CAMRA British Beer Festival

Review and Photos by Benjamin James

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Photo by Benjamin James

The Campaign for Real Ale

Every year in August CAMRA, the campaign for real ale, hosts the country’s biggest beer festival.

CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale, and steadily it has become an ever more popular movement. With the growth of craft beer and a desire that people have developed to find alternatives to commercial lager it has become an extremely popular event in recent years.

The Joy of Real Ale

In recent years CAMRA has managed to shed its old-grumpy-men image and attract a new younger crowd, to be fair it could not get older. However with more pubs stocking quality independent beers and quality supermarkets doing likewise the joy of real ale is more popular than ever.

At the Olympia event all the finest brewers in the UK offer their best beers. Throughout the year there are competitions for the best beers in each county and all the winners assemble under one roof which is hundreds of beers for your pleasure. Beers can be found by their county and there is a useful guide you can purchase or receive free if you are a member of CAMRA.

Country’s Biggest Pub

Raven at CAMRA British Beer Festival.

However the key thing to remember is that it is fun, really fun. Imagine a conference centre being turned into the country’s biggest pub. That is basically what happens, there is live music, food, great beer and a simply endless array of beers to try, more than 800! Not only is the UK represented but there are International stands as well and even Ciders and Perrys.

Once you have purchased your pint glass for £3 - the reason you buy is because these do get broken within the eight hours or more of drinking, you want to start ordering thirds. No one can pull a third, so for about £1 you are getting a half of world’s best beers.

Food stall at CAMRA British Beer Festival.

Bar at CAMRA British Beer Festival.

When?

The Beer Festival is held in August every year.

Where?

London Olympia

Entry?

Tickets from £8.00.