On a cold Tuesday in December, then, a bunch of CAMRA members made their way to the Original Oak in Headingley to hand over just such an award. The reason? The Oak, a long-standing keggery, introduced real ale over the summer. Initially this was Marston’s Pedigree, but the range is now expanding with beers from Shepherd Neame on offer on award night.

More about this in issue 112!

It will be held in the usual place, Pudsey Civic Hall, which is close to New Pudsey Station and served by regular buses and trains from both Leeds and Bradford.

As ever there will be an exciting range of around 150 real ales from around the country available in pints, halves and thirds from the three main bars. The Global Bar will supply bottled beers from around the world, and very probably some on draught too.
And the Cider and Perry bar will provide the usual extensive range of traditional fruitiness.

This year’s theme is the seaside, so expect to see some beers from coastal breweries such as Adnams in Suffolk, Yorkshire’s own East Coast, South Hams from Devon, Scotland’s Hebridean, and many more. Local breweries will be putting their thinking caps on to produce specials named to fit with the theme. But be assured that knotted handkerchiefs and shorts will be optional!

The ever-popular Mild Trail will be running once again to encourage festival-goers to try this great style of beer. There will also be the usual range of stalls and live music at most sessions.

Thursday night is Student Night with free entrance for all students with a valid NUS card, so all you students out there come along – real ale is the future!

Entrance is free of charge to CAMRA members at all times; the doors will open 15 minutes early at each session to allow CAMRA members priority entry. For those wishing to become a member at the festival and enjoy these benefits there will be a membership stall; we’ll refund your entry money and buy you a pint if you join!

Please be aware that children are not allowed on the premises and access is to over 18s only. If you are lucky enough to look younger than 21 please bring some suitable ID with you. Numbers allowed in the hall are limited because of the licensing laws so arrive early on Friday night to avoid the queue. Normally there is no queue on the Thursday night.

We hope to see you at this year’s festival, whether you are a regular attendee or have never been before. For three days it is the biggest pub in Leeds!

Opening Times and Admission Prices:
Thursday 18th March – 11am-3pm Free, 5pm-11pm £3
Friday 19th March – 11am-3pm Free, 5pm-11pm £4
Saturday 20th March – 11am-4pm £3, 6pm-11pm £3