Welcome ...
Welcome to the home page of the Leeds Beer, Cider and Perry Festival 2008.
Every year the members of Leeds CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, put together the biggest and best selection of real ales, ciders and perries that will be seen all year in Leeds. Add to this a fantastic selection of global beers from all over the world, tasty food, a selection of beery stalls, and live music from local bands, and we have a festival that really is the place to be in March.
Where ...
Our venue is yet again Pudsey Civic Hall. This is handily located at Dawson's Corner in Stanningley, and is easy to reach by all forms of public transport.
The venue is about five minutes' walk from New Pudsey station. New Pudsey is on the Caldervale line, about twelve minutes from Leeds. Trains from Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Wakefield, York and Manchester also call here.
Many buses from Leeds also pass close by. The journey time is about half an hour from the centre of Leeds.
When ...
The festival runs from Thursday March 13th to Saturday March 15th 2008. Opening times are almost, but not quite, the same as last year:
| Thursday Lunchtime | 11am - 3pm |
| Thursday Evening | 5pm - 11pm |
| Friday Lunchtime | 11am - 3pm |
| Friday Evening | 5pm - 11pm |
| Saturday Lunchtime | 11am - 4pm |
| Saturday Evening | 6pm - 11pm |
CAMRA members are admitted 15 minutes before these times.
Admission prices are £3 for the Thursday evening session and for either of the Saturday sessions. The Friday evening session is £4. There is no admission charge at other times, and CAMRA members are admitted free at all times.
NUS members showing valid student ID are admitted free on Thursday evening.
Please note that we do not sell advance tickets. The best way to ensure that you are able to get in is to arrive early.
All admission, including CAMRA members, is subject to there being space in the hall.
What ...
- Around 150 real ales bringing you the Yorkshire Challenge! Your chance to find out whether or not Yorkshire Beer is Best!
- Traditional Real Cider and Perry from around the country - the best selection in the North.
- Global Beer Bar featuring its very own Yorkshire Challenge, a dedicated Fruit Beer handpump, lots of American ales, everything from lihjt white beers to treacly trappist - and beer tastings!
- The Mild Trail - drink this quintessential English ale and get a freebie!
- Hot and cold food, full disabled access, no smoking throughout.
- Local musicians performing, plus some quiet sessions.
- Beery stalls, snack emporium and tombola.
- Over 18s only - please bring ID if you look young!
Please note that there is once again a restriction on admission numbers due to the recently reformed Licensing laws. Get there early to avoid disappointment!
Getting Involved ...
Everyone who organises the festival is a volunteer. All the staff at the festival are volunteers. No-one receives any payment for organising or working at the festival.
More help is always welcome!
CAMRA members from Leeds or further afield (but especially from Leeds) are more than welcome to help in organising and staffing the festival. Workers are promised a good time, a bit of free beer, a chance to meet friends old and new, and a free taxi home at closing time.
More details on helping out can be had by sending an email to 2008@leedsbeerfestival.co.uk.
Cheers!