Last night a lorry packed full of real ale was stolen from a hauliers yard in Lincoln, on its way to satisfy the 60,000 thirsty beer drinkers expected at the Great British Beer Festival at London's Earls Court. But organisers, the Campaign for Real Ale, with the help of the Small Beer Agency and several brewers have already sourced replacement beer.
Marc Holmes, Organiser of the Festival said, “We knew it was going to be popular, but we've never had the beer stolen before! 15,000 pints is a lot of beer, but no one will be disappointed as we have another 335000 pints already here and we hope to have the missing beer replaced by Monday morning.”
Tony Eastwood, Managing Director of Small Beer said, “Crisis averted, we're pulling out all the stops to get the beer to London by Monday morning and it will all be ready to drink for the opening on Tuesday. I'd like to thank Dave Scott and Glyn Williams at Small Beer for working so hard today to find replacement beer, to the brewers for rising to the challenge and to Tom Wood of Highwood for letting us borrow a truck and driver to replace our stolen vehicle.”
Marc Holmes said, “It's amazing to see how brewers have pulled together today to make sure that no one visiting the Festival will miss out.”
For more information
Tuesday 7th August Trade Session 12.00-17.00: Admission to trade by advance ticket only
Tuesday 7th August 17.00-22.30: Admission £6.00, CAMRA members £5.00
Wednesday 8th August Noon-22.30: Admission £6.00, CAMRA members £5.00
Thursday 9th August Noon-22.30: Admission £6.00, CAMRA members £5.00
Friday 10th August Noon-22.30: Admission £6.00, CAMRA members £5.00
Saturday 11th August 11.00-19.00: Admission £5.00, CAMRA members £3.00
For more information contact:
If calling from August 6th - 11th please call Owen Morris on 07939 425471 or Great British Beer Festival Press Office at Earls Court on: 020 7244 3925
CAMRA Press Officer Owen Morris on 01727 798443.
CAMRA Senior Press and Marketing Manager Tony Jerome 07736 948186.
CAMRA Chief Executive Mike Benner: 07971 591224.
CAMRA Research and Information Manager Iain Loe: 07801 706607