Real Ale enthusiasts from around the region have their glasses at the ready and are drooling in anticipation as the Doncaster and District Annual Beer Festival draws closer.

The dates to note are: Thursday 12^th, Friday 13^th and Saturday 14^th April 2012, with the official opening to be conducted by Doncaster's Civic Mayor, Cllr Eva Hughes.

This will be the 22^nd festival held by the Doncaster branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.  Once again the fantastic venue of the Hub, the headquarters of Doncaster College, is playing host to this eagerly awaited 3 day event, guaranteed to once again be the 'not to be missed' occasion on the Yorkshire calendar.

Our main attraction as always will be the broad range of real ales available.  This year we have sourced and presented a wider range than ever, with over 125 different cask conditioned ales to cater for any discerning taste!  Porters, Hoppy, Dark, Pale, Mild or Bitter - you'll be sure to slake your thirst on a wide selection.  A large proportion of these will be from 'LocALE' breweries, lovingly created by craft brewers based within 25 miles of the town centre.

Branch Chairman Bob Kiddle said; "This year there are three themes running throughout the festival.  Doncaster has an important and rich history associated with the Railways, especially the East Coast Main Line and so our predominant theme is 'East Coast'. 

"A good number of the beers on offer will be from an area either side of the entire length of this important transport link which serves the town.  We are also proud of the St Leger and some of the beers will be named after previous winners of this illustrious race.  

"Finally, as the festival falls on the one hundredth anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic on her maiden voyage to New York, there will be six beers showcased from Titanic Brewery.  One in particular to look out for being 'Harry Senior', named after a surviving member of the ill fated ship's crew, who originally hailed from Doncaster

"All this will be supported with a good mix of Traditional Cider and Perry, Country Wines and bottled beers from around the world, including examples from the USA, Germany and Belgium.  We have ordered a larger selection than last year, including some never before seen in Doncaster, so there really is something for everyone.  This year we are pleased to offer some wines produced here in Doncaster!

"As usual our well received family area will be open during the day time sessions until 6pm, and hot food and soft drinks will also be available."

Entertainment has been arranged during the Friday and Saturday, with top billing going to popular local band 'Strange Triangle', who are booked to appear on Friday night.

The Beer Festival will be open to the public from 6pm on Thursday 12th, whilst on Friday 13^th and Saturday 14^th, the opening hours are 11am until 11pm.  Admission is £4, which includes a souvenir glass and a programme, except on Friday after 6pm, when admission is £6.  There is also a reduced rate on Saturday evening after 5pm when admission is just £2.

Card-carrying CAMRA members are admitted free at all times, and there is even a members' only 'early doors' opening on the Thursday at 5pm.