In its 39th year the 2013 Kent Beer Festival recognises the historic achievements of the new growth in small pubs – and it all started in Kent!
The revolution in micro-pubs in the UK started in Kent and we now have over 75% of them here in our county
39th Annual CAMRA Kent Beer Festival – July 18th – July 20th 2013 – Merton Farm, Canterbury
The Kent Beer Festival has always showcased the amazing products from Kent’s breweries and cider producers as they continue to expand. This year, in times when much is talked about pubs closing, we are adding our support to the micro-pub movement which is currently adding a new pub every few weeks right here in Kent. With over 14 as we go to press and several more due to open shortly this is fantastic news providing even more opportunities for you to go out after the festival and seek out your favourites at these new, intimate and often quirky establishments.
Herne Bay, the home of the Butchers Arms which started the movement is also now home to the first UK’s micro-pub association, run by its charismatic owner Martyn Hillier. Martyn commented “This all started in 2005 as an experiment to get back to a simple relaxing quiet pub with the prime emphasis on meeting people and being able to drink good real local ales – it has been a huge success”
This year at the CAMRA Kent Beer Festival, the UK’s second oldest, all the new producers are showcased alongside the established award winning ales and ciders. Every one of over 27 Kent Breweries will be represented with draft beers and all of the ciders are from the 18 Kent producers.
In total over 130 real ales, 50 ciders and over 30 foreign and bottled beers will be available for tasting by the 6000+ fans expected to attend at Merton Farm just outside Canterbury. Last year in recognition of our Olympic hosting we introduced our modern Pintathlon games challenge and due to its massive support and success in raising funds for our two charities, Stroud Park and the Epilepsy Society it is again with us.
Gill Keay who has organised every one of the 39 Kent Beer Festivals commented “Many of the breweries and cider makers present have grown over the years and continue to collect an impressive amount of UK awards for their drinks. There has been a terrific increase in the number of microbrewers in Kent and now with increased outlets from the micro pubs this provides an excellent opportunity for customers to enjoy the best of our county” Gill also added “2012 highlighted the achievements of volunteers in this country, without the hundreds of unsung CAMRA volunteers helping us we would not be able to stage and highlight the event for you”
The festival also has a good line up of live entertainment for all the family, a large variety of real Kent food stands, basic onsite camping and a free shuttle bus from the Canterbury Bus Station to every session. For more
details of the opening times, beer & cider list and further information visit
the website at www.kentbeerfestival.com
For more information and notes to editors see attachment
Dates, Times and Ticket Information
There are four festival sessions:
Thursday 18th July and Friday 19th July evenings (6.30 to 11), Friday lunchtime (12-4) – Free Entry Saturday 20th July (12-9).
For the Thursday and Saturday sessions, visitors pay an entrance fee at the door of £5. Advance booking only for the Friday night session. Tickets for this session go on sale from June 1st at £7.50
All sessions except Friday evening free entry to card-carrying CAMRA Members
Location: Merton Farm, Merton lane, Canterbury. CT4 7BA. Free shuttle bus from the Park & Ride lay-by Canterbury Bus Station (near Canterbury East railway station) starts 15 minutes before each session and runs every 15-30 minutes. Or follow AA signs from Canterbury city centre; free parking on-site.
Further information: www.kentbeerfestival.com
