CRAF 2019 will be returning to the magnificent surroundings of the Princess Hall at Cheltenham Ladies’ College on 1st-2nd November. This page will be updated regularly, keeping you up informed with the latest information.

You can help us advertise the event by downloading this A4 POSTER.

VOLUNTEERS

We need your help to make the festival a success. Volunteers are needed for all sessions to man the beer bars and in other areas. A downloadable Staffing Form is available >> HERE <<.

EVENT SPONSORSHIP

We have a number of high profile sponsorship opportunities available, including the festival glasses and the volunteer staff t-shirts. Advertising is also available in the festival programme. If you’d like to discuss these opportunities, then please send an email to secretary@cheltenhamcamra.org.uk.

THE DATES AND TIMES

The festival will be held on Friday 1st (4.00pm – 11.00pm) and Saturday 2nd (11.00am – 11.00pm) November 2019.

TICKETS

Entrance to the festival is via the College’s main Bayshill Road entrance. Admission is available on the door only. No advance tickets are being sold. The cost of entry will include a souvenir glass and festival programme. Please note that there is no refund on the glass. Entry is £5 for CAMRA members and £6 for non-members. Two-day tickets will be available at a cost of £7 for members and £8 for non-members.

UNDER 18s

Due to licensing restrictions, no one under the age of 18 can be admitted to the festival. We will be operating a ‘Challenge 21’ Policy on entry. Photographic evidence of proof of age (a passport or driving licence) may be requested if you appear to look under 21.

THE BEER LIST

With 80 ales to choose from, we hope that we’ll cater for all tastes including an extended range of Vegan beers. A downloadable beer list will be available closer to the event.

THE CIDER AND PERRY LIST

We’ll have over 20 ciders and perries. The list will be available closer to the event.

CHARITY / TOKEN AID


This year’s branch charity is the Midlands Air Ambulance (MAA). You can help this worthwhile cause by donating your unused tokens to the charity pot. Further information on the work of the MAA, can be found on their website HERE.

GETTING HERE

The College is only a 5 minute walk from the Royal Well Bus Station and The Promenade, so local Stagecoach services from Gloucester (10, 94, 97, 98), Swindon and Cirencester (51), Stroud (66) and Tewkesbury (41, 42, 43) all stop nearby. Pulhams service from Moreton (801) also stop nearby. The railway station is less than 10 minutes away by bus (D or E) or taxi.
W1, W2 and 606 which cover Winchcombe and Greet, currently operated by Marchants, will be taken over by Stagecoach (W) and Pulhams (606) from Monday 28th October. New timetables are available on the respective operators websites.

ENTERTAINMENT

There will be entertainment at all sessions, showcasing local talent.

On Friday, starting at 8:30, we have The B-Flats, a ukulele band. Their passion is music, and their outlet is the ukulele, one of the smallest, and yet most versatile of stringed instruments. They are well supported by bass, a breeding brace of banjoleles, multiple kazoos, and the odd percussion piece. This, coupled with a range of voices, enables them to perform an eclectic mix of music from the popular decades, and any performance usually comes complete with a few surprises.

On Saturday afternoon, we have Swing From Paris performing from 1:30 – 3:30pm. They bring you the sounds of a chic Parisian café and the French jazz of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Expect music by Edith Piaf, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and more – stylish gypsy jazz and vintage swing, with violin, guitars and double bass.

In the evening, from 6:00 – 8:00pm, we’ll have Union of Strings. Chris Ongers and David Lloyd are an acoustic blues duo, offering a refined blend of guitar wizardry, folk, contemporary and blues, showcasing their own unique take on artists such as James Taylor and John Martyn to The Foo Fighters and The Stereophonics.

FOOD

A selection of cold food will be available, including ham or cheese rolls, cheese portions (Cheddar, Stilton and Smoked), pork pies, sausage rolls and crisps.  There will also be a selection of wines and soft drinks.

In keeping with vegan beer theme, hot vegan food will also be available, through our event caterers, The Hogless Roast. They will be situated in the lawn area.

THE LOGO

Thanks to Matt at Jolly Good Design for this year’s logo.