Rutland CAMRA's 10th Beer Festival is coming up, and the team are seeking sponsors to support the annual event. 

Rutland Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) are a local group of beer and real ale enthusiasts who recognise the hard work of local pubs and host fellow social drinkers at a range of events, from their beer festival to awards ceremonies and more. 

CAMRA itself is a nationwide, independent organisation run by volunteers who promote and champion real ale, cider, and traditional British pubs and clubs. 

It is considered one of the most successful consumer organisations across Europe. Founded by four real ale enthusiasts back in 1971, today they represent beer drinkers and pub-goers across the UK. 

They are very active throughout Rutland, naming a range of local pubs, clubs and breweries in their Good Beer Guide 2023. Venues on this list include: 

• The Crown Inn, Great Casterton 
• The Grainstore, Oakham 
• The Exeter Arms, Uppingham 
• The Railway, Ketton 
• Empingham Cricket and Social Club 
• The Vaults, Uppingham 
• The Crown Inn, Uppingham 

In early May, The Grainstore will be presented with Rutland CAMRA's prestigious Pub of the Year award for 2022. The Plough Inn in Caldecott recently won pub of the season from the local group. Read more here.

While great pubs and drinkeries are their top priority, in June, the team will be enjoying a brew or two in a slightly different venue. 

From Thursday 22 until Sunday 25 June, Rutland County Museum will play host to their annual Beer Festival, open to all and serving over 40 cask and keg ales, 10 ciders and perries, and local gin and rum bar. 

On top of this, there will be live music, hot and cold food, brewers talks and a light-hearted Sunday dance fest. 

To ensure that this four-day event is a success, they are currently in the process of actively seeking more sponsors. 

There are a range of sponsorship options available starting with a single barrel sponsorship for £60 in return sponsors get free entry, a souvenir glass, £20 of beer and cider tokens their name and/or company logo displayed on the barrel, the festival beer list, and the festival website.

Other sponsorship packages of the bars, cooling system and quite uniquely the straw bales are priced at £160 and include 2x free entry, 2x souvenir glasses, 2x £20 of beer and cider tokens, the sponsors name and/or company logo on a banner displayed above the bar and listing as a prime sponsor on the festival beer list and website. 

Current prime sponsors are Upp, The Grainstore, Adam Croft and GWE Hire Fleet, Whittlesey. The current list of barrel sponsors includes Kevin O'Brien Gas Services, Lily & Honey Bakery, Rutland Catering & Bar Supplies, Two Chimps Coffee, Newton Fallowell, The George/Whipper-in, Admiral Hornblower, The Finch's Arms, Lord Nelson, Captain Noel Newton, Jolly Jon Enterprises and Adam Croft but there are plenty of barrels left! 

Anyone interested in barrel sponsorship or any of the other packages is asked to contact Rutland CAMRA by emailing [email protected], their support for the event will be greatly appreciated. 

The festival will take place at its traditional home in the County Museum. 

Entry is free to CAMRA members. Find out how to join on their website www.rutland.camra.org.uk. 

Alternatively, non-members will pay £2 and will have the opportunity to enjoy some local and more distant brews. 

Keep an eye on our What's On page for other local events.