The big one - the 2006 Great British Beer Festival

July 22, 2006: It's just over a week to go now before the Big One - the 2006 Great British Beer Festival.

Am I excited? Yes, who wouldn't be. It's a great occasion, meeting brewers and fellow enthusiasts, enjoying the entertainment and, of course, doing one's best to try as many of 700 different real ales, ciders, perries and bottle beers on offer.

The festivals runs from Tuesday, August 1, until Saturday, August 5, and promises to be bigger and better than ever this year as as it moves from London's Olympia to Earls Court.

“More than 47,000 people came to the 2005 Great British Beer Festival and because of the new larger venue we are looking forward to welcoming even more visitors this year," said CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner.

“The Great British Beer Festival is the best thing about the summer for beer enthusiasts. But even if you have never tried real ale before it is the perfect place to meet up with friends, come for a drink with colleagues after work, or simply soak up some Great British hospitality.”

This year the festival will include:

l Over 450 of the UK's finest ales from the smallest microbreweries to some of Britain's best known beers.
l A bottled beer bar offering more than 100 varieties of real ale in a bottle.
l The announcement of the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain 2006, on Tuesday, August 1, during the trade session.
l Beers from around the world at Bières Sans Frontières, including examples of Germany, Belgium, Italy, USA and the Czech Republic.
l A wide variety of unique and tasty ciders and perries from some of the UK's finest independent producers.
l Tutored beer tastings with brewing experts.
l Full liquid pints guaranteed, thanks to the use of oversized lined glasses.
l A great selection of delicious food.
l Live music.
l A family room for under-18's.

Mike Benner added: “This Great British Beer Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before. With so much to see, do - and of course, taste - a trip to Earls Court in August will be a terrific experience.”