The London beer festival that is held in the summer is the Great British Beer Festival.

This festival is put on over a week in early August by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), an organization dedicated to promoting real ale, the British pub, and preserving the traditions of British brewing.

The Great British Beer Festival bills itself as the largest pub in the world, and offers more than 450 different beers from British Breweries and more than 200 beers from countries all over the world.

The festival also has almost 100 kinds of traditional British ciders and perries, which are made from fermented pear juice.

CAMRA has held a beer festival in London since 1975 in various locations, but in 2006 the festival was at Earl’s Court where is continues to be held annually.

The festival has 14 bars; most of these are regional bars so visitors can easily find their favourite ales from particular regions of the country.

There is a Bar Nouveau featuring ales from new British breweries, and Bar UnusuALE that offers organic and vegetarian ales made with unusual ingredients.

The Bieres Sans Frontieres bars is where you would go to find some of the most excellent beers from around the world.

The festival features beers that are difficult to find in the UK and has been the first to introduce some very fine beers to the British market.

There is an Ingredients Area at the festival that is set up to show visitors how beer is brewed and what actually goes into the production of their favourite drinks.

One very popular event at the Great British Beer Festival is Hat Day, which is always held on the Thursday of festival week.

Visitors are encouraged to wear a hat that they have made or of which they are very fond.

You will see an incredible array of curious creations being worn, and the most amazing hats are awarded free beer vouchers and prizes.

A London beer festival promises to be fun, and the Great British Beer Festival certainly delivers on that promise.

Visiting The Great British Beer Festival

Earls Court Exhibition Centre, Warwick Road, Earl's Court, SW5 9TA

3rd August 2010 until 7th August 2010

Telephone: 0844 412 4640

Opening Times

3 Aug 5pm-10.30pm | 4-6 Aug 12noon-10.30pm | 7 Aug 11am-7pm

Ticket Prices

TBC | 2009 Prices - In Adv £8 (Standard), £6 (CAMRA members) | Day Tickets £10 (Standard), £8 (CAMRA members)

Photo courtesy: Matthew Black

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