There’s always something comforting about the timing of Hucknall Beer Festival. Maybe it feels like a reward for surviving the never-ending month of January. Maybe it’s because it breaks up the otherwise bleak month of February. Whatever it is, it feels just right. Over the course of the weekend, committee and branch members travelled down to the John Godber Centre to sample the hundred or so beers and ciders that were on offer. Many local breweries were featured as well as some further afield that you might not see so often, such as Crossbay Brewing Co of Morecombe and Wantsum Brewery, Kent. Thursday evening and Friday saw voting for the ‘Spyke Golding Trophy’ take place. This year, eleven breweries entered a new beer - never sold before on trade - with only tasting notes and the ABV available to view. The winner, judged by public vote and announced on Saturday lunchtime, was Lenton Lane with their Escape Pale Ale - described as ‘smooth and packed with fruity undertones and tropical flavours’. All of the competition beers that were tried proved to be very popular and we all agreed the winner was excellent - congratulations to Lenton Lane! Both Friday and Saturday sessions were incredibly busy, which was great to see and proves the demand for real ale and cider is as strong as ever. Thanks to everyone involved in putting on the festival and making it free to all - I hope it encouraged inquisitive drinkers to come along and give real ale and cider a try. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we look forward to returning next year. The event also raises money for charity, so that’s certainly something to drink to!