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Gloucester Beer Festival raises the bar as event is bigger than ever

With just a day to go, the warmer weather has arrived just in time for the 6th annual CAMRA Gloucester Beer Festival.

Organised by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), the festival has a huge range of drinks available for beer-appreciators, with around 100 beers on offer from breweries both local and further afield. Over 30 ciders and perries from neighbouring counties will also be served alongside the ales, catering for Gloucestershire’s traditional cider lovers.


Sponsored by Wye Valley Brewery, the event will take place tomorrow and Saturday in Blackfriars Priory. The 13th century location is the most complete collection of medieval Dominican buildings in England and has played host to the event for five years, but this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. It’s the perfect place to channel your inner Henry the 8th with a pint and a party.

Parklife spoke to CAMRA volunteer Darrel Kirby about the importance of the festival to the city.

“It’s a lot of hard work putting on the festival, but it is also very rewarding. We generally get between 1500 and 2000 through the door over the two days and the great thing about being in the centre of the city is it attracts a good range of people, not just the usual beer enthusiasts – it’s always really relaxed and a lot of fun.”

But the festival isn’t just about beer. This year sees the return of a wide selection of over 20 Gloucestershire cheeses, hot food and live music. Featuring entertainment from the likes of the popular Tewkesbury Town Band and the Ukeholics, the event promises to be family-friendly, bringing together people from Gloucester of all ages.

But the festival isn’t just important to locals; it also attracts visitors from further afield.

“The beer festival attracts a lot of people into Gloucester – in the past we’ve had people not only from across the country but also from Italy and the Netherlands. And they don’t just come to the festival – this year there’s someone coming from Reading making a weekend of it and organising a pub crawl around the city’s pubs alongside the beer festival visit.”

 

Doors open from 11:30-23:30 on both Friday and Saturday, the festival is sure to be busy, so be aware that entry can be denied after 9pm. Tickets are only available on the door, costing £6 each and including a souvenir programme and commemorative glass. CAMRA members also receive a free pint on arrival. Hold onto your glass to get served.

Keep up to date with more information here.