Thousands turn out for Bromsgrove Beer Festival - The Bromsgrove Standard

Thousands turn out for Bromsgrove Beer Festival

Bromsgrove Editorial 2nd Jul, 2014 Updated: 17th Oct, 2016   0

MORE than 2,500 people from all over the country descended on Bromsgrove Rugby Club between last Thursday (June 26) and Saturday (Julne 28) for the town’s annual beer and cider festival.

A total of 116 ales, 40 ciders, 13 perries and six fruit wines were on offer and the joint beer of the festival were Arbor Triple Hop and Pope’s Elderflower Pale Ale.

The winner of the cider/perry was Blakeney red perry.

The winners of the West Midlands Beer of the Year, judged on the Thursday night, was Holden’s Black Country Bitter.




The Weighbridge in Alvechurch won the Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA’s Pub of the Year and the Worcestershire Pub of the Year.

The Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA chairman Paul Richards presented the team with their award on the night.


Landlord John Humphreys said: “We cannot believe we have won it again – we’re very very pleased.”

And barman Chris Lamb added: “We would like to thank the people of Worcestershire for coming along and supporting what is a great local pub.”

The club of the year Rocklands Social Club, Redditch.

The Blackwell Concert Band played on Saturday afternoon and the festival also saw funds raised for the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

Ian and Lorna Hunt from The Oakalls were at the Bromsgrove Beer Festival for the first time and joined CAMRA on the first night.

Lorna said: “We were members a couple of years ago, but it lapsed and we thought this would be a good time to rejoin.”

James Vickers from Wolverhampton, who was there with Paul and Janine Barrow from Wellington in Shropshire, said: “It’s excellent – it’s nice and friendly and there’s a great atmosphere.

“It’s also good that you can camp here.”

Jayne Spiers grew up in Birmingham and only moved to Bromsgrove in January after living in New Zealand.

“This is the first time I’ve been to the festival and I’m really enjoying it.”

She added she had also joined CAMRA at the festival.

Festival organiser Charlie Ayres said: “I want to thank all the volunteers who gave of their time so freely making the festival this weekend such a fun event.

“Despite the weather being changeable, it was a great event and I believe the visitors enjoyed themselves.

“We were able to offer a superb selection of beer, cider and perry right up to the close.”

Pours for thought – Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA volunteer Tony Turpin pours one of the 120 beers at the festival.

Barrels of fun – Jayne Spiers from Bromsgrove is served a cider by CAMRA volunteer Marie Tozer.

In cider dealing – Volunteer Val Hosier and Steve Cooper from Tardebigge Cider who is waiting to have one of his drinks poured for him.

The Weighbridge winners – Barman Chris Lamb, landlady Jayne Humphreys, landlord John Humphreys and assistant bar manager Caroline Spreckley from the Alvechurch pub with Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA chairman Paul Richards (centre).

Drinking to a good cause – Delia Shannon, the business development officer of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, the 2014 Bromsgrove Beer Festival charity.

A ringing endorsement! – Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA membership secretary Doug Robinson with Ian and Lorna Hunt from The Oakalls who got to ring the bell to officially announce they had become CAMRA members.

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