Great British Beer Festival

GBBF 2

The Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) is an annual event organized by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). It is one of the largest beer festivals in the United Kingdom, featuring a wide variety of real ales, ciders, perries, and international beers. The festival typically takes place in early August and is held at the Olympia London exhibition centre.

History

The first Great British Beer Festival was held in 1977 at Alexandra Palace in London. Since then, it has grown significantly in size and popularity, becoming a key event in the British beer calendar. Over the years, the festival has been hosted at various venues, including Earls Court Exhibition Centre and Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.

Features

The GBBF offers attendees the opportunity to sample a vast selection of beers from breweries across the UK and around the world. The festival is staffed by volunteers and features a range of activities, including live music, pub games, and food stalls.

Beer Selection

The festival showcases over 900 real ales, ciders, perries, and foreign beers. The beers are served from traditional casks, and the selection includes a mix of well-known brands and rare, limited-edition brews.

Awards

One of the highlights of the GBBF is the announcement of the Champion Beer of Britain awards. These awards are highly prestigious within the brewing industry and are given in various categories, including best bitter, best mild, and best strong ale.

Organization

The festival is organized by CAMRA, a consumer organization that promotes real ale, real cider, and the traditional British pub. CAMRA was founded in 1971 and has since grown to become one of the most influential consumer groups in the UK.

Attendance

The GBBF attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, including beer enthusiasts, industry professionals, and casual drinkers. The festival is known for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere, making it a popular event for people of all ages.

Related Events

In addition to the GBBF, CAMRA organizes several other beer festivals throughout the year, including the National Winter Ales Festival and various regional festivals. These events provide additional opportunities for beer lovers to explore and enjoy a wide range of real ales and ciders.

See Also

• Campaign for Real Ale
• Champion Beer of Britain
• Real ale
• Cider
• Perry
• Olympia London
• Alexandra Palace
• Earls Court Exhibition Centre
• National Exhibition Centre