GBBF preview: What's on and when
Here's an overview of events to help you ensure your time at the GBBF is well spent.
Before Joe Public even contemplates introducing his laughing gear to the joyous array of fabulous beers at this year's Great British Beer Festival, Olympia's doors will be opening exclusively for those who work in the trade. The aptly-titled Trade Day, taking place on the first day of the GBBF (August 2) and running from 12 noon-5pm, is well worth a visit.
Attendees will not only be given the first sight of new beers being launched by some of the UK's leading regional brewers but also be the first to hear the judges' choice for the 2005 Champion Beer of Britain announced by Roger Protz. If you can fit it in between the drinking, you can even network with fellow beer folk.
If you are a licensee or work in any aspect of the trade you can obtain your free trade session ticket from CAMRA. Tickets may be available on the door but a safer bet is by phoning 01727 867201 or emailing camra@camra.org.uk.
Thursday August 4 - Official GBBF Hat Day!
To help improve the already fantastic atmosphere at the GBBF, CAMRA calling for people to wear a 'fun hat' on Thursday August 4, which will officially be called Official GBBF Hat Day.
Tutored beer tastings
Throughout the first three days, a selection of beer experts and aficionados will be hosting a series of tastings covering all aspects of beer from Alsace to Zatec hops.
The tasting sessions provide you with the opportunity to taste beer like experts and really appreciate the different flavours and aromas. This year CAMRA is running more tutored beer tastings with more places available than ever before, so if you want to improve your beer appreciation skills then get in touch - 01727 867201.
Tickets are £10 for CAMRA members and £12 for non-members.
- Tuesday August 2, 18:30pm: Champion Beer of Britain, Roger Protz
- Wednesday August 3, 12:30pm: Champion Beer Of Britain, Roger Protz
- Wednesday August 3, 15:30pm: Real Cider, Ted Bruning
- Wednesday August 3, 18:30pm: Try My Beer - five British brewers explore their beers, featuring beers from Greene King, Fuller's, Titanic Brewery, Young's and Meantime
- Thursday August 4, 12:30pm: Real Ale In A Bottle, Jeff Evan
- Thursday August 4, 15:30pm: Golden Ales, Christine Cryne
- Thursday August 4, 18:30pm: Beer And Cheese, Sue Nowak
- Friday August 5, 12:30pm: Beers To Try Before You Die, Roger Protz
- Friday August 5, 15:30pm: Belgian Beers, Tim Webb
- Friday August 5, 18:30pm: SIBA 25th Birthday, Adrian Tierney-Jones
On the buses
In 2005, Charles Wells will break with tradition and have four cask ales available at the GBBF rather than the usual three on its infamous Bombardier Bus.
"It's a measure of the popularity of our cask ales that we are able to carry four brands at such an important event," said Nigel McNally, Charles Wells' sales and marketing director.
"CAMRA is an important part of our cask ale strategy and it's great that we can work so effectively with them at local and national level to offer some of the most popular cask ales at the GBBF and other, smaller beer festivals around the country."
Sitting next to the flagship Bombardier will be Eagle - CAMRA's Champion Beer of Bedfordshire - John Bull, which was an instant hit when it was launched at last year's GBBF and, back by popular demand, Banana Bread Beer (pictured).
"At last year's festival every other customer seemed to be asking about Banana Bread Beer," added Nigel.
Music at the festival
The sound of 2,000,000 pints being poured at a rate of 1.56 per second is not the only thing you'll hear at this year's GBBF. While you tingle your taste-buds, live musicians will be arousing your ears every day in the National Hall.
Entertainment at the GBBF is as follows:
- Tuesday August 2
Evening - Chaminade String Quartet - Wednesday August 3
Afternoon - Band of Two www.bandoftwo.com
Evening - Chas 'n' Dave (pictured) www.chasndave.fsnet.co.uk - Thursday August 4
Afternoon - Gordon Giltrap www.giltrap.co.uk
Evening - Los Pacaminos (Paul Young's new band)
www.los-pacaminos.com - Friday August 5
Afternoon - Grapevine Blues www.grapevineblues.com
Evening - Rollin' Stoned www.rollinstoned.com - Saturday August 6
Afternoon - National Youth Jazz Orchestra www.nyjo.org.uk/
