September will see the welcome return of the Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Extravaganza held in conjunction with the West Somerset Railway. The festival will be held again on the platform at Minehead station and due to the sell out last year extra beer has been ordered. The festival will be run over the weekend of 1 and 2 September and will have something to please everyone, so read on to see what's on offer...
The festival will be featuring 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 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 with a railway theme. A selection of bottled beers will also be available along with a cask conditioned real lager.
A range of food will be available whilst the festival is open along with soft drinks and so on for the younger visitors - and also for drivers.
An exciting list of entertainers will be playing the festival this year..
Yes, this year entry will be free. You will however need to purchase a special festival glass but this will be fully refundable if you do not want a souvenir of this memorable event.
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 the pleasure of drinking real ale. So, please be patient if you arrive on a busy train and have to wait a moment for your beer, we will get to you as soon as possible. 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.
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 massive 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.
The best way to visit the festival is of course a trip on the scenic West Somerset Railway. For full details see the TIMETABLE. The really good news is that a special train fare is available for all card carrying CAMRA members of a £6.00 day return for the festival weekend but remember you must produce your current membership card at the ticket office.
First Southern National runs a regular daytime bus service between Taunton and the station at Bishops Lydeard. For pre-booked tickets there will be a special link to connect with the 6.45pm early evening train and the late train on Saturday evening, returning to Taunton town centre. Other bus services between Taunton and the station at Bishops Lydeard may be arranged. Look out for details nearer the time.
Additonal trains between Minehead to Williton. All other stations are served by all trains, except for the evening trains on Saturday which do not stop at Doniford Halt.
Saturday 1 September - First Southern National service 28A buses depart Taunton Bus Station at 8.35am, 9.35am, 11.35am, 1.35pm, 3.35pm, calling also at Taunton Railway Station, and connect with the WSR trains at Bishops Lydeard Station. Return buses leave Bishops Lydeard Station at 2.00pm, 3.55pm, 5.20pm and 6.05pm. A later bus calls at the Lethbridge Arms, Bishops Lydeard at 7.35pm. Combined bus/WSR tickets from Taunton to Minehead are available from the bus driver.
A special bus service will operate for pre-booked ticket holders only on the Saturday evening, departing Taunton Castleway (near the Bus Station) at 6.15pm and Taunton Railway Station at 6.20pm and connects with the 6.45pm Bishops Lydeardwith 6.45 train to Minehead. The return bus will leave Bishops Lydeard at midnight, allowing a full three hours at the festival. Please use the BOOKING FORM to reserve your seat. These buses are for pre-booked passengers only.
On Sunday, First Southern National service 928 buses leave Taunton Bus Station at 9.30am and 11.30am running via Tainton Railway Station to Bishops Lydeard. return buses depart Bishops Lydeard at 3.45pm and 5.45pm, with a 7.45pm bus from the Lethbridge Arms, Bishops Lydeard. Combined bus/WSR tickets from Taunton to Minehead are available from the bus driver.
A leaflet has been published and is obtainable from WSR stations or by sending a SAE to West Somerset Railway, Railway Station, Minehead TA24 5BG. For further information...
The above details are given for information only - please contact the Railway for full definitive details of the event, train times and fares etc.
This page is not from the official West Somerset Railway Web Site