Worthing Beer & Cider Festival volunteers welcome visit from MP

Brewer Henry Kirk curates the beer list, with a particular emphasis on smaller independent breweries. Each year, he picks a particular focus, so beers rarely available in Sussex are available.

Organisers from the Arun & Adur branch of CAMRA said: “As always, we are committed to supporting local independent producers while also bringing beers from further afield. This year, we are particularly looking forward to showcasing breweries from the Sheffield area, giving visitors the opportunity to sample beers that are rarely available in Sussex.

“Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply looking to discover something new, there will be plenty to tempt your taste buds.”

A mix up in the system meant the Sheffield beers went to Bradford by mistake but the error was quickly rectified and the barrels arrived just in time to be racked with allowance for settling.

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland visited early on Friday morning to meet the CAMRA volunteers behind the festival.

As he has coeliac disease, Tom is unable to drink beer but he was still keen to learn about the choices on offer. Instead, he was given a small sample of cider, which he said he enjoyed.

The organisers said some people like to look through the casks on display before making their choice, some like to pour through the brochure first and some just come and ask for the strongest on offer.

One of the highlights of this year's festival was Harvey's Lost Brew. The festival was the first to pour this beer, made to an original recipe that was recently found at the Lewes brewery.

Other unusual choices included a rice lager from Kernel and a smoked cherry lager, KirscheWalder from Saint Mars of the Desert.

The annual celebration of real ale, cider and perry returned to Rooms, on the first floor of the Guildbourne Centre, in Worthing town centre, on Friday, October 23, and Saturday, October 24.

There were three ticketed sessions, Friday 11am to 4pm, Friday 5pm to 11pm and Saturday 11am to 7pm, costing £10 each. Book at www.aaa.camra.org.uk/wbf or through Tckty. CAMRA members receive £10 worth of drinks tokens with their admission.

The festival is a ticket-only event, limited to 300 people per session. Entry on the day may be possible but only if tickets remain available, so booking is advised.

There will be no souvenir festival glass this year. Instead, the branch will be reusing and recycling existing stocks of CAMRA festival glasses.

Organisers said: “We therefore ask that you do not take your beer glass home. Reusing our existing glasses is a more environmentally-sustainable approach and helps us keep ticket prices as low as possible.”

Beer, cider and perry can be purchased using festival drinks tokens, available from a desk near the entrance using cash or card payment. Unused tokens may be refunded up until 'time' is called at the end of each session.

The Humble Pie Company will again be serving a range of freshly-made pies and other food, including vegetarian and vegan options. They will also be offering a range of wines and other alcoholic drinks, to be purchased by cash or card.

The festival will be supporting Care for Veterans and any unused drinks tokens can be donated via the collection boxes located near the exits.