Raising a glass to 40 years of CAMRA

Press officer Andy Grant said a really busy Saturday ensured it was a resounding success, with a handsome surplus of funds raised to help the group promote good beer and the venues which serve it.

“It went very well.

“After a slow start it really took off on Saturday afternoon and evening.

“Some of the casks ran out and the ones remaining only had a little left in them,” he said.

In all there were around 50 cask ales from all around the country to sample, as well as some choice perries and ciders to enjoy.

On the opening evening, the Hebden Bridge Hill Millies morris dancing troupe gave a well-received display, and enjoyed the festival so much they stayed for the rest of the evening to enjoy the social event, said Andy.

Over the weekend, CAMRA welcomed 795 people to the festival, and guests voted the Midnight Sun porter brewed by Williams Bros in Alloa, Scotland, as their favourite of the event.

Andy explained that the group usually holds its annual festival at Square Chapel in Halifax which they are unable to access at the moment due to work being carried out close to the site, meaning they were unable to get barrels into the building this year .

He said the manager and staff at Hebden Bridge Town Hall had done a great job helping CAMRA feel most welcome and ensuring this special occasion for the group was a real success.