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?