GR8 WRAF Photos

As I sit here, eyeing the steak and kidney pie I bought in the village for my lunch and casting my mind back to the festivities it doesn't feel like we are now starting our 9^th year.  Feedback about the GR8 Wedmore Real Ale Festival has been almost universally positive, "Are any of those lithe and hunky organisers single?" being the most common.

 Friday morning kicked off with the usual organisers hangover, when will we learn?  All of us ventured out to celebrate Trevor's 53^rd birthday on the Thursday night, if ever there was proof that beer wards of aging then Trevor it is.

 The Friday night sponsors packed the hall from 6pm and enjoyed an hour of free tasting and for the first time ever not a bad pint was found!  The temperature of the beer, a subject which causes more rows than any other subject within the group, was perfect and this ensured that the beer was formidably conditioned. 

 At 7pm the doors of the hall and the marquee opened to the public giving everyone a choice of bars, entertainment, volume levels and toilets!  The hog roast proved exceptional as did the fun experienced by the revellers.  Live music graced the stage and the crowd were soon dancing and singing.  The authors mind is a little hazy from this point onward on accord of beer quality control however much fun was inevitably had.

 Saturday morning started with a bang as the author fell out of bed and on to an upturned plug.  From here on the day could only get better and as the glorious and unbridled sunshine blessed the morning and full English breakfasts were served outside of the hall from 10am.  Drinkers arrived prior to the doors opening and families and friends spent a long and unflustered sunny day consuming the papers, games, beer and food on offer.  Gramophone Pete provided the ideal ambiance with his collection of fine old records.  Bliss..

 Saturday night saw the arrival of fancy dress in the theme of "GR8 Britain".  Morris Dancers, Boadicea and many other creative ideas were used and we all had a very jolly time drinking and dancing and making merry with the wearers of the best costumes being rewarded with free beer.  Live music in a rock and blues style powered from the stage and DJ Enhance worked his magic.  Judging by the state of one of the flower beds outside of the hall at least two people briefly fell in love, or just fell over rather conveniently.  The night came to a rousing end with full rendition of the national anthem and then a full rendition of Land of Hope and Glory. 

 Sunday morning was again all things bright and beautiful and full English breakfasts were served al fresco.  Life was pleasant and refined all afternoon.  The raffle was drawn at about 3pm and the infamous, if slightly lengthy, auction raised a significant amount with one lot going for over £400. 

£8500 will be donated from this year's festival.  The money will be divided between:

As ever thanks go out to everyone who sponsored, volunteered and attended the festival.  In exchange for a great night out we are able to provide support to local charities and worthy causes.  For regular updates and the latest info please join our Facebook group: 

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5751088530

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