of 1,800 visitors per concert, so have incidents of increased underage drinking and excessive consumption within a family environment. Additionally, The Trustees had to revise their alcohol policy to be in compliance with state liquor regulations. Trustees staff worked with a consultant and the Ipswich Police Department to develop a safe and workable plan.

Ipswich Ale Brewery and Mill River Winery will sell beer and wine to patrons with positive identification at the Casino Complex. Located partway down the Grand Allée, the Casino Complex will offer patrons seats at garden tables where they may enjoy a drink and listen to the concert. Those preferring to take their drink to a picnic blanket may do so on the second Allée. Alcoholic beverages will not be permitted on the first Allée near the concert stage, making the first Allée an alcohol-free family-friendly picnic area.

“We are looking forward to another successful concert season at Castle Hill,” says Peter Pinciaro, Trustees Greater Boston Deputy Director and long time Ipswich resident. “Public safety is of utmost concern therefore we appreciate our patrons’ understanding and compliance with our new alcohol policy so that we can continue to offer this popular summer event for many years to come for Ipswich families and beyond.”

Alcohol check points will be in place within each parking lot and all parcels brought onto the premises will be subject to search by an Ipswich police officer. Any underage visitors entering illegally with alcohol will be asked to leave the property immediately and forfeit alcohol to the police. Police officers and Trustees staff will monitor crowds for compliance with the alcohol policy and general good behavior.

In response to the overwhelming popularity of the Summer Picnic Concert Series, The Trustees will once again limit the number of concert attendees to 2,000 people. Concert attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure admission. Gates open at 5 pm for picnicking and concerts start at 7 pm and end at 9 pm. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate: $20/Trustees member car, $30/non member car, or $10/walk in. Patrons are encouraged to please keep Castle Hill clean by carrying out what they carry in.

For more information about the concerts and new alcohol policy, please visit: http://www.thetrustees.org/picnicconcerts