Beer cheer on the way as crowds flock to festival
IT’S almost opening time for the 31st Stockport beer and Cider Festival - with guests expected from around the world.
The annual event takes place at Stockport County’s Edgeley Park ground from Thursday, May 31, to Saturday, June 2 and attracts around 5,000 visitors.
Organisers from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have ordered in more than 200 types of beer, cider and perries to quench drinkers’ thirst.
And this year the event will be given an additional flavour with an appearance by Canadian beer writer Stephen Beaumont, author of The Pocket Beer Book, who will give two seminars for enthusiasts on the Saturday.
Jim Flynn, from CAMRA, said: “It will give the festival an extra dimension as in certain circles he is world famous.
“The festival is primarily a Stockport event but we welcome people from America and Europe so it’s quite international.
“As long as you don’t completely dislike beer and cider it is an event for everyone.
“It is an event that goes beyond just beer, there’s music entertainment, stalls and is a great day or night out. It is part of the social fabric of the town.”
Among the drinks that will be available is Fullers, which is an 8.5 per cent volume bottled ale from London that will be served on a draught pump for the first time.
And there are a further 12 beers that will have never been seen anywhere before that can be tried for the first time. Of these, five are creations by home brewers who won a competition at the Hope Inn, Heaton Norris, to have their beers on tap at the festival.
Each day will have a line- up of live bands and stalls as well as food.
Jim, 64, said: “People in Stockport and the surrounding area have really embraced the event over the years and it is seen as a landmark event in the year’s social calendar.”
The chosen charity for 2018 is Stockport Cerebral Palsy and the event is on Thursday, 5.30pm to 11pm, Friday with two sessions – midday to 4pm and 4pm to 11pm – and Saturday, midday to 11pm.
Tickets are £2 (£5 for the later Friday session) and can be bought on the door or in advance by visiting www.stockportfestival.org. uk.