A staple in the region’s real ale calendar is back after a two-year Covid-enforced hiatus.

The ale is flowing again at the Durham Beer Festival after it was given a hearty launch by the city’s town crier, Colin Clark.

Dressed in traditional garb, with his crier’s bell and tankard to hand, he welcomed festival-goers to the event’s now established venue, at Durham City Rugby Club’s Hollow Drift clubhouse, on Green Lane.

He launched Wednesday evening’s opening session at the 40th staging of the festival with the declaration: “All hail the ale!”

Read more: Durham Beer Festival: What we know as event returns for its 40th staging

One of the North-East’s larger annual beer festivals, it was one of many cancelled due to the Covid restrictions, in 2020 and 2021.

But the Durham branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), which runs the event, stressed it was a mere “postponement” of its 40th festival and, in June, confirmed it would go ahead this year.

Drinkers have up to 30 hand pulls and between six and eight real ciders from which to choose, on the festival bar, while there are food offerings available from the rugby club.

The Durham branch Camra calendar for 2023 calendar is also on sale during the course of the festival.

It features drawings of Durham city pubs and is the work of talented local artist Adele Shallow.

Costing £5, proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Read more: 40th Durham Beer Festival cancelled once more

The festival runs from 12-noon until last orders at 10.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Admission costs £5, but include commemorative festival glass, programme and a beer token, although there are two for Camra members.

Further details are available via www.durhambeerfestival.org.uk, the festival website.

Read next:

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               First pints pulled at the Newcastle Beer and Cider Festival after two-year absence

               Oktoberfest finally back on after two-year pandemic pause

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