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Record-breaking year for the 31st East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival in St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds




The organiser of the 31st East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival in St Edmundsbury Cathedral has thanked everyone as it once again broken records for the event.

Organised by West Suffolk and Borders Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) the six-day festival in Bury St Edmunds, between August 23 and 28, had more than 250 real ales, around 50 ciders, live music and food on offer.

Martin Bate said the highly-popular event had been remarkable as it broke new ground.

St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, The opening of Camra’s East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival (now in its 31st year). Dean of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, Very Revd Joe Hawes with Diane Shave and Martin Bate, the festival’s organiser. Picture by Mark Westley
St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, The opening of Camra’s East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival (now in its 31st year). Dean of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, Very Revd Joe Hawes with Diane Shave and Martin Bate, the festival’s organiser. Picture by Mark Westley
John Sytacki pouring a beer. Picture: Mecha Morton
John Sytacki pouring a beer. Picture: Mecha Morton
The East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival 2023. Picture by Mark Westley
The East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival 2023. Picture by Mark Westley
The Gridley family enjoying the day. Picture: Mecha Morton
The Gridley family enjoying the day. Picture: Mecha Morton
The Belchamp Morris dancers. Picture: Mecha Morton
The Belchamp Morris dancers. Picture: Mecha Morton
Dean of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, Very Revd Joe Hawes with Kierstan Foreman. Picture by Mark Westley
Dean of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich, Very Revd Joe Hawes with Kierstan Foreman. Picture by Mark Westley
The Belchamp Morris dancers. Picture: Mecha Morton
The Belchamp Morris dancers. Picture: Mecha Morton

He said: “We had a record attendance for more than 6,000 people, we nearly sold out of all our beer – having 50,000 pints at the start and being left with only 1,000 at the end.”

The festival was staffed and run by around 200 volunteers and Martin wanted to thank everyone that helped this year’s festival and those that came for a good time.

He said: “Everyone has been superb, the cathedral has been amazing, our contractors have been wonderful, the guys with the stage have been brilliant, the volunteers and the music acts have been incredible.

Mark and Cassandra Belton. Picture: Mecha Morton
Mark and Cassandra Belton. Picture: Mecha Morton
The 31st East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival in St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Mecha Morton
The 31st East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival in St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Mecha Morton
Oliie Rix and Helle Jess from Newmarket with Keith Warnock in the main marquee. Picture by Mark Westley
Oliie Rix and Helle Jess from Newmarket with Keith Warnock in the main marquee. Picture by Mark Westley
The East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival. Picture: Mecha Morton
The East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival. Picture: Mecha Morton
St Edmundsbury Cathedral hosted the 31st East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival. Picture by Mark Westley
St Edmundsbury Cathedral hosted the 31st East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival. Picture by Mark Westley
Sarah and Ian Peacock from Thurston. Picture by Mark Westley
Sarah and Ian Peacock from Thurston. Picture by Mark Westley
Rebecca Finbow and Mitchell Standing from Stowmarket. Picture by Mark Westley
Rebecca Finbow and Mitchell Standing from Stowmarket. Picture by Mark Westley
Camra’s East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival. Picture by Mark Westley
Camra’s East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival. Picture by Mark Westley

“It was great to see people enjoying themselves, every day was buzzing inside and outside and I want to thank you all for working for us and being with us, without you this festival would not be possible.”

Martin believes the festival has made around five figures for its charities and the dates of August 21 to 26 are already in the diary for next year.

He said: “We have triumphed this year, after three years of hosting it as this wonderful venue we have cracked it and we can’t wait to be back next year.”