Ireland`s biggest bar gets ready to re-open for business

18 November 2005

Ireland`s biggest bar re-opens for business at the end of next week – but strictly for three days only, and in plush new surroundings.

The Belfast Beer Festival takes place at the refurbished Ulster Hall from Thursday (November 24) until Saturday (November 26).

The Festival is organised by the Northern Ireland branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), in association with Belfast City Council and Downtown Radio. It once again will give an opportunity for local beer lovers to sample the most diverse range of brews ever assembled in one place at one time on the island of Ireland. Ales from the Northern Ireland`s own award-winning Hilden and Whitewater breweries will head the menu of around 120 beers, which also will include the finest bitters, milds, lagers, porters and stouts, as well as organic and wheat beers, ciders and perries from more than 30 breweries throughout the British Isles.

Hilden`s acclaimed restaurant temporarily will relocate to the Ulster Hall, where a special beer festival bistro will operate in the venue`s new first-floor bar and function area – the first event to be held in this new space, which is capable of holding up to 150 people.

There also will be a packed entertainment programme, featuring some of Northern Ireland`s top jazz, blues and rock musicians. The Illegal Eagles make their annual Beer Festival appearance, and this year they will be joined by The Chevys, The Booze Brothers and The James McPeake Band. The Saturday afternoon session will be given over to a special tribute to the late Jim Gilchrist, led by Speedy Moore and The Red Hot Helicopters, plus some very special guests. There also will be evening folk sessions in the upstairs bistro.

The Belfast Beer Festival runs from Thursday November 24 until Saturday November 26 inclusive, from 11am until 11pm daily. Admission is free between 12 noon and 4 pm, and £6 after 5pm.

ENDS

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