IT was a hugely popular event that was axed after it cost too much to run.
But now the Portsmouth Beer Festival is to be resurrected by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) after it found a new venue that won’t break the budget.
The event, previously held at Portsmouth Guildhall, will now take place at the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union in September.
Arrangements are still in the early stages and dates have not yet been confirmed – but organisers say guests can expect to sample more than 100 different beers.
Ales, ciders and perries will be sourced from local breweries and from others across the country.
The event was dropped by Portsmouth Cultural Trust, which runs the Guildhall, in 2011.
As previously reported in The News, up to 3,000 real ale fans went to the event, which had been running for more than 30 years.
And although its profits dropped from £8,000 in 2009 to £3,800 in 2010, it helped to raise thousands for various local charities.
Camra said the cost of hiring the student union was in the thousands but the amount is still considerably lower than the cost of hiring the Guildhall.
Camra social secretary Graham Church said he couldn’t wait to see the return of the festival.
‘We want to give people living in the city the chance to drink some really, really great beers,’ he said. ‘There will be beers from all over England, Wales and Scotland.’
At the event will be bands, live music and stalls selling Camra merchandise. People will also get the chance to become a Camra member. Mr Church added: ‘There will be so much on offer.
‘This is an event I’ve missed and I can’t wait for its return.’
Camra will hold a meeting to thrash out more details in the New Year.
COMMENT n PAGE 28
Comments