National Winter Ales Fest 2012

[Real Ale Ray]

Thinking of taking a trip over to Manchester to the Winter Ale Fest 18th -21st Jan. Has anyone been to it, is it a good event?

:bemerry:

[gillhalfpint]

We have done it for the last 3 - 4 years, usually by taking the caravan to Burrs Park in Bury and getting public transport from there, but we are booked into a travelodge for 2 nights 2012. It is a good fest, and a great venue. We are booked in for the Thursday and Friday night, so should be around Thursday Friday and Saturday.

[ROBCamra]

Thinking of taking a trip over to Manchester to the Winter Ale Fest 18th -21st Jan. Has anyone been to it, is it a good event?

:bemerry:

oldboots, A&H and myself went to the trade session last year courtesy of The Baum.

I've been to the trade session the last few years and have always enjoyed it.

Not sure of the exact timings this year, but the fest opens to the public a couple of hours after the trade session starts. :cheers:

[ROBCamra]

Trade session is Wednesday 18th 14:30 - 17:00 festival opens to the public at 17:00. See link below for admission charges & beer list. :drinkup:

http://nwaf.org.uk/

[Spinko]

THe name puts me off. Winter Beer fest? Why would I want to spend a whole day drinking heavy brown and black dark beers with no hops?

Unless I've misinterpreted the name, this sounds like a great way to keep everyone under 30 from going to a festival. Perhaps that is the idea.