The current golden age for ale is endorsed by the news that in an era when overall consumption of alcohol in the UK is decreasing, beer’s share of the drinks market is 36% — its highest rate since 1995, according to statistics from the British Beer & Pub Association.
The 800th anniversary of Magna Carta is also on 15 June, with national and international celebrations to mark it. Ale is mentioned in clause 35 and its historical significance is the reason I suggested this date to celebrate British beer.
I am devoted to British beer and pubs — I ‘evang-ale-ise’ and write about them, I make a living from them, I even dream about them! I was astonished to learn that Britain is the only major brewing nation not to have a national beer day, especially given this country’s historic influence in spreading the desire for beer to all of Earth’s hemispheres.
Today, more styles of beer originally developed in Britain are made around the world than those of any other brewing nation. Not only is Britain a brewing powerhouse but the UK’s pub scene is the envy of the world and is one of the country’s greatest social assets.
Publicans, brewers and beer drinkers — Beer Day Britain will not succeed without your support so will you join in the celebrations? The main activity on 15 June will be a ‘National Cheers to Beer’ which will happen at 12.15pm (the time relates to the year the great charter was sealed). We are encouraging people to go to a pub and raise a glass to hail beer and Magna Carta. The aim is to trend on Twitter with #CheersBDB.
Several pub chains have already committed to participating in Beer Day Britain and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is marshalling its considerable volunteer enthusiasm. We are encouraging everyone who makes, sells or drinks beer to take ownership of Beer Day Britain and celebrate the occasion, whether that be brewers making celebratory beers, breweries hosting open days, pubs hosting special events, and everyone who uses social media helping to spread the word to make Beer Day Britain the world’s best national beer day.
For more suggestions of ways to get involved, please download the information pack from the Beer Day Britain website. You can also find social media contacts and free artwork for the logo and beer mats.
Cheers to beer!