Protest over cathedral ale festival

One of the main organisers behind campaign group Occupy Sheffield, which camped outside the cathedral for 99 days before being removed, has said there is a hypocrisy in hosting a real ale festival on the same site.

David Kirkham, who represented Occupy Sheffield in court, said: “Contrast the cathedral’s criticism of loud music on the forecourt for very brief periods during the time of occupation, with their plans for three days of music.

“I think the debate over the relevance, possible lies and hypocrisy coming from Sheffield Cathedral...needs further exploration.”

The Cathedral Real Ale Festival will take place from Friday, October 19 to Sunday, October 21.

Peter Bradley, dean of the Cathedral, said he saw no hypocrisy in hosting such an event and added: “We’re very excited about our real ale festival, which is supporting local business at a very difficult time.

“Money we raise will be invested in our long-term work to further the local community.”