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5^th North Cotswold Moreton Beer Festival Report. September 28^th to 29^th2012

North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale

Beer sells out and the sun shines on the North Cotswold Moreton Beer Festival. The North Cotswold branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) staged the fifth beer festival at Moreton in Marsh Cricket Club on the weekend of 28th September. As in the previous four years we were blessed with sunshine, throughout the weekend. The festival again attracted over 700 people from all over the country, many camping on site in a variety of tents, caravans and motor homes.	Marquee and new Food Tent ready for Friday 28th opening
Beer Ready	The range of 38 stunning beers, were sourced from various parts of the country as far away as Scotland, Kent, Cornwall and Yorkshire with four local beers. The beer styles included pale ale, bitters, porters, stouts and speciality flavoured beers. The ciders and perry came from the Herefordshire orchards of Gwatkin Cider.
Friday opened earlier at Lunchtime, a major change from the previous years and the crowds responded welcoming the new opening hours in the warm Autumn sunshine tasting the usual range of quality ale in pristine condition. CAMRA members from near and far turned out in force, many with families who had reserved the weekend for their favourite festival and were entertained by the Worried Men in the evening sponsored by North Cotswold Brewery. The first beer to run out was going to win the coveted Beer of the Festival and destination for the long awaited Helpers Trip. Despite best efforts with a very late night a winner did not emerge on the Friday.	Customers choose outdoors
The Lighter Thieves from Cheltenham perform on Saturday Afternoon	More campers and caravans arrived for the Saturday opening with all beers still standing. The Lighter Thieves from Cheltenham played on the big stage from 2-30pm and were well received by crowds many remaining joined by locals for Zool on the evening who were preceded by another local duo who practised several numbers before the main act.
On Friday and Saturday we were treated by new caterers, Butcher R & D Walker from Moreton who sponsored local band Zool on Saturday Night. This is a major improvement and response to previous complaints with a wider range of food on offer such as :-Faggots and peas, Chilli with Nachos and cheese, plus speciality pies and the usual sausages and bacon rolls. Attractive Waitresses and all weather seating added to the service with the bonus of full English after a heavy Friday night.	Chefs at work
Indoor Eating Area	Worried Men Perform Friday
Steve finds an assistant who wins best hat prize	Breakfast preparation
Staff tents give birth to mini version. But colour indicates the milkman was involved.	Best presented canines
^ Beer of the Festival ^	Our ten GBG winners and guests were invited for the weekend and several attended trying possible guest ales for their establishments. At 1-43pm David Bates from the Mousetrap in Bourton was unlucky to receive a half of Dark Star Kiwi with sediment as it ran out winning the coveted certificate. Excited bar staff looking forward immediately to a visit to Sussex initially ignored David’s request for a replacement. Second to run out was close with many almost there. By 9pm thy were joined by another 20 and much later there were only two left, Stanney Bitter and Wye Valley Bitter . These were drained into three pint containers as free takeaways to campers and staff on Sunday morning.
^ Best Dressed Male – Richard ^	^ 2008 Festival Tee Shirt discovered ^
^ Zool perform Saturday Night ^	^ Supporters flash polo shirts ^
Look-alike Bar staff get excited as beer runs out after time on Saturday

Thanks to all our helpers, sponsors and to Moreton Cricket Club for the venue and a welcome to the 8 new CAMRA members who signed up through the weekend. Long may it continue!

Report by: Roger Price, Branch Chairman