Time's Up!

Once again the Ilkley Beer Festival has been a huge success with thousands raised for local good causes.

Click here to view some photographs

The Drinks Are On Yorkshire's New Skipper McGrath!

YORKSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET captain Anthony McGrath will officially open the second Ilkley Beer festival next month.

McGrath, who has replaced Darren Gough as Yorkshire’s new skipper ahead of the 2009 campaign, will pull the first pint at the King’s Hall on Friday 6th February 2009.

Organised by Ilkley and District Round Table, the festival will be held at the kings Hall/Winter Gardens in Ilkley on Friday 6th Feb from 5.00 till 11.00 pm; Saturday 7th from 11.00 am until 4.00 pm, and again from 5.00 till 11.00 pm.

Bradford-born McGrath, who will use the event to promote his benefit year, will be on hand to pull the first pint. Commenting on being invited to open the Ilkley Beer Festival, McGrath, said:

“The Ilkley Beer Festival has built up a superb reputation since its inaugural event held last year. I want to get involved because of the charitable donations that are raised for the many sports clubs and associations based in Ilkley. They are aiming to raise about £20,000, which will be invested back into the local community.

"The Ilkley & District Round Table, who does some excellent work in and around the community, wants to provide facilities and equipment needed to encourage local children and youth groups to further their sporting achievements and accolades. For that reason, I have to get involved as I care passionately about grassroots sport in the county and the more children we can encourage to take up sport in school and during the spare time will pay dividends in later life”.

“The festival will also give me an ideal platform to talk up the new cricket season and launch my benefit year. In addition, it will be nice to sample some of the great beers, in moderation, that are on display.”

The Festival will feature over 120 different British real ales, ciders & perrys as well as foreign bottled beers and Country wines. There will be five special brewery bars from ocal brewers Copper Dragon, Goose Eye, Old Bear, Old Spot and Saltaire. Food will be available throughout the Festival from award winning butcher Lithman’s and bands will provide entertainment during the events’ three public sessions.

The festival has been made possible through sponsorship from a wide range of businesses based in the region. Ilkley Round Table are thrilled that for the 2nd year, the lead sponsor of the event is Leeds based solicitor’s Ison Harrison, with significant contributions coming from Market Town Taverns, Blue Crocodile Sports LLP and Pinsharp amongst others.

Tickets are available at a cost of £5 to include a commemorative festival pint glass, programme and the first pint. Tickets are available from Bar t’at in Ilkley; Junction in Otley; The Junction in Baildon; The Narrow Boat in Skipton; and Coopers in Guiseley.Tickets are also available by post, see the web site www.ilkleybeerfestival.org.uk. Note that since release of these tickets, almost 75% have sold already!
 

The 2nd Ilkley Beer Festival will take place at the King’s Hall and Winter Gardens, Ilkley on 6th & 7th February 2009

The Festival will offer approximately 100 Cask British Real Ales, Ciders & Perry’s, bottled foreign beers and Country wines.

Festival food will be available throughout the events’ three sessions with a brass band providing entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Tickets will go on sale on 1st Dec 2008 at a cost of £5 to include festival glass, programme and first pint.

For sponsorship details contact Tim Usherwood - 01756 701010

For general festival details contact Stewart Ross - 01943 604561