The annual Skipton Beer Festival will soon be here, and again, will be at Ermysted’s Grammar School on Gargrave Road in Skipton.

On sale will be over 60 real ales plus ciders, perries and foreign bottled beers – something for everyone.

This year it will be the Thursday, Friday and Saturday following the Easter Bank Holiday, so easy to remember. The venue is very handy for the facilities of Skipton town centre, including its many great pubs, and only 12 minutes’ walk from the bus and train stations.

This will be the 13th festival that the Keighley and Craven branch of CAMRA has organised in the town and they are following the tradition of a sheep logo (Skipton meaning “sheep town”).

The strap line this year is “A Baker’s Dozen”. A Baker’s dozen is 13 and not the usual 12. There are several theories as to the origins of the Baker’s dozen, the most common being that it was to avoid a beating for underselling. In 1266 the “Assize of Bread and Ale” law was introduced where the price of bread and ale was linked to the price of wheat and Bakers or Brewers who gave short measure could be fined, pilloried or flogged. It’s more related to giving a bit extra to ensure they are legal rather than the actual number 12 and an individual loaf would often be accompanied by a ‘small bread’ to ensure they were legal.

Measurements are much more accurate now so anybody going to the bar and ordering 12 pints and hoping to get an extra free will be disappointed, CAMRA is all for ensuring you get a full measure without the threat of a flogging.

Local CAMRA member Andy West designed the logo which will feature on the souvenir T-shirts and glasses, and on festival publicity.

The event is free to all CAMRA members. Further details and admission prices for non-members can be found online at: skiptonbeerfestival.camra.org.uk