Real ale lovers can take their pick from more than 350 beers, ciders, perries, meads and even gluten-free brews at the 13th Derby Winter Ale Festival which starts today.
The four-day event, which launches at 5pm on Wednesday, February 15, and lasts through to Saturday, February 18, will take place at the city's iconic Roundhouse. Add food and live music into the mix, and you have the perfect recipe to lift spirits in the middle of gloomy February.
Derby has carved a niche as a city worthy of the pickiest real ale connoisseur and thousands are expected to flock to the annual event. However, it will be a little different this year. For the last three years, Derby has been home to the National Winter Ales Festival, with support from the Campaign for Real Ale to put it on the map.
The four-day event, which launches at 5pm on Wednesday, February 15, and lasts through to Saturday, February 18, will take place at the city's iconic Roundhouse. Add food and live music into the mix, and you have the perfect recipe to lift spirits in the middle of gloomy February.
This year the national festival has moved to Norwich so the Derby branch of CAMRA branch had to make a decision – whether or not to hold a winter festival of their own again. Luckily for beer fans they decided to go ahead. Here's everything you need to know.
When and where is the 13th Derby Winter Ale Festival taking place?
It will be held at the Roundhouse, which is part of the Derby College complex situated on the Eastern side of Derby Railway Station, and will run from February 15-18.Getting there
If you're arriving by train, use the Pride Park exit at Derby Station. Free buses will leave Derby Exeter Bridge at 11am and then every half an hour until 9.30pm, calling at the bus station (bay 28) a few minutes later. The first bus on Wednesday will be at 5pm. Buses will return from the festival at quarter past and quarter to the hour with the last bus at 11.30pm. Arriva also operates route 4/4A between the bus station and the back of the Roundhouse. There is a short cut opposite the stop which takes you to the front of the Roundhouse.Opening times and admission costs
- Wednesday February 15: 5-11pm, £3
- Thursday February 16: 11am-11pm, £2 (lunch), £5 (after 5.30pm).
- Friday February 17: 11am-11pm, £3 (lunch), £6 (after 5.30pm).
- Saturday February 18: 11am-11pm, £3 (lunch), £6 (after 5.30pm).
The festival allows access to under-18s during the day but they must leave before 7pm. Pensioners are free at lunch times. Under-26s are half-price to all sessions. Card carrying CAMRA members are free at all times.
Will there be food at the festival?
Yes, as well as cheese, crisps and chocolate hot meals will be provided by the Roundhouse's catering. For example, burgers, hot dogs and pulled pork baps will by £4 - £5 if you add chunky chips. Chilli, both beef and vegetarian, curry and jacket potatoes are also on the snack menu.
How many beers can we try?
More than 360 different offerings with a strong emphasis on Derbyshire beers and a wide range of winter ales, barley wines and session beers. The festival will also feature gluten free beers from Wold Top and Raw. There will also be a dedicated bar showcasing bottled beers from around the world plus a keykeg bar featuring artisan breweries from Italy and Belgium and a chance to try Kolsch as you would find it in its home town of Cologne.
What other drinks will be on offer?
You can try 34 ciders, seven perries and a range of meads from Derbyshire's own Mercian Mead and Lymebay. All will be available by the glass or bottle.
Will there be live music?
Yes, lots, every evening in the Carriage Room. Here's what you can enjoy:- Wednesday: Local band showcase featuring at least three groups
- Thursday: The Modest will perform classics from the likes of The Who, Small Faces, The Kinks and The Jam but inter-mixed with Northern Soul.
- Friday: Tom Hingley, the singer with Inspiral Carpets will play with his band The Kar-Pets and will perform the big tunes from the Manchester Indie heroes. Plus, Verbal Warning, old school punk rockers.
- Saturday: Kazabian, regarded as the number one tribute to Kasabian.
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