The Old Cannon Brewery, in Bury St Edmunds, launches Canon’s Cassock ale ahead of East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival 2025

A new pale ale has been launched by a town brewhouse ahead of a beer and cider festival this summer.

The Old Cannon Brewery, in Bury St Edmunds, has crafted Canon’s Cassock which is set to become the official 'festivale' of this year’s East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival.

Canon’s Cassock will be sold at select pubs ahead of the event at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, which will run from August 20 to August 25.

Festivalgoers will be able to ask for a pint of the ale at the Ecclesiastical Bar, which is set to celebrate the festival’s unique setting and the continued support of the Dean and Chapter of St Edmundsbury.

The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury, said: “Hosting the CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival at St Edmundsbury Cathedral harkens back to our ancient Benedictine virtue of welcome.

“We welcome those who have visited us before and we welcome those who are new to the building.

“It’s always a joy to see the Cathedral full and buzzing with life.”

This year’s event will showcase more than 250 real ales, craft beers, ciders and gin.

There will also be a new alcohol-free bar, Bar Zero, offering zero alcohol and low-alcohol spirits and beers.

Meg Staff, West Suffolk secretary of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), who is part of the organising committee for the festival, wanted to highlight the inclusive nature of the event, which this year will have its first blind volunteer.

Any beer lovers interested in volunteering should visit the East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival website at burystedmundsbeerfestival.com