East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival to make comeback at Bury St Edmunds cathedral in August

A popular beer and cider festival in Bury St Edmunds will return this summer and in a first will be held at the town's cathedral.

The West Suffolk and Borders branch of CAMRA has announced the East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival will make a 'comeback' at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, its cloisters and garth, on Angel Hill, from August 25 to 30 to coincide with the town's planned food and drink festival.

Martin Bate, organiser of the beer festival, said: “We’re so excited that St Edmundsbury Cathedral will be the home for our festival this year.

"It’s a fabulous venue and, we believe, holding a beer festival in a cathedral will be a first."

Proceeds from the festival, which has previously been held at The Apex in Bury, have benefited many charities with more than £100,000 donated.

Among those to benefit from the 29th festival this year will be St Nicholas Hospice Care and the cathedral.

Smaller local charities and worthwhile causes are also invited to apply for support.

The Rev Philip Banks, canon precentor at the cathedral, said: "The cathedral is a versatile space at the heart of the community, serving the people of Bury St Edmunds and the county of Suffolk.

"We are delighted to work in partnership with CAMRA to welcome visitors from near and far to the beautiful setting of the cathedral for this unique new venture."

Mr Bate said the festival will 'continue the format so popular in 2019', using the cathedral’s indoor and outdoor spaces.

"We plan to offer real ale and craft beers, cider and a wide range of other drinks, festival food and entertainment, including a tribute band night, and a family-focussed session," he said.

"We expect to showcase the best of British brewing, with regional bars in the cathedral nave, and an East Anglian focus outside.”

Mike Kirkham, of Our Bury St Edmunds, said they were 'delighted' the event coincides with the planned food and drink festival.

"With both festivals being held in our historic and beautiful town centre they will cement Bury St Edmunds’ position as one of the country’s leading food and drink destinations," he added.

Visit www.burystedmundsbeerfestival.com

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