Organisers raise a glass to successful Exeter beer festival

Published: 25 January 2023

A beer festival in the heart of Exeter city centre has been declared a rip-roaring success.

More than 1,300 people attended the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) event at Exeter Corn Exchange last weekend.

Because of the festival’s success it is hoped that it will return to the venue again next year.

It was the first time in 20 years that CAMRA had staged a beer festival at the venue. The City Council used to run beer festivals on site in the days when it was known as St George’s Hall.

The festival showcased more than 60 cask ales and venue staff were kept busy serving pizzas, pies, chilli, nachos and paninis and vegan and vegetarian options to help sustain the thirsty drinkers.

The event worked well for both the venue and for CAMRA who reported extremely positive feedback.

David Lewis, Events, Facilities and Markets Manager at the City Council, said: “It was great to see that real ale drinking is alive and well, and obviously flourishing in Exeter. 

“The overwhelming impression was that everyone really enjoying meeting up and talking… and appreciating the ale of course! It was a lovely event.”