Ale lovers unveil 8th Redhill Beer Festival details (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Ale lovers unveil 8th Redhill Beer Festival details

1:38pm Friday 21st September 2012 in Local News

This year's 8th Redhill Beer Festival has been unveiled by organisers the East and Mid-Surrey branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The three-day event, which draws big crowds from across the area, will be held at Merstham Village Hall in Station Road North, Merstham, from Thursday, November 1, to Saturday, November 3.

CAMRA are sticking to the increased amount of beer available which they brought in at last year's event with some 70 beers, ciders and perries featured.

And they are also sticking to the earlier opening time they brought in last year too.

The festival will again open four hours earlier than in previous years at noon on Thursday, November 1, and run through to 11pm.

The same times will apply on Friday, November 2, while on Saturday, November 3, the festival will run from noon through to 6pm – or until the beer runs out.

Festival publicity officer Kit Packham said: “This year's theme and logo will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the electrification of the Brighton line.”

He said: “It was the first main line in Britain to be electrified throughout its length.

“The beer festival programme will include a short article about this.”

Mr Packham continued: “The rich variety of styles and strengths will include bitters of varying strengths, as well as milds, porters, stouts and olds.

“From Castle Rock Brewery's Sherriff's Tipple at 3.4% alcohol by volume (abv) to Burton Bridge Brewery's Thomas Sykes at 10% abv, there should be something for all tastes.”

He said: “Ales from local microbreweries and popular favourites from previous years will return, alongside new selections from all over the UK.”

Hot and cold food and soft drinks will be available at all sessions.

The festival is run entirely by volunteers organised by CAMRA branch members.

Admission on the Thursday will be £3 before 4pm and £4 afterwards, on the Friday £3 before 3pm and £5 afterwards, and on the Saturday free. The admission prices on Thursday and Friday include the glass deposit and programme.

On Saturday, a £1 deposit will be charged for a souvenir glass, which may be kept or returned for a full refund. The organisers recommend attending on the Thursday or Friday afternoon to have the best chance of immediate admission and the fullest possible range of beers, and recommend avoiding the peak time of 5pm to 8pm on the first two days as there is often a queue then when the hall reaches capacity. There will be a £1 discount for CAMRA members at all fee-paying sessions. The proposed list of available beers and other details can be viewed at the event website: www.camrasurrey.org.uk/festivals/festivals-redhill For general details call the organiser, Clive Jennings, on 01737 778711, or email: redhillbf@camrasurrey.org.uk