Week of ‘pub tourism’

STOCKPORT Beer Week will begin tomorrow as part of ongoing attempts to promote ‘pub tourism’ in the town centre.

The annual event, organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and now in its third year, will run until October 1.

It will include a heritage pub crawl of traditional pubs such as the Swan with Two Necks and the Arden Arms, quiz and music evenings and brewery and cellar tours.

The event will be launched at the CAMRA pub of the month the Petersgate Tap, on St Petersgate, tomorrow from 8pm.

Jim Flynn, from CAMRA, said: “It is all about promoting the pub and beer scene, we have beer or pub tourism now in Stockport and it’s about getting momentum behind that. In previous years we have had an excellent response, people have come from round the country for it.

“It is getting bigger and better every year.”

A Stockport Ale Trail will run throughout across various pubs. Participants can collect stickers from venues to claim a T-shirt.

On Friday there will also be a beer festival within the beer festival at Robinson’s Brewery, on Apsley Street, from 3pm to 11pm.

Tickets are £4 in advance and £5 on the door and there will be more than 20 beers and ciders to sample as well as live music and a souvenir glass.

Money raised from the event, which is being supported by the council and Totally Stockport, will be given to Stockport CP Society and the County Supporters Co-op.

Chris Walkden, one of the beer week organisers, said: “Recent research by Oxford University shows that going to the pub is good for your wellbeing as good conversation strengthens peoples’ social networks.

“So here’s a chance to put that into practice over the 11 days, there’s something for everyone, and most events are free.

For more information visit http://www. ssmcamra.co.uk/ BeerWeek.htm.