Leeds began celebrating one of the largest beer and cider festivals in Yorkshire yesterday with visitors going hopping mad for some of the quality beers and ciders on offer.
The event, which kicked off yesterday at the Pudsey Civic Hall and closes on Saturday night, is showcasing a huge range of ales, lagers and ciders that can titillate any drink connoisseurs pallet.
This year’s festival has already started strongly, with hundreds of ale and cider enthusiasts enjoying the diverse range of local beers and other exciting additions from further afield, including Loch Ness Brewery’s own special blend.
‘Having an ale of a time,’ Brian Long and Iain Cheeseright enjoying a couple of pints.
Representing the international scene are a number of European blends from Belgium, The Czech Republic and Germany as well as beers from The USA and New Zealand – All of which will be found at the Global Beer Bar, which is staffed with knowledgeable volunteers who can help visitors in the search for their ideal drink.
But if strong ales are not for you the festival also includes a number of ciders from the West Country, the North West and Wales and mild beers that can be sampled on the Mild Trail.
The Mild Trail gives visitors the opportunity to taste a number of lighter beers and will offer you a free drink, via a stamp reward scheme, if you decide to complete the trail.
‘Graft and Draught,’ Volunteer Maggie Pearson serves up a drink at Leeds beer and cider festival.
Food lovers need not worry they have been forgotten and can be treat themselves to the special ‘black voodoo stew’ made with some Wakefield’s Fernandes Brewery’s very own ale.
The festival is also hosting a number of bands who will be playing live each evening, but if want to sit and enjoy a conversation with friends whilst drinking a beer there are quiet sections available.
If the weather continues to hold out as well as it did yesterday the Leeds beer and cider festival offers visitors a relaxing time out with a fantastic selection of ales and ciders to choose from, with the added bonus of a little sunshine.
Organiser David Dixon said: “Come along and experience a huge range of beers,” he added. “There is something for all tastes, not just bitters.”
The festival will be held at Pudsey Civic Hall, Dawson’s Corner, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 5TA
Times and Dates:
Thursday 13th: 11am-3pm & 5pm-11pm Friday 14th: 11am-3pm & 5pm-11pm Saturday 15th: 11am-11pm
(Pudsey Civic Hall has full disabled access).