I THINK it is fair to say that the majority of ale devotees eagerly look forward to descending upon a beer festival: a social gathering where you undoubtedly experience much merriment and sampling of ales from around the UK.

One such beery assemblage took place last weekend in Clitheroe. Yes, the 10th East Lancashire Camra-organised beer festival rolled into town.

MORE TOP STORIES:

It’s always a superbly-run event by the local Camra branch and is an event growing in popularity year by year.

The venue, at the St Mary’s Centre, is ideally situated in the town centre and just a short stroll from the bus and railway station.

It was a real hive of activity as me and my beery comrade, Bob Fletcher, strolled (Bob strolls) through the hallway. The place being already packed early Saturday afternoon with thirsty beer ‘aficionados’ slurping some of the 70 cask ales on offer.

The barrels were all neatly arranged in a long line and in alphabetical order. However, this is where I needed help as I can’t see what is printed on the labels.

Worry not, ‘carer’ Bob and the helpful volunteers didn’t leave me floundering for long.

First ale I plumped for was the local Bowland Brewery, Black Dragon Porter. It didn’t disappoint. A robust, complex flavoured ale; dark fruits, bitter chocolate – even a tad vinous. The usual taste bud tingler from the Clitheroe brewer – a Bowland belter.

As always at these gatherings, the volunteers make the festival what it is. And this jolly band were being superbly marshalled by the organiser Martin Snelling.

He was undertaking his manic schedule with aplomb. A self-assured, affable man who must have covered more miles that afternoon than Mo Farrah does on a long training session.

Martin said: “It has been a great first day and we are on course for a record attendance at the festival. The place is packed once more, enjoying the beers from around the UK.”

One beer I had to try was the Highland Brewery’s Orkney Blast. It was a strong ‘un at 6 per cent. Described as a barley wine in the programme, for me it’s a really a fine, old strong ale with a generous dose of malt and bitter citrus flavours with orange marmalade in charge and honey sweet.

It proved a very moreish, strong, complex flavoured ale – straight down to ‘ur boots!

This Clitheroe two-day event was once again a most enjoyable experience. It’s most certainly one of the highlights in the Ribble Valley social calendar. Messrs Snelling and Co. have forged a festival that the locality and beyond, can be proud of – long may it continue.

Finally, still on the festival theme, there is a ‘beer and bangers’ festival, taking place at the KSC 110 Club, Burnley, from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31 (East Lancs Camra Club of the Year).

It’s free entry with over 20 ales to sample and doors open 4pm on Friday.

All donations to Pendleside Hospice.