GBBF 2008

I understand that visitor numbers at this year's festival were down

10%

I've not visited for several years now, but reports from those who have say that it's becoming a bit too much like a trade show with corporate hospitality suites, trade stands, and all a bit too slick and professional. Added to that, the prices, particularly for us hard up Northeners, were high.

Perhaps it's time to scale things down a bit. Do we really need an event of such mammoth proportions?

Most people in the UK will find that there are probably two or three beer festivals every week - both CAMRA and individual pub events - which are within comfortable travelling distance. What is the point of travelling to London in the absolute height of the tourist season when you can sample more beers than you could possibly cope with closer to home?

Reply to
M Platting
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May I suggest you write again when you have visited - I think you'll find it's not like that at all...

Well if we don't, the public think we do - there is the danger that a smaller event will be besieged by thirsty punters being turned away!

About 60,000 people think there is a point. I'm not a fan of London myself, and the festival is the only holiday I have, but nothing at local level compares with Great British Beer Festival - nothing.

Reply to
Christine
Reply to
Steven Pampling

Roy Bailey wrote: .

G-Mex Manchester?

Ken Ward

Reply to
Ken Ward

So do the people that do the "Pure" exhibition. They offered big bucks to get us moved from the dates we had there.

Reply to
Steven Pampling

Or we could go away on holiday instead.

Reply to
Steven Pampling

In message , Roy Bailey writes

It's generally felt that Earls Court hasn't that much atmosphere - it's more like a basement car park. My suggestion is a couple of daleks would fit in perfectly. Apparently they come if you let them in free, like morris dancers. Spray them orange and they could threaten extermination for punters who misbehave.

OTOH it's much easier to keep the stock cool at Earls Court.

Reply to
MadCow

The current venue is quite accesible thank you. Victoria Station right next door and the Metropolitan Elite can slum it on a tram over from Picadilly if they want to.

Like most people I know I've given up on the GBBF. Peterborough is much better all round for me. Oh , and it's on this week. Excellent news.

Reply to
Paul Rigg

I wonder what venue is right next door to Victoria Station? Oh you mean the

*much smaller* Winter Ales festival!

OK if you want to stand for ages sinking into soggy ground getting frozen, but as for me - I'll stick to an indoors venue.

Reply to
Christine

Actually never come across any mud there in the last four years And as for standing around waiting, the bar service us much superior at Peterborough. Prompt and very friendly. And you probably save 50p on every pint you have.

No contest.

Reply to
Paul Rigg

Well as I would be staff at the festival, I would be standing around for hours on end. And if you've had a look at the weather forecast for this weekend, and also having experienced a few of the "showers" over the last few weeks, I think soggy ground will be the order of the day this year. Oh and as I would be staff at the festival, at Great British Beer Festival I don't pay for my beer at the staff bar and a reduced price over the bar, so I wouldn't notice the "lower price" at Peterborough.

Reply to
Christine

miaow

Reply to
Pete
Reply to
Esra Sdrawkcab

That makes you a member of a *very* small minority group!

Roy.

Reply to
Roy Bailey

Interesting change of description - P'boro always used to try and compete on size - usually by double counting and adding in the children and dogs. Do P'boro sell more these days or is the grass still growing well in certain areas afterward?

BTW. For some reason this year the staff area (2nd Floor Brompton) was nicely cooled while the forced cooled air system for the main hall seemed to be absent. Might be worth someone taking that up with the "management" at EC

Reply to
Steven Pampling

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