Minehead Station, West Somerset Railway
Saturday & Sunday 14 & 15 September 2002
September will see the welcome return of the Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Extravaganza held in conjunction with the West Somerset Railway. The Festival will again be held on the platform at Minehead Station and – due to the sell out last year – extra beer has been ordered, and a guaranteed amount will be available for the Sunday session. There will be something to please everyone…!
Beer The Festival will feature over 35 real ales and ciders, many from our award-winning local Somerset breweries such as Berrow, Cotleigh, Cottage, Exmoor, Juwards, Moor and RCH. In addition to these there will be a selection from around the British Isles showcasing the incredible diversity in flavour and style produced by the expanding army of micro breweries. It is also hoped to have a locally brewed festival special or two and feature beers from the newest Somerset breweries. A selection of bottled beers too will be available, along with a cask conditioned real lager.
Food A range of food will be available whilst the Festival is open, along with soft drinks etc for younger visitors and drivers.
Entertainment An exciting list of entertainers will be playing at the Festival. Saturday lunch will see “Swing 39”, an exciting gypsy jazz band whose music evokes the nostalgic sound of 1930s Paris. The set also includes Hungarian & Eastern European music, featuring Steve Elsworth the celebrated English jazz violinist. Saturday evening will feature ‘The Wild Rovin One’ “Belfast Busker”, originally from Northern Island and now based in Cornwall. Alan performs good old Irish folk mixed with 60’s & 70’s British & American folk rock blended with a bit of U2, Oasis and Travis punctuated by his own unique commentary on life – an experience not to be missed. Sunday lunch will see the welcome return of the musicians known as the “Barnyard Syncopators” playing their own unique version of jazz. They are described as unquestionably the most eccentric band you’ll ever see, with a motto “Nobody sleeps when we’re on”. They should be just the ticket for a lunchtime session, and went down a storm last year!
Entry This year entry is FREE. However, you will need to purchase a special festival glass, which you will keep or put a fully refundable deposit on a returnable glass if you don’t wish to purchase the festival glass.
Staffing The Festival will be staffed by local members of the Campaign for Real Ale, who all volunteer their services and time free to bring to you pleasures of drinking REAL ALE. So, please be patient if you arrive on a busy train and have to wait a moment for your beer. The staff will also be happy to tell you more about the breweries and the wonderful beers they produce and, of course, will be more than happy to tell you all about CAMRA.
Facilities The bar and entertainment will be situated in the centre of the station platform, all under cover. There will also be a seated area and a railway carriage for eating and drinking. All the usual station facilities will be open for souvenirs, food and non-alcoholic drinks. The station has a large covered canopy, so don’t be put off if the weather is poor – you need only get wet on the inside! The local beach and town facilities are close by.
Travel The best way to get to the event is by train on the WSR; the timetable is below. A special train fare is available for all card carrying CAMRA members of a £6.00 day return for the Festival weekend, but you MUST produce your current membership card at the Booking Office. First Southern National runs a regular daytime bus service between Taunton and the station at Bishops Lydeard; for full details of times please ring 01823 272033. For pre-booked tickets there will be a special link to connect with the 6.45pm early evening train and the late return train on the Saturday evening, returning to Taunton town centre.
Timetable An extensive timetable of train services will be provided – with the WSR’s Green Timetable in operation on the Saturday and the Gold Timetable on the Sunday. For full details click here. Outline departures from Bishops Lydeard and Minehead are as follows:
Other Railway Attractions : ‘Western’ class heritage diesel hydraulic No D1010 Western Campaigner is scheduled to work the diesel services on the Saturday. Also on the Saturday, Hertfordshire Railtours are running a main line charter from the Home Counties area to Minehead for the festival, hauled by a Class 66 diesel; for full details click here
How to Book Tickets for the Real Ale Festival can be booked in advance. Credit/Debit Card bookings may be made by telephone; please ring Minehead Station on 01643 704996, 9am-4pm Monday-Friday. To request a leaflet about the Festival, which includes a Booking Form, please e-mail us. Or use the Booking Form.
Updated: 27 August 2002