The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is set to host its highly anticipated beer and cider festival at Victoria Hall in Saltaire from February 27 to March 1. The event, which is entirely run by volunteers, promises to showcase some of the best beverages from across the UK, highlighting both local breweries and cider makers.
Ricky Holden, a dedicated member of Bradford CAMRA, shared with the Telegraph & Argus that preparations for the event are well underway. “Hundreds of breweries across the north have been contacted, and a most impressive beer list is forming,” he said. “Ciders and perries are on order as well.”
This year’s festival is especially significant as it marks the only remaining CAMRA beer festival in West Yorkshire. Holden emphasized the importance of keeping the event alive. “We were also the first CAMRA beer festival in West Yorkshire, a fact we celebrated in 2024 along with the 50th anniversary of CAMRA in Bradford,” he noted. He added that the festival not only attracts visitors from across the region but also provides a boost to the local economy through its volunteers and attendees.
However, the Bradford CAMRA team expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the Great British Beer Festival (Winter), which was initially scheduled to take place at Bradford Live. Due to complications with the venue, following the NEC Group’s withdrawal from the £50.5 million taxpayer-funded project last September, the national event has been relocated to the Magna Centre in Rotherham.
Holden reflected on the missed opportunity, saying, “That would have been a national event bringing even more people into the district.” Despite this setback, he confirmed that the local festival at Victoria Hall is still going ahead. “We made contingency plans, and tickets are already selling fast through our online facility and at local pubs,” he said.
Since its founding in 1974, Bradford CAMRA has been a staunch supporter of the area’s pubs, clubs, and breweries. The group’s origins date back to a large meeting at the Black Swan on Thornton Road, which marked the beginning of the West Yorkshire branch of CAMRA.
The Bradford CAMRA festival remains a cherished annual tradition, with volunteers eager to share the best of British beer and cider with the community.
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