Every second week in September, the East Anglian Railway Museum plays host to the Chappel Beer Festival. This year, the festival kicks off on Tuesday 9th Sept and continues until Saturday 13th Sept.

Free camping is provided in an adjacent field, 200 yards walk from the venue itself. The backdrop couldn't be more atmospheric, in the midst of the gentle rolling Essex countryside and right next to a massive Victorian brick viaduct.

I hope that some of b3ta's great and good can take a couple of days off, pitch tents/caravans etc and relax in the late summer sunshine with a few beers...

See you there.

*Edit - Update*

The best days to attend are Weds/Thurs, as the venue gets very busy towards the end of the week. Not only that, but the decent beer tends to run out on a Friday night too.

Try and get there earlier in the week to avoid the queues and potential disappointment at the bar.

As I'm not sure if I'd be able to get time off work, but would aim for the Friday at least

fuck shit up the best you never had

I like camping, beer is nice, and er, I like museums. And viaducts. And the chance to talk shite.

crackhouseceilidhband Fuck off back to Mumsnet

since other people have signed up I will too. I've hardly got any holiday left before next April, but it sounds fun so I may well go on the Thursday night and stay all day Friday.

If I am going, I may be able to offer some lifts from teh London village

Bazongaloid

*books seat in Al's car*

*face licking optional*

fuck shit up the best you never had

we shan't be able to make this one. Tourettes will be back at work then, so unable to get the time off.

Arse.

Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics.

We'll have to catch up another time though, I feel a pint coming on...

so I can take a couple of peoplefrom London too.

Yay camping and beer!

Madam Marlboro wonders if you've found her yet

Methinx this might push me over my trip limit so I may have to sit this one out, but who knows what may happen. Would like to go camping. Have a tent but not used it in 3 years.

mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars

Well I live in North Essex, as it happens, but I'm about to move back in with my parents, who are a bit rubbish, otherwise I'd be more than happy for people to crash with me if needed.

On the plus side, I may well have a car by then, so if anyone has issues that rewuire them being piced up from a station, I'm more than happy to help (depending on car).

I'm up for this anyway. Although I don't like beer or camping.
The company better damn-well be worth it...

Cawl

nor any camping inclination! So I may just pop up for one of the days if I can get a day off work. Anyone care to advise me as to which day would be best to visit? Are y'all gonna be there for the whole thing?

thealternativefact

I think plans will shape up nearer the time.

Madam Marlboro wonders if you've found her yet

The Beer Fest tends to get rammed with more people and ergo less decent beer towards the end of the week.

The best time to go is Weds/Thurs nights. You're more or less guaranteed to avoid a long wait at a crowded bar and a decent selection of drinks should be available.

but I will be in London :(

Next year though. Yes.

Wicca'd Witch needs ideas for a new sig on...

beer beer beer beer!

oh god this month is going to be painful. qotw bash this weekend, 606 bash in Swansea on the 30th then a beer fest, oh well fuckit!

I'm going to be in London that evening for a meeting the next day.

Fucksocks.

Davros' Granddad a voice of calm reason in a world of spastics.

I have been informed that I am actually going to be at a wedding in cocking Devon for this.

Fucksocks.

Madam Marlboro wonders if you've found her yet

Just as I've decided to sign up too... :(

Still, weddings = more important than B3ta bashes!

Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!

Most likely towards the end of it all, if you're all still there!

Devil_In_Tights the *real* DiT!

I'm not too far from there.

moogy boobles

If you leave it until the weekend it gets very crowded and short on beer...

Best nights are Weds & Thurs.

already booked off the wednesday and thursday in anticipation, weekends at beer festivals are universally rubbish, weekdays are much better for seasoned beer consumers in both quality of beverage and availability.

not that im talking from experience or anything, lalalalala

or lack thereof.
I will try to be there but I'm not sure what days or evenings.

Mrs Entity is in hiding.

I would only be able to go on the Friday and Saturday nights, so if people aren't going to be there and/or it's rubbish on those nights I think i'll give this a miss.

Does anyone fancy a QOTW mini-bash on the friday night on london village?

Bazongaloid

I am waiting to be told. However, if I do come up, it'll be for a few hours on the Saturday, I should think.
Al, did anyone respond to the drink suggestion on the Friday? Might be up for a quickie (shut up, everyone) if you decide to go ahead with that...

thealternativefact

looks like I'm ducking out of this one for sure.

thealternativefact

If I'm coming to this (and if I am, ancrenne will be), then it'll be on the Saturday evening, then we could stay over.

Just want to know who'll be there for sure on Saturday, and if it's worth doing, or if it's gonna be a write-off this time.

Cawl

Agree with Clendrix, the Saturday really isn't gonna happen by the looks of things.

Cawl

I can't say for sure that I can make it.

Too skint, sorry

Mrs Entity is in hiding.