THE Exeter and East Devon branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has announced the date and place for the 2023 Beer Festival.

After a number of successful years at the Exeter City Football Club the festival has moved to a new venue.

The 2023 festival will be taking place at the Exeter Corn Exchange and is now known as the Exeter Festival of Beer.

The festival also marks the start of a landmark year for this CAMRA branch which was formed 50 years ago in 1973.

A spokesperson for the branch said: ‘What better way to start the 50th anniversary year than with a festival.’

‘Many will be familiar with The Festival of Winter Ales which was a well established event on the social calendar for lovers of real ale and cider, but following changes at the football club a new venue was needed and along with it a new name.

‘However, while the name and venue may have changed there will still be the same great choice of beers and ciders.

‘As the name suggests, The Exeter Festival of Beer is a celebration of the wonderful ales brewed to warm you through the winter months and beyond.

‘It provides an opportunity to sample a wide range of brews over the two and half days from British brewery’s far and wide.

‘The festival has regularly attracted around 1,600 people in the past and we hope the new venue will enable us to build on that number.

‘In addition to the range of beers on offer, there will be the opportunity to attend tutored beer tastings from national experts.’

Full details and how to book one of these sessions can be found on our website www.exeter.camra.org.

‘For lovers of Cider there is the opportunity to sample a number of quality Westcountry ciders and perrys.

‘There will also be a range of premium Westcountry bottled beers available. A full list of the beers and ciders will be available on the Exeter and East Devon CAMRA website nearer the day.’

Alternatively, you can pick up a copy with your commemorative glass on the door.

The festival will be open from 5.20pm to 10.30pm on Thursday, January 19, and 11am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, January 21 and 22.

‘We are really excited to be able to be able to continue to hold the festival and look forward to seeing you all there.

‘We hope you will love the new venue as much as the old one and enjoy what we hope will make for a very friendly atmosphere.

‘We would also like to thank all our sponsors and supporters who help make this event possible.’

For more information contact Ray Dwan on 07800 920901, email [email protected] or visit the website at exeter.camra.org.uk.

You’ll find the festival at The Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter, EX1 1BW. What three words: Stages.Round.React.