Hop into the world of real beer right here
The best, and now, biggest real ale event being held in Scotland this year returns to Troon Concert Hall from Thursday October 3 to Saturday October 5.
Incredibly this is the 20th Ayrshire Real Ale Festival organised by the Ayrshire & Wigtownshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale ( CAMRA).
More than 160 real ales will be pumped out from two bars.
In the main hall the bar will feature 50 Scottish beers all served by handpump with a further 70 beers from elsewhere in the UK being served by gravity straight to the 2019 commemorative glass.
The popular themed bar in the adjoining Walker Hall will this year be known as the Borders Bar – featuring breweries and 40 beers that have been brewed in the border counties of these islands.
The festival will also be hosting CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Scotland competition for the first time – the winner will be announced on Friday afternoon.
Additionally, the festival will be showcasing some of Scotland’s best ciders along with other traditional
ciders and perries from the UK. Wine, Prosecco and soft drinks will also be available. Catering will again be provided by Brownings the Bakers of Kilmarnock.
Thursday evening sees a ‘ first’ for the festival when there will be a short display of Morris Dancing by the Border Reivers Dancers. On Friday night, Big Slinky will be performing on stage, whilst on Saturday upandcoming youngsters.
The Best Bad Influence will entertain everyone The pipe band returns on Saturday afternoon and will play regular slots.
Doors open to the public at 2pm on Thursday October 3, with a preview for CAMRA members at noon, and from 11am on Fri and Sat. Admission is £ 7 (£ 5 CAMRA). Under 25s are £ 5 on Thursday , and anyone entering after 7pm on Saturday will get in for half price.
After a successful trial in 2018, the bars will be cashless and £ 10 token cards will once again be used for the purchase of all drinks.
For anyone joining CAMRA at the festival, there will be a special prize draw to win 2- nights B& B at the Clachan Inn, St Johns Town of Dalry.
See ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk
In a festival first, there willl be a short display of Morris Dancing by the Border Reivers Dancers