Beamish Hall looks to banish January blues with winter ale festival
FINAL preparations are under way for the Beamish Hall’s winter beer festival this Friday and Saturday, January 18 and 19.
The event, in its second year, is fast becoming one of the most popular events in the County Durham hotel’s calendar, with Saturday 19 already being a sell out.
David Craggs, Chairman at Beamish Hall said: “We have been running beer and music festivals since the Stables Bar opened in 2009 and they have always been a huge success and an integral part of our annual calendar.
“The decision last year to try a winter version with lots of lovely rich beers & hot mulled cider was a risk but one which paid off, hence the event’s return this year and its regular spot in our programme.
“We’ve been astounded by the response to this year’s event and especially the fact we’ve already reached full capacity on Saturday evening, with tickets only available for Friday.”
The festival will showcase around 72 traditional cask-conditioned real ales from around the UK, as well a selection of traditional farmhouse ciders and perries.
Live entertainment will be provided from a variety of local bands and musicians, supplying the event with as much musical and beer talent from the North East.
John Taylor, head brewer at Beamish Hall’s micro-brewery Stables said: “We were encouraged to run larger annual event due to the increase in visitors to our annual beer and music festival, our visitors were always asking us to run another event, so we are.
“It makes sense to celebrate our local produce and you can’t get more local than brewed on the doorstep.
“Our beer will be moved from our microbrewery to the next room along and it’s always nice to sample other people’s wares even if I’m biased.”
The festival will open at 5pm on Friday and continue until midnight, with Saturdays sold out event being a 12pm to 12am event.