Something good brewing for Yorkshire ale lovers

Today marks many hoppy returns to Bradford Beer Festival.
Barrels of fun await at Bradford Beer FestivalBarrels of fun await at Bradford Beer Festival
Barrels of fun await at Bradford Beer Festival

Thursday sees start of Campaign for Real Ale’s 23rd such celebration.

Beer buffs will make Plan Beeline for Shipley pale ale among crafty choices aplenty at Saltaire's Victoria Hall.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Organiser Peter Down confirmed: "It is looking to be another successful event with advance tickets for Friday evening session being effectively sold out and those for Saturday afternoon also selling well. There are still advance tickets left for Thursday and Saturday evenings while Friday afternoon session will be pay on entry only.

"Preparations have gone well with approximately 130 real ales from around Yorkshire and guest areas of North East England and Kent, as well as a few from elsewhere, fully racked up and awaiting many thirsty customers. There will also be 20 real ciders and perries as well as craft keg and international beers, country wines and soft drinks".

Continued Peter: "The Quality Yorkshire Pie Company, based in Saltaire, will be providing varied range of hot & cold food at all sessions. There will also be snacks offered by Oddfellows Chocolates and Pipers Crisps. ChilliScrumptious will be selling its range of bottled sauces and other related products. If you want beer memorabilia, Beer-Inn Print and Brighton Bill’s Memorabilia stalls are for you".

Bands for Friday and Saturday evenings are Sawdust and Age Against The Machine respectively while there will also be usual appearances by The Mighty Wurlitzer on Thursday night and Hall Royd Brass Band during Saturday afternoon session.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But bad news brewed with Valentine's Day festival store theft of 35 hand pumps, many uniquely marked with trademark 2p pieces inset into wooden bases and BC references painted on main bodies.

Malty mecca ... Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, BD18 3JSMalty mecca ... Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, BD18 3JS
Malty mecca ... Victoria Hall, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, BD18 3JS

Appealed Peter: "If anyone has information about the theft, or has knowledge of the hand pumps coming up for sale, please inform West Yorkshire Police (quoting crime reference number 13200082355) and Bradford Branch of CAMRA by email [email protected]".

Bradford branch thanks Wakefield CAMRA, Saltaire Brewery and Ilkley Round Table for generous short notice support, ensuring pumps will still be manned, ensuring minimal disruption.

Session timings are Thursday 4-10.30pm; Friday 11am-4pm, 5.30-10.30pm; Saturday 11am-4pm, 5.30-10.30pm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Peter added: "Advance tickets can be bought online at www.bradfordbeerfestival.co.uk [updates also available on Bradford CAMRA Facebook site]. If there are any tickets left for advance ticket sessions, these will be sold on the door on a first come, first served basis, but there may be limited availability."

So, act fast now to join regional ale aficionados flocking to sample likes of Todmorden's Alter Eagle dark malt mix.

Related topics: