Beer and Cider Festival going for gold

The 46th Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival returns Celebrating 50 Years of the Campaign for Real Ale in Tyneside and Northumberland.

The 46th edition of the Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival is set to be a golden celebration, marking 50 years of the Campaign for Real Ale in Tyneside and Northumberland. Held at the Northumbria Students Union Building from 10th to 13th April, the festival promises to be a gathering of beer and cider enthusiasts eager to explore a selection of the UK’s finest craft brews.

Attendees can indulge in a diverse array of craft beers and ciders, some specially brewed for the festival and others making their premier appearance before general release. Local breweries from Tyneside and Northumberland have been invited to create either a Golden Ale or an entirely novel beer, adding a unique twist to the festivities. Notable breweries, including Camper Van Brewery from Edinburgh, Hawkshead Brewing from Cumbria showcasing the first-ever pouring of Damson Saison for National Damson Day, and Tiny Rebel Brewery from Newport Wales presenting a range of Chocolate beers for the Easter- themed event, will be among the highlights.

With around 100 beers and 50 ciders on tap, ranging from quirky micro-breweries to established names, the Northumbria University Students Union will host the biggest showcase of its kind in the region. This year, a spirits bar will make its debut on Friday and Saturday, featuring a selection of rum, whisky, and gin to cater to a wider palate.

The festival offers traditional pub games such as Shut the Box, Table Skittles, Crown Top Shives, and Ring the Pump, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for attendees. Live music performances are also scheduled throughout the festival, creating a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere.

The team of volunteers have a huge logistical task to organise getting literally hundreds of precious casks of ale in situ, conditioned and ready for the perfect pour every time. The event involves building several bars from scratch, organising the logistics of getting beers and ciders to the right places and ensuring that the attendees are well looked after.

Thursday will witness a hat-themed day, encouraging participants to showcase their creativity, with the option to purchase unique headwear from the St Oswald’s stall. The entertainment continues with performances by renowned artists, including Rob Herron of teapad orchestra fame and the Byker hillbillies.

Friday’s lineup boasts appearances from The Steamboat Players, Ash Humble (Lead singer of Blistered Molly), Cover Clubs Acoustic Duo and the Monkseaton Morris will be performing Rapper (Sword) dances.
Saturday’s lineup kicks off with Jonny Pollard, setting the stage for the festival’s headliner, “We Are Champion” as regular festival headliners nationwide and in our opinion the very best Queen tribute you will ever see no stick-on moustache or backing track just Queens hits played live and played well!

“Every year we get better and better both in terms of the breweries taking part and visitor numbers. We are looking forward to welcoming back old and new friends who attend the festival each year, This year our first tickets were bought a couple who travel from Germany every year to sample one of the most diversely curated selection of Beers ” said Anthony the Festival organiser.

The Festival runs from 10th April to 13th April at Northumbria Students Union and fast track admission packages are now available £19.00 which includes a commemorative glass and four beer tokens.

For more information, including sponsorship and volunteering opportunities like the one that got Anthony started, check out the official website at www.nclbeerfest.uk/gettickets