The 2011 Westmorland Beer Festival - Another Grand Day Out!

Another Christmas is about to descend, the sounds of Noddy Holder and Cliff can be heard in the shops, must be time for the Westmorland Beer Festival!

Once again our little group of enthusiastic "tickers" gathered in eager anticipation of an afternoons fine quaffing.

A slight air of sadness combined with excitement, as today's event would be the last until the New Year, but as always, filled with the expectation of a "grand day out". As everyone knows........ there's never a bad beer festival!

As in previous years, on arrival, we milled around with the other eager punters until the clock struck the appointed hour, the doors opened and consumption commenced.

Again the Town Hall is a fitting venue and the various attractions presented impeccably as previous years.

On with the business of the day, the first ale was poured and we sat down to assess the runners, the complementary guide soon had various ales pencilled with notes, .......the must have's,......... personal favourites,.......... and...... I'm definitely having that one!

As time passed, the venue began to fill with drinkers. The true enthusiasts, the first timers, people just passing and those who popped in out of curiosity. I've frequented many beer festivals around the country they all follow a familiar format and none have disappointed.

If you're reading this and never been to a beer festival before, let me dismiss a common myth.

There is an impression amongst society (probably emanates from wives, girlfriends and those of a temperance nature) that beer festivals are exclusively for men with beer stained sweat shirts, huge rhododendron beards getting paralytic and ending the day in the local hospital following a mass brawl-punch up and a ride in the "panda car"...........am I right?

Next, comes age!...........I know....it may be touchy subject, but it needs addressing. I'm in the forty something era, cassette tapes in vinyl roof MK2 Escorts, blasting out T-Rex etc;

Looking around today, most punters would be familiar with "Ted's" and 8-track players in chrome plated Zephyr Zodiac's blasting out sound of early Elvis and Sandy Shaw.

So......with that in mind, let me tell you what I see from where I'm seated with my "half pint"........yes that's correct, there's no pint glasses here, and "the devils own work" can be purchased in third pint measures.

Common to all beer festivals, a balanced mixture of girls and boys mill within the confines' of the Kendal venue. Familiar faces from last year...... friends we've met at other festivals.......... a sprinkling of characters........the closet "tickers"........ a few suits (aka, the Reggie Perrin brigade) - "just popping out the office for lunch Miss Jones".......... other CAMRA groups.......and....... I'll bet a "half of old pecker" somewhere in the room, there's a little old lady with half a milk stout busily knitting a "woolly cardigan" for a relatives Christmas present!..........there always is!

Let's not forget the organisers and staff, all volunteers; if it weren't for their commitment we wouldn't have these events. The "Team" made up of both girls and boys, give a warm welcome, and are always keen to assist with beer types to those unfamiliar with the array of the nation's finest hop, apple and pear, products.

So..I would hope my observations and comments have cleared any "myths" and may have encouraged one or two people to "give it try".

Moving on and back to why the rest of us are here, the beer!

A selection of mild's, golden, blonds, darks, porters in various strengths and styles etc are represented. I have my personal favourites as will you, and around the tables and bar, fellow quaffers discuss the merits of their choice. There's no bad beer, just some are better than others and don't forget the various selection Ciders and Perry's are there if beer isn't your scene.

The only word of advice I would give to new starter is not to drink with your eyes. Many times I've looked at the pump badge expecting a beer to be say, a blond and it's turned out to be a dark!, and yes..... a mild can be golden in colour. (I learnt that little factoid at a pervious Westmorland Festival tasting session).

Time for a blotter (for those unfamiliar with the jargon..grub). Most beerfestivals have blotters available; ranging from basic 'sarnies' and pork pies to BBQ's and Hog roasts. Caterers are an essential part of any beer festivals, and generally provide a fine selection of often local produce at the right price.

Sadly, that feeling of "the transport awaits" brings to an end another "grand day out". Once again its "last orders".Its time to prize ourselves away from the delights of the day, thank the staff and make our way home.

On the way, I note Noddy Holder and Cliff are still entertaining the shoppers.

hummmm.................I wonder..........woolly cardigan for Christmas?

............soon be the 2012 Westmorland Beer Festival!

Andy Bleazard

(Lunesdale Branch 18-10-11)