The Great British Beer Festival goes virtual

The Great British Beer Festival, which usually takes place this week at Olympia in London, is making its virtual debut from 11-13 September 2020.

For the first time ever, visitors to CAMRA’s beer event can purchase a ticket to a weekend of live beer tastings that will run from 2pm – 9:30pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

The event will include tastings taking place each day led by experts such as Roger Protz, Cheryl Cade and Adrian Tierney-Jones.

There will also be pre-recorded ‘events’ for visitors to dip into in between the tastings, which includes a tour and Q&A at Charles Faram hop farm, Crisp Malt maltings, Harvey’s Brewery and Little Pomona Orchard.

These include an ‘introduction to beer’ session, which features five category winners from last year’s Champion Beer of Britain competition, and an additional six beers for an in-depth tasting of a specific style of their choice.

Festival organiser Catherine Tonry said: “The Great British Beer Festival is truly the heart and soul of what CAMRA is all about – bringing people together and making friends over a great pint. While we are sadly not all out on the festival floor this week, I am delighted to welcome back new friends and old to our very first virtual festival.

“It has been an incredibly difficult year for many people due to Covid-19, but we are looking forward to celebrating the very best beers that Britain has to offer in true GBBF style – albeit from the comfort of our own homes.”

She added: “We hope visitors will enjoy the wide range of beers, tastings, talks and tours available and mark their calendar for a weekend of fun, friendship, and of course, great beer.”