The Festival is run by Eastbourne Borough Council Events Team in collaboration with the CAMRA Branch, which selects the beers and ciders, prepares and serves them. Unfortunately train strikes hit the attendance, a large number of ‘no shows’ reduced sales, however for those who attended the festival was a successful and enjoyable event. CAMRA volunteers worked hard, setting up the equipment, serving customers and taking it down afterwards. Particular mention must be made of our new Festival Organiser, Robert, ably assisted by Phil C, recently retired from that role.
Phil P selected the Ciders, local makers were well represented and Peter A selected the Ales, fifty from Sussex and fifty from further afield. Thanks are also due to our colleagues at Eastbourne Borough Council’s Events Team who oversee the running of the festival.
Beer of the Festival: Harvey’s (Lewes), Prince of Denmark, [Runner up: Route 21 (Eastbourne), Drift - our first KeyKeg beer at an Eastbourne festival].
Sussex Beer of the Festival: Long Man (Litlington), Oatmeal Stout [Runner up: Kissingate, (Lower Beeding, West Sussex), Black Cherry Mild]
Sussex Exemption Beer of the Festival: Saltaire (Shipley, West Yorkshire), Triple Choc, [Runner up: Dark Revolution, (Salisbury, Wiltshire), Velveteen].
Cider/Perry of the Festival: Double Vision, (Maidstone), Elderflower Perry.
Four new members were signed up at the Festival by Membership Secretary, Peter R.
Our pictures show: Phil P and Kris behind the Cider bar. The whole team serving at the Sussex Bar. One person standing in a corner of the National Bar. Somebody ready and someone else trying to escape from the National Bar. Three wise men of the beer world in the other corner of the National Bar.