Festival Update

Regrettably, the 2017 Redditch Winter Ale Festival has had to be cancelled. The Redditch &

Bromsgrove CAMRA festival team were unable to secure the space and access required at the Rocklands Social Club for a 2017 event, and are now considering a new home for 2018. Branch Chairman Gez Quinn said: ‘I’m aware that many members enjoy this festival, but cancellation was unavoidable.’ The branch also organises the Bromsgrove Beer and Cider Festival in June & July and invites any members who would like to be involved in the planning and preparation of future festivals to get in touch. 

After three successful years in Derby, CAMRA’s National Winter Ale Festival is setting up in its new home in Norwich, which will be held at the city’s St. Andrews and Blackfriars Hall from 21 – 25 February 2017. It’s a beautiful venue with sixteenth century picturesque paintings of city sheriffs, mayors and city benefactors which forms part of the civic portrait collection. As well as old ales, strong milds, stouts, porters and barley wines, there will also be a selection of cider and perry alongside a bottled beer bar.  Many local pubs will also be holding a fringe-style event in the run-up to the festival for those who would like to prolong their stay. Tickets are only available on the door (no advance tickets) and a range of local entertainment will be performing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The festival will also host CAMRA’s Champion Winter of Beer competition. For more details, visit www.nwaf.org.uk.