VENUE FINALY SECURED FOR THE HULL REAL ALE & CIDER FESTIVAL 2009

Issued: 2nd February 2009

The Hull Real Ale & Cider Festival 2009 will be held in Hull College’s Horncastle Building on Charlotte Street (off George Street), on Thursday 16th, Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April.

Alan Canvess, Chairman of the Festival Organising Committee said, “This is the second year that the festival will be held in the Horncastle Building, and we are delighted to have finally secured the venue again. It was looking very unlikely until last week, when lengthy discussions finally resulted in the College agreeing to substantially reduce the increase on the venue hire that they had originally quoted. However, even with the reduction, the new price means that according to our budget submission, we must now try and obtain a minimum of £2000 in sponsorship, just to break even.”

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 and Organic Beers.

The organisers will have the usual difficult job of deciding the 74 real ales that will appear at the festival. The backbone of the festival will be some of the “Champion Beers of Britain 2008” and a selection from the local breweries. Favourites and new beers will make up the balance.

34 handpumps will dispense session strength beers (up to 4.2%) and another 40 stronger strength beers will be served by gravity direct from the cask. Lined glasses will ensure that customers will receive full measures.

A separate Cider and Bottled Beer Bar will offer 25 real ciders and perries and 15 different German and Belgian bottled beers.

There will be the usual Pub and Brewery tombola and the popular Pub Quiz. However, there will not be the usual live entertainment this year as the separate theatre is in use for a College production.

The three-day festival is organised by the Hull & East Yorkshire Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. The opening hours will be 12.00 noon - 11.00 p.m. There will be an admission charge of £3 after 5.00 p.m. on the Thursday and Friday. However, those bringing a partner or friend can take advantage of the 2 for £5 deal. Entry will be free at all other times, and to card carrying CAMRA members at all times.

Sponsors are urgently required, and sponsorship packs are available from as little as £50 to £1500.

For more information in general, and details on the sponsorship packs, please contact: Alan Canvess (Branch Chairman) Tel: (01482) 446320 E-mail: alan@canvess.karoo.co.uk