GBBF - For families as well (Great British Beer Festival 2001)

Member Name: kazimojo692

Product:	Great British Beer Festival 2001
Date:	13/08/09 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots for your little ones to do and enjoy

Disadvantages: none

As stated previously - I appreciate this states 2001 Beer Festival - but had to write about this years, last years and the year before's!

My husband is a big CAMRA & real ale fan and has frequented this and many other beer festivals over the years. He nagged me to go - but with 3 children in tow - I wondered how I would be able to enjoy it too!!

So a couple of years ago I agreed to go as I was assured there were excellent family facilities. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised!!

The festival is held in the main arena at Earls Court, London. On he upper level - probably where there would be bars or seats for concerts - there is a large section barricaded off which is the "family room". You have to wear bands to enter and leave this room and there are volunteers on the doors here to check the bands.

Inside there are lots of activities - all provided free of charge for the kids. There are plenty of toys for all from babies upwards. There are dressing up boxes, games, painting and drawing corners, make & create tables as well as a tuck shop.

The tuck shop is great as well as the kids can have sweets and pop at normally if not lower prices. They have lots of 1p sweets for the children to choose what they want.

There are also a number of volunteers that help the children make things like paper mache masks, do face painting, balloon creations. My children range from 13 to 2 and all 3 are occupied throughout the time there. The room was open from midday until 9pm and there is no-one saying you have been there too long!

It also meant that my husband and I could take it in turns going downstairs for a look round the stalls, which are not only beers, but ciders, fruit wines, lots of food stands, T shirt |& jewellery stalls, etc. We could bring drinks and food upstairs - so we could get the children some hot food.

Whilst sitting in the family area - you could look down and see the arena with all the people and stalls and be glad you had a sit and space to relax!!

I would have no hesitation in recommending a family attending the GBBF and using the family facilities. My children love it and can't wait for next years.

Summary: A beer festival that offers fantastic amusement for children in a safe environment.