Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Hull & East Yorkshire Branch NEWS RELEASE

MORE OF THE USUAL AT THE 2004 REAL ALE AND CIDER FESTIVAL

Issued: 22nd July 2004

The 2004 Hull Real Ale & Cider Festival will have more real ale and more cider than ever before. Last year the event was so popular that the organisers struggled to cope with demand. So for this year’s festival the beer order has been increased, the cider order has been doubled, and more CAMRA members have volunteered to serve it.

The beer selection will once again provide something for everyone, male or female, and all ages with the following beer styles represented: Milds, Bitters, Best Bitters, Strong Ales, Stouts, Porters, Real Lagers, Speciality Beers, Organic Beers, plus Cider and Perry.

With over 2000 regularly brewed real ales listed in the Good Beer Guide, plus a large number of ‘occasional’ ales, the organiser’s had the usual difficult job in deciding the 60 that should appear at the festival. However, the backbone of the festival will be some of the “2004 Champion Beers Of Britain” and a selection from our local micro-breweries: Goodmanham; Garton; Whalebone (Hull); Wold Top (Wold Newton). The balance will be a selection of favourites, new beers and beers rarely seen in this area.

The festival will take place in the Mortimer Suite of the Hull City Hall from Thursday 30th September to Saturday 2nd October. The opening hours will be 12.00 noon - 11.00 p.m. daily. There will be an admission charge of £2 after 6.30 p.m. on the Thursday and £3 on the Friday. However, admission for card carrying CAMRA members will be free at all times.

Last year’s full-length ale-bar will be repeated with 25 session beers and lager style beers (over 2500 pints) being served through hand-pumps. The remaining 35 stronger strength beers (over 2300 pints), will be served by gravity direct from the cask. The separate cider-bar, introduced last year, will be developed and repositioned to accommodate the increased order

Full liquid measures will be guaranteed through the use of lined glasses. There will be the usual Pub & Brewery related Tombola, a CAMRA Membership Stand (offering a special deal on membership), hot & cold food, snacks and soft drinks. Live evening entertainment will be provided in the concert room with ‘Milestone’ (easy-listening duet) on the Thursday and Freddie James (acoustic blues guitarist) on the Friday, commencing around 8.30 p.m.