This February marks not only Valentine's Day and the shortest month of the year, but the return of the University of Warwick's Real Ale Festival.

One of the highlights for many of the campus year, it runs between Thursday 17 February and Saturday 19 February in The Copper Rooms on Warwick's campus.

A society that hosts many great nights out for its student members, discovering different beers, wines and ciders is a key priority of the society, they also have regular beer crafting experts who help student members perfect their creations.

And this year the organisers are looking to support local.

"It's wonderful to see everybody so excited for the return of our festival," said society president Alexander Price.

"This year, we're focused on promoting and supporting local breweries as we all recover from the pandemic.

"This festival will have more variety than ever before, and as part of that, we're offering some of the most sought-after breweries in the world."

Like many industries, the pandemic has dramatically affected the beer industry, with the festival seeking to offer an opportunity for the industry to showcase their finest selection.

Labelled the biggest student run beer festival in Europe, the 2019 festival had over 120 beers from across the globe, stocking 50 ciders and wines not previously tried before.

The festival will include fruit wines and meads, an international beer bar, a keg bar and extensive range of society collaboration brews, alongside a hog roast and live entertainment.

Indeed, the festival have made sure to communicate with in-demand breweries like Cantillon and 3 Fonteinen.

The festival was cancelled last year due to Covid-19, but nearly 3,000 patrons are expected to descend on the Warwick campus.

Before the pandemic, the society had run the Real Ale festival for 41 consecutive years, demonstrating its longevity.

To cater for everyone, a selection of vegan and gluten free beer which also be available.

And the festival is not just for personal enjoyment but also provides the opportunity to help worthy causes, recently donating £6,500 to Myton Hospices and Shelter.

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