Record weekend for Oldham Beer Festival

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and the Mayor of Oldham Charity Appeal Committee held another successful beer festival in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham over the weekend of 4th and 5th April. The event raised funds for Dr Kershaws Hospice and other local charities supported by Cllr Ann Wingate, the Mayor of Oldham.

A record 1670 people attended the event over the two days to sample the 81 real ales on offer, 70 of the real ales sold out completely with over 5500 pints sold. The cider bar sold out completely of cider, perry and fruit wines whilst the foreign beer bar sold out of its supply of Bohemia Regent.

The festival, now in its 22nd year has been held in the Queen Elizabeth Hall for the last 10 years following the move in 1999 from Werneth Park Music Rooms, fondly remembered for its uniqueness with its conservatory, oriental plants and distinctive architecture.
Whilst Grindleton’s Ribble Rouser was the fastest selling beer.

The Beer of the Festival was once again:

1) Thornbridge Jaipur IPA

2) Elland 1872 Porter

3) Millstone’s True Grit

Michael Peats was the winner of the competition for the gallon of beer sponsored by the Ashton Arms, Clegg Street, Oldham after his form was chosen at random from those that voted for Jaipur IPA as their favourite beer at the festival.

There was entertainment on Friday from the local folk band Oddfellows and on Saturday from Blues Positive who had travelled from Leeds to be at the festival.

Friday night was once again the busiest session of the festival when almost 700 people packed the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Thanks go to the numerous local companies and breweries who provided sponsorship to the event.