The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has thrown its full support behind next year's national celebration of pubs.
The Pub in the Park initiative, of which Morning Advertiser is the trade media partner, will be staged in London next June and celebrate all that's great about pubs.
The three-day event will showcase pubs' role in the community as well as highlight pub excellence in food, drink and entertainment.
"People's leisure habits have changed and pubs have been the first to feel the effects of those changes," said licensing minister Gerry Sutcliffe.
"I still believe that pubs can play a hugely important role at the heart of our communities but they need to provide the right sort of environment and services that will keep customers coming through the door.
"Pub In The Park seems to have the right idea — a focus on good food, quality drinks, great bar staff, quality entertainment and community activities is the right approach if pubs are going to stay relevant to the communities they serve."
The initiative will actually get underway in November with the start of competitions such as football, pool, darts and karaoke with the finals being held next year.
Marston's has joined a hots of other pubcos, brewers and trade associations in supporting the initiative. "Our entire strategy is built around delivering a warm, friendly experience for the communities we serve," said Marston's Inns and Taverns managing director Derek Andrew.
"We fully support the Pub in the Park initiative, which can only help to raise awareness of the positive role pubs play in serving their local area."
To find out more visit www.pubinthepark.com.