Festival organisers get taste of success as brew is chosen

Bradfield Brewery’s Tramlines Ale fought off competition from The Brew Company, Sheffield Brewery and White Rose Brewery to be awarded the title of the three-day music festival’s official drink.

Paul Thomas Ward from the brewery, which is based in a tiny village on the edge of the Peak District National Park, said: “This is absolutely wonderful.

“I want to thank Bradfield Brewery, all my family and friends and everyone who drinks Bradfield.”

Head brewer Mr Ward, who has been brewing beers for 15 years, said his winning technique was down to “quality, quantity and expertise”.

The ale was chosen during a tasting evening at The Riverside pub in Mowbray Street, Sheffield, during which the beers were anonymously sold from numbered taps.

Sarah Nulty, festival director at Tramlines and one of the judging panel, said: “The night was a real success and I’m glad that Bradfield Brewery’s Tramlines Ale will be pouring from the pumps at Tramlines venues on the run-up to this year’s festival.

“The whole competition has been a celebration of Sheffield’s fantastic real ale community and has showcased some of the city’s brilliant brewers.

“The Blues and Ale Trail is a key part of the festival and selling Tramlines Ale will help its success in 2012.”

Confirmed to top the bill with performances on the main stage in Devonshire Green at this year’s Tramlines are Roots Manuva and We Are Scientists, while other performances will come from Sheffield’s own Toddla T, Ms Dynamite, Field Music, Future of the Left and Mr Scruff.

The fourth-annual festival runs from Friday July 20 until Sunday July 22 in more than 70 venues around the city.

Since 2009, the number of people attending Tramlines has grown from 65,000 in the first year to 155,000 last year.

In 2011, 50 venues also grew to 70, the Unannounced Tent was established on Fargate and a “Folk Forest” was also launched at Endcliffe Park.

This year, the Dance World area has been extended, taking over two venues at Sheffield University.

Ms Nulty added: “Tramlines really is a festival like no other.

“We give music fans a chance to see their favourite artists absolutely free.”