A fundraising beer festival in aid of a primary school has been deemed ‘inappropriate’ for a village hall and turned away.

The Friends of Addingham Primary School have been told that the mini festival, hoped to raise thousands of pounds for school facilities, cannot take place in Addingham Memorial Hall.

The hall, on Main Street, is one of the village’s main community events venues, playing host to drama productions, public meetings and other functions.

But the Friends say concerns were raised by those who manage the hall about possible damage from spilled beer, and conflicting bookings with groups.

Joint chairman of the Friends, Richard Hunter Rowe, has questioned the hall’s decision, saying other events at the Memorial Hall have had bars, or music. He insists the festival, hoped to raise up to £5,000 for the village school, would not attract rowdy behaviour.

The beer festival idea was inspired by Ilkley’s annual beer festival, which raises thousands for good causes.