Rochdale Beer and Cider Festival

Rochdale Beer and Cider Festival

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The third annual Rochdale Beer and Cider Festival was well underway during its second day on Friday (17 November).

The event is organised in aid of the Mayor’s charities, with Rochdale, Oldham and Bury CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) volunteers staffing the popular event.

John Woolam, from CAMRA, said: “The Beer and Cider festival really helps put the town centre back on the map and the Town Hall is the best building in the UK for such an event.

“Hopefully in terms of money raised for the Mayor’s charities, it’ll be the biggest one yet. We’re hoping for a few thousand pounds more than last year, and we hope to be back again next year.”

His personal recommendation is Wye Valley Brewery’s Butty Bach, a smooth and full-bodied burnished gold ale.

Over 100 real ales, ciders and perries are on offer from all across the UK ranging from 3.7% to 7.4%, including ales and stouts from local brewery, Pictish.

Foreign beers and fruit wines can also be found, including draught Munich Oktoberfest Bier, plus a UK award-winning variety: Church End ‘Goat’s Milk’ from Nuneaton, which has already gone down a storm with punters.

A hot food buffet featuring Castleton speciality Smith’s Pies is also available. Real handmade chocolate samples are present on the bar, perfect to pair with the drinks on offer, and are available to buy at the festival from Oddfellows Chocolate Co., who are based in Staffordshire.

Each visitor will receive a commemorative beer glass, marked with the Town Hall and the CAMRA logo.

The festival continues on Saturday from 12 noon.