CAMRA is relaunching its national programme of beer festivals after an almost two-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Campaign's official events have been suspended since March 2020 for the safety of attendees and in line with government regulations. As restrictions have now lifted, local branch beer festivals that have been 18 months in the making are welcome to open their doors once more.
CAMRA events director Jonathan Kemp said: “I am sure we have all missed the social benefits of a drink with friends and look forward to meeting up with fellow branch members over a pint at a festival.
“Over the past two years, the safety and protection of the hundreds of attendees, stewards, bar staff and other volunteers was at the very top of the list of CAMRA’s priorities. I am delighted not only to see festivals opening their doors once more, but also to be able to assure attendees that their safety is paramount to our planning. If you have any concerns or questions, you can visit our website for details of our health and safety documents, and frequently asked questions.”
The organisation’s flagship Great British Beer Festival is also hoped to return in August 2022 with updates coming in the forthcoming months.
Festivals will be launching with rigorous new safety measures to ensure the comfort of volunteers, members and other attendees. The updates to festival health and safety documents include a coronavirus risk assessment to be completed during the planning stages, as well as ensuring all festival volunteers receive additional induction, information, training and supervision in light of the pandemic.
Other safety procedures include:
– cleaning and sanitisation plans and glass guidelines
– contactless payments wherever possible
– tickets sold in advance of all sessions
– use of track and trace
– guidance for volunteers and third-party vendors
– social distancing where possible
– windows and doors open to provide ventilation at indoor festivals.
CAMRA health and safety and compliance manager Glyn Shand said: “With CAMRA festivals returning, it’s important to give our customers the confidence to return in a safe manner. To do this, each festival is required to complete a Covid risk assessment based on our guidance and the government’s. This is reviewed to help ensure our festivals are Covid secure.
“I’m really excited for the return of festivals, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.”
If you have concerns or would like to learn more about CAMRA’s Covid regulations, you can find more information and FAQs at: camra.org.uk/beer-festivals-events/our-events/beer-festival-covid-faqs/
Find your local CAMRA beer festival here: camra.org.uk/festivals