As any dedicated real ale drinker will tell you (often without being asked) beers festivals are the best invention since ... beer! For the uninitiated, they are an opportunity to try a wide range of ales in a convivial setting. Many beer festivals also provide a number of ciders - Plymouth Beer Festival carries over 35- and some include other locally produced beverages such as ginger beers and fruit wines.

CAMRA organised festivals are staffed by friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers who will gladly offer suggestions and advice. Larger festivals often offer guided tasting sessions - this year the Great British Beer Festival had a guided tasting just for women!

Membership of CAMRA is also a great money saver for the regular festival-goer: production of your membership card at CAMRA-sponsored events reduces (and in many cases removes) the entry fee.

Plymouth CAMRA's flagship event is the Plymouth Beer Festival which takes place at Plymouth Pavillions. Confirmed dates for 2013 are Fri 12^th and Sat 13^th July.

The branch also maintains a list of Local Pub Beer Festivals.

A list of festivals (and other events) organised by CAMRA in our region can be found at South West CAMRA Beer Festivals.

If you feel like going further afield, CAMRA HQ maintains listings of festivals throughout the country at National Beer Festivals.

If you are holding a beer festival in a pub in our area, or know of any that are taking place please let us know via emailpubnews@plymouthcamra.org.uk