A man who lost his sight seven years ago is set to make history at the East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival in Bury St Edmunds. Kevin Ramsey, a volunteer with the charity Suffolk Sight, will become the first blind person to pull pints at the popular event, held at St Edmundsbury Cathedral.
Mr Ramsey, who has already tried his hand at serving drinks at one of Suffolk Sight’s own events, decided to take the challenge to a bigger stage. Over the course of the festival, which runs from 20 to 25 August, he will work more than 30 hours behind the bar to raise funds for the charity.
Explaining how he will manage the role, Mr Ramsey said that Geoff Staff, the chair of Suffolk Sight’s trustees will count aloud “one, two, three, stop” to guide him in pouring a third, half, or full pint without overtopping the glass.
“I want to be able to prove that we can do it so it helps other people to see if they can do it,” Mr Ramsey explained.
Festival organiser Paul Cooper said he believed it was the first time anyone with sight loss had taken on such a role at the festival. “I think there’s going to be a big queue at the bar. I’m going to be at the front of it,” he joked.
Suffolk Sight, which will benefit directly from Mr Ramsey’s volunteering, has praised his determination.
“Kevin is absolutely amazing. He’s fantastic at learning the space around him and within a very short amount of time, he knows how to serve somebody and he’s just brilliant with people,” said Mr Staff, chair of trustees. “The great thing is that the punters love it, too. They like that experience; they cannot believe it. There’s a buzz around Kevin.”
The charity’s work extends far beyond fundraising at festivals. Suffolk Sight, formed in 2020 from the merger of several long-standing organisations, provides support for people affected by sight loss across the county. Services range from practical advice on technology and daily living aids, to financial guidance, low vision assessments, and opportunities for social connection. Its aim is to help people live as independently as possible while fostering inclusivity and respect in the way sight loss is understood and spoken about.
The East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival, one of the biggest events in Suffolk’s summer calendar, is known for its bustling atmosphere and wide range of drinks. Kevin Ramsey’s efforts are offering a new kind of focus, raising awareness of sight loss while also proving that determination and a little ingenuity can open up unexpected opportunities.
With his training complete and his sense of space finely tuned, Mr Ramsey will be behind the bar throughout the festival. Payment for drinks will be handled by others on his team, but the task of pulling pints is entirely his. For Suffolk Sight, it is not just about raising funds, it is about changing perceptions.
