All hail: ‘to the ale!’
Date published: 08 September 2009
real ale lovers raised a pint or two as part of the annual Saddleworth Beer Festival in Uppermill.
Organised by The Friends of Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery, nearly 200 revellers flocked to try one or all of the nine local ales.
Thirsty visitors downed 75 out of the 81 gallons of beer supplied to the weekend event which featured ales including Phoenix, of Heywood; Shaw’s, of Dukinfield; and microbreweries from Greenfield, Mossley and Rochdale.
Drinkers were also treated to music with festival regulars the Pennine Jazz Band performing live.
The fund-raising event was sponsored by local pubs and breweries and assisted by the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
In total, some £1,300 was raised for Saddleworth Museum.
Richard Hotchkis, organiser, said: “It was a very good event, considerably better than last year.
“There were more people and they seemed to stay a bit longer. People said it was relaxed and very friendly.
“We will definitely be holding another festival next year.”
