Folks are peeved at St. Mary's Church in Stockton-on-Tees, England because their annual beer festival fundraiser spilled into the cemetery on the church grounds. Photos appeared on a local Facebook group of attendees using gravestones as tables for their libations sparking online outrage. Festival co-founder David Dodd of Three Brothers Brewing Company said that next year they'll tape off the graveyard so that attendees hang out only in the parking lot and inside the historic 1000-year-old church building. From CNN:
Not all the responses were negative, however. One commentator wrote: "Oh for goodness sake people are coming together to enjoy themselves I am sure (god rest their souls) people will be happy that they are apart of a celebration and a happy moment please let's enjoy life."Another pointed out: "The grave in the photo dates from the 1740s. I can't understand the vitriol here targeting the folk in the photo."[…]
Writing on the church's Facebook page on Monday morning, Anderson said: "Over the last few days our doors were open once again to members of our local community, young and old, who came to enjoy our Beer Festival, support local business and spend time with friends old and new.
"Through this we were also able to generate funds to help to maintain our beautiful building, as well as to offer a space for friendship and community.
"Unfortunately, photographs shared on social media have created considerable negativity, and I am deeply sorry for that.
