Beer Festival builds on 2007 sellout success
The 2008 Walsall Beer Festival was under threat following the problems the branch had forming a committee in October, but the organisers are now at full throttle and promising to build on the virtual sell out success of 2007. And to ensure drinkers
don't go thirsty the beer order has been increased by over 10%, some 1,000 pints more then last year. The festival opens to the public at Walsall Town Hall in Leicester Street on Thursday 3rd April at 5:00 o'clock with around 100 different real ales
available from all over the UK on sale. You will find an amazing range of styles and strengths including milds, bitters, porters, stouts, stronger ales, and speciality beers to
tantalise your taste buds. A selection of traditional ciders and perries, as well as an increased choice of foreign bottled beers will also be on sale. Due to the increased choice of cask beers the cider bar has been moved this year into the porter's lodge just off the main foyer. The entertainment this year includes Tony Lister on the grand piano on Friday lunchtime, and the Mike Durkin Trio on Friday night playing acoustic pop covers. Saturday lunchtime will see Peter Morris playing his selection of
classical and lighter music on the mighty Town Hall organ to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this wonderful musical instrument, the subject of our logo this year to be found on the commemorative glasses. And to finish off the festivities we have Irish folk music from Sons of the Sod in the evening. As usual hot and cold food, including
the Black Country delicacy of grey paes, and soft drinks will be available in the Town Hall restaurant. The ever popular Tombola will be handing out prizes galore and a wide range of beer related books, beer guides, tee-shirts and other products will be available from the CAMRA Shop, so please take a few minutes to find and peruse these stalls. Champion beer judging As well as the Champion Beer of Walsall
voting on Thursday and judging on Friday lunchtime another panel will sit on Saturday lunchtime to decide the West Midlands Golden Ale category winner to go forward to the regional level of the competition. If there are any CAMRA members out
there who can spare an hour or more volunteers are always welcome to help
out at the Festival, and there are rewards to be earned.