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We're writing to our What's On subscribers with some extra info this week to tell you all about the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival - Its back again this year at the Motorpoint Arena
NEED MORE INFO? CHECK OUT THE BEER FESTIVAL WEBSITE
Wednesday 9 - Saturday 12 October
Motorpoint Arena
The extravaganza of real ale, cider and perry that is the annual Nottingham Beer and Cider Festival returns to the city tomorrow. This will be the second year at the new venue of the Motorpoint Arena while Nottingham Castle is under transformation.
The festival promises the widest possible selection of beers from all over the country, presenting around one thousand different casks of real ale, the largest selection of any real ale festival in the world.
There will also be one of the widest selections of heritage craft cider and perry ever assembled together in this country, over 200 of them, all sourced from the smaller artisanal producers, and the unique East Midlands and Welsh cider bars return. The keykeg (sometimes known as ?craft?) bar also returns, offering some of the more extreme styles.
Breweries marked ?LocAle? are situated within 20 miles of the festival, however the length and breadth of the country is represented. The beers which have travelled the furthest have come from the Scilly Isles ? The Ales of Scilly, while Scotland and Wales are well represented.
Opening times:
Wednesday: 17:00 - 23:00
Thursday - Saturday: 11:00 - 23:00
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The intriguing list of beers includes something for every taste with all levels of tasting experience. There are lots of fruity beers ranging from the traditional cherry, and plum through to the more exotic guava, mango, and coconut. Chocolate and coffee lovers will be well served with a wide range of tastes and desert aficionados can sample the dessert trolley with Tiramisu, Lemon Meringue Pie, and Rhubarb and Custard concoctions.
Some of the strongest beers come from local producers. Approach with caution to sample ? Castle Rock?s STORM THE EMPERORS CASTLE which is 13%, as stout, barrel aged over cacao nibs.FLIPPING MAGPIES BRAGGOT at 13% combines Ale and mead The strongest beer accolade goes to York company - Brew York, with MOCHA MAN RANDY SAVAGE which is a 14% Imperial breakfast milk stout.
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 There is wine, gin, cider, as well as soft drinks and bottled water available.
If you're just feeling a bit intimidated by the beer choice then there is another way in though...
Those not sure about beer and cider should visit the LEARNING AND DISCOVERY SPACE which will offer the opportunity to become more knowledgeable about the drink.
Local brewers, cider makers and other industry experts
will be at the festival to guide visitors through comparative
tastings where they can explore different forms.?The brewers and cider makers will give talks on the production process and introduce the unique
ingredients that go into making a real ale, cider or perry.
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Ticket prices:
Wednesday evening:??10.80
Thursday (all day):??16.20
Friday (all day):??21.60
Saturday (all day):??21.60
Saturday evening:??13.50
Ticket information:
All paid tickets include a commemorative glass and nine beer tokens.
Glasses are refundable at ?2.50. A limited number of beer tokens can also be refunded on the day at 55p each.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended (especially for peak times such as Friday and Saturday) but there will be a number of tickets available to buy on the day.
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 With two music stages, the festival is showcasing a wide range of local talent which will appeal to all. The full listings are available below. Highlights include:
REBEL, REBEL - Performing the classic songs from David Bowie?s golden years.
DALLAS ROOTS COMBO - An authentic, 4 piece rockin? combo influenced by rockabilly, blues, rock and roll, rhythm and blues and country
RISE OF THE TOMAHAWK - Nottingham?s premiere originals mod band - playing their unique brand of 60s inspired songs
ELECTRIK VINYL - Electrik Vinyl are a fun, vibrant 80s themed show band with amazing choreographed dance routines and authentic 80's costume changes throughout the show.
BACKLINE BLUES - High Octane Blues from Beer Town Burton on Trent.
MELLONIE PAGE BAND - Mellonie Page is a versatile mezzo soprano. Her roots are in RnB Gospel and 80's Soul music
ATLANTIC 54 - Providing an eclectic mix of disco-infused soul and funk, blended with smooth city vibes and retro dance hall fever
BLUEJAKS - Bluejaks is an eight piece soul band. All classics from Motown, Stax, Atlantic era
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 There are many options to travel to the busy site. Use the journey planner to work out your trip.
There are buses to most areas of Nottingham and the surrounding area with many late buses running out of the city at night. There are midnight buses on all of NCTs Go2 routes and the tram runs until midnight.
Trent Barton run many late buses as well with even later ones on Friday and Saturday night.?
Event ticket holders can also take advantage of the tram event ticket which is ?2.50 return per person but you must be able to show your event ticket too:?
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 Those needing something to line their stomachs while sampling the beers can take advantage of two outside areas providing most of the cooked food. In the back stage party area, Memsaab will have curries and wraps, Romano?s offer hog roast and gourmet burgers, there are real Cornish pasties from the Hand Made Pasty Co. and The Jerk Station is making a welcome return to the festival for something sweeter look out for Love Crepes.
In the arena, the Nottingham Cheese Shop will supply Mrs Kings Pork Pies, scotch eggs and a wide range of cheese. Emma?s sandwich shop is providing excellent value rolls and warm sausage rolls, Just Crisps with their 100% British crisps.
If you dare, Scorpion chocolate will challenge your taste buds, try it with a Stout or Porter. There are some tasting sessions this year, to explore this pairing idea further ? availability is limited so check the website. Tasting sessions can only be booked alongside a festival entry ticket.
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