ALE November/December 1996 No. 286

Winter Ale Festival

For the first time since 1986, Cambridge CAMRA is organising a Winter Ale Festival. It will take place from Thursday 9th January to Saturday 11th January 1997 in the Student Union Canteen of Anglia Polytechnic University, off East Road in Cambridge.

Although there will be some milds and bitters on offer, the emphasis will be firmly on those beers normally brewed only for the coldest days of the year - winter warmers, old ales and barley wines. There will be at least 30 of these delicious brews and, as many of them are only available for a short period around Christmas, it will be a rare opportunity to sample them collectively. The warming effect which these beers posess is not unconnected to their strength. As a result, we will be serving in half pints only.

Because the hall is quite cosy, numbers have to be restricted to keep within fire limits. Consequently, entrance to the evening sessions will be by ticket only. Tickets can be bought from The Cambridge Blue in Gwydir Street, The St. Radegund in King Street or by post from Paul Ainsworth, 9 Willingham Road, Over, CB4 5PD. Tickets cost £1.50 per session Thursday and Friday, £2.50 on Saturday. If applying by post, please make cheques out to "Cambridge CAMRA". CAMRA members will get a refund of £1.50 (in the form of beer tokens) at the door. Lunchtime entrance on both Friday and Saturday is free - no tickets are required.

There will be musical entertainment on both Thursday and Saturday nights. Saturday's "turn" will be the legendary John Otway, a performer once seen, never forgotten. Where else could you see a Top 20 Act for £2.50? - which is almost "Really Free". Other attractions include hot and cold food at all sessions, souvenir glasses (£2.00) and a CAMRA products stall.

Tickets will be sold strictly on a first come, first served basis and, as the event is bound to be very popular, you are advised to get in there quick.

Winter Ale Festival Pages


ALE November/December 1996 No. 286 : Next section
Cambridge & District CAMRA