Ale-lovers raise a glass for beer festival

Warwick Court Leet will once again stage the popular the Beer Festival which will be held at Warwick Racecourse and is already tipped to be their best yet.

Around 2,500 beer and cider lovers are expected to attend the two-day event which will boast more than 75 tipples from across the UK.

Breweries including Slaughterhouse in Warwick, Church Farm Brewery at Budbrooke, Byatt’s in Coventry, Stratford-upon- Avon Brewery and Church End at Ansty will all offer something special.

The festival, being held at Warwick Racecourse on Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16, will also feature live music with all proceeds going to town charities.

Last year’s event raised more than £12,000, £2,000 of which has been donated to The Myton Hospices.

Warwick Court Leet was established in 1554 to uphold law and order in the town - including making sure alcohol was fit for locals to consume.

It’s historic group’s Ale Taster still organises an annual ceremonial tasting at town pubs when landlords are presented with a certificate if their ale is declared suitable for Warwick’s drinkers.

Alan Lettis, one of 24 jurors that make up Warwick Court Leet, said: “We are looking forward to staging this year’s beer festival which will be bigger and better than ever.

“This year will feature even more beers and ciders, with quite a few CAMRA championship winners.

“We are particularly proud of this year’s selection and reserve supplies will be on hand to ensure no one’s glass is left empty.”

Andre Klein, racecourse manager said he was “thrilled” to be hosting the weekend.

“It is a very popular event which raises thousands of pounds for charity, and with a larger selection of beers and ciders than last year,” he said.

The festival is open from 4pm to 10pm on July 15 and midday to 10pm on July 16.

Entry, £5 including a commemorative glass. Buy online here.

Charitable groups in the borough of Warwick can bid for funds from last year’s pot. Visit www.warwickcourtleet.co.uk for full details.