Beerly beloved... real ale fans congregate in church again

The event, being held over three days from Thursday, April 18, was staged for the first time at Holy Trinity Church last year and was such a success that stocks were drunk hours earlier than expected.

Organisers at the Hull and East Yorkshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale are determined to avoid a repeat and this year festival-goers will also have the full church at their disposal.

Drinkers will have a total of 120 real ales, 25 ciders and 16 world beers to choose from.

Organiser Stewart Campbell said: “Last year’s overwhelming success posed us problems which we hope we have overcome by providing the discerning drinkers of Hull and East Yorkshire with twice as many real ales as 2012.

“This year we are pleased that three of our sponsors are brewing beers for the festival: Yorkshire Brewing Company are launching Hull Brewery Mild as well as brewing a special named Holy Trinity, the proceeds of which will be donated to the church; Great Newsome Brewery is launching a new beer brewed especially for the festival called Ale-Elujah; while Big River Brewery has produced a 5.5 per cent cherry mild in memory of Maggie Morris, a Camra 
member who passed away last summer.”

The festival will also coincide with a digital history project created by Hull College students.

The Rev Matt Woodcock, Holy Trinity’s pioneer minister, said: “Last year’s festival generated an incredible atmosphere and buzz in the church and we made a whole load of new friends who have never been inside Holy Trinity before.

“This year will be even bigger as we are opening up the large nave area so real ale lovers can enjoy more of our majestic building while enjoying their pint. We are thrilled that Hull College students will also get the chance to show off their talents.”

The 14th century building, the largest parish church in England, has also staged a fashion show and a rock concert in recent years.

The Rev Neal Barnes, vicar of Holy Trinity, added: “We are thrilled to be hosting the 2013 Hull Real Ale and Cider Festival. I’m sure those attending will find it a magnificent setting.”