Olympia: Rousing songs from the Cornishmen

l Raising a glass to Cornwall, the Skinner's Sinners Singers

August 3, 2005: Cornish song resounded around the halls of Olympia, London, yesterday, as crowds at the annual Great British Beer Festival were entertained by the Skinner's Sinners Singers.

The 36-strong, informal choir, brought together by Truro brewer Steve Skinner, travelled up to the showcase event by coach, and with the obvious lubrication on board were in good voice for the opening trade session of the festival.

The choir soon gained a large and appreciative audience as they went through a repertoire of traditional Cornish male voice pieces.

Also at the show was a contingent from St Austell Brewery, including head brewer Roger Ryman, while Sharp's, of Rock, had a stand, promoting brands including their new Atlantic IPA - money from the sale of which goes towards helping the work of the RNLI.

l Pictured on the Sharp's stand are sales and marketing co-ordinator Rob Andrews, London sales manager Stuart Sylvester, director Joe Keohane and head of sales and marketing James Nicholls

Atlantic IPA (4.8%) has just been launched to catch the summer trade. It has more hop character than famous Sharp's brews like headline brand Doombar, clean and quite fruity with just a hint of that bubblegum taste.

"It's more of a classic IPA but it's been given a modern twist," said director Joe Keohane.