Ale fest brings in pots of cash
Voluntary groups and charities in the Bishop Auckland area are set to benefit from Casks at the Castle Beer Festival¹s success this year.The organisers, Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor Round Table expect to have raised more than £6,000 after witnessing record sales at the Auckland Castle ale extravaganza.
³Early estimates put sales at just over 5,000 pints,² says Round Table chairman, Chris Robinson.
³We set ambitious targets for this year¹s event, including a bigger marquee and a substantially increased beer order. But, just like last year, ale fans turned up and dug deep. We¹re delighted with the result.
More than 55 different beers were on sale with Bishop Auckland¹s own, Hamsterley Dark brewed by the Wear Valley Brewery selling best, at just in excess of 220 pints.
It had sold out early on the Saturday evening. Other best sellers included the Beer of the Festival judged by Tyne Tees presenter, Andy Kluz and BBC Radio Cleveland¹s Mark Turnbull Consett Ale Works, Steel Town Special.
Chairman of the judges, David Fryer thought the beer range and quality this year was even better than last year.
³There were some truly outstanding beers on sale this year, including the spectacular Steel Town Special and last years winner, Darwin Evolution, from Sunderland. It¹s hardly surprising so much beer was sold. The beer was in super condition.
Now the Round Table has to decide how to distribute the money.
³Last year we needed to put an appeal out to local good causes.
³If you are local charity, community or voluntary group in the Bishop Auckland, please get in contact,¹ says Chris Robinson.
³We will certainly be buying another Nebuliser for Bishop Auckland Hospital.
³The benefit it brings to youngsters is fantastic.² Organisers estimate that more than 2500 people attended the event enjoying not just great British beer but live music.
And thanks to local marquee company, Geoff Dobson, the Round Table were able to avail themselves of one of the marquees from the Wear Valley Food Festival that attracted 23,000 on Saturday, April 7.
