50th Anniversary
A casual drinker sitting quietly in the saloon of the Alexandra Hotel on Siddals Road, Derby may look up and note the plaque on the wall at the end of the bar. Closer inspection will inform the reader that on the 3rd July 1974 a collection of real ale fans decided to form what became Derby CAMRA.
1974
Derby CAMRA inaugurated at the Alexandra Hotel on Siddals Road.
1975
Derby CAMRA's first newsletter, Mild and Bitter, launched.
1976
Real Ale in and Around Derby guide published.
Notts and Derby Drinker launched.
University of Spondon Footlights Club debuts at Crown, Spondon, attracting 130.
1978
Derby CAMRA hold their first beer festival at the Kings Hall in Derby. Have a look at the program by clicking here: 1st Derby Beer Festival 1978 (4Mb)
The Branch meeting at the Royal Oak in Ockbrook attended by over 100 people.
1979
The second Real Ale in and Around Derby guide is published.
1982
The City Charter Festival moves to Assembly Rooms.
County wide guide, Derbyshire Ale, published.
1983
Derby Drinker replaces Notts and Derby Drinker with initial print run of 3,000 copies. Have a look Derby Drinker 001 Spring 1983
1986
Derby CAMRA holds the first of 6 festivals at Alfreton Leisure Centre.
1987
Real Ale in Central Derby published.
1989
Real Ale in Derby published; first of 10 editions up to 2016.
Bateman's brewery reopen the Alexandra Hotel on Siddals Road.
1990
2nd Derbyshire Ale county guide is published, selling 8,000 copies.
1991
Derbyshire Ale awarded best CAMRA Guide at National AGM.
1995
Classic Barton Arms, Aston, Birmingham, hosts Derby CAMRA's furthest flung Branch meeting.
2000
CAMRA's national AGM held at Assembly Rooms, Derby.
2002
1st Winter Festival held in Darwin Suite, Assembly Rooms. Have a look at the program 1st Derby Winter Beer Festival 2002 (1Mb).
2004
7th July - The Derby Beer King is crowned by Steffi Pohl, the Osnabruck Envoy and opens the festival with the Mayor Ruth Skelton.
2006
5th July - The Osnabruck Beer King, Gambrinas Ferdinand visits Derby to open the festival and celebrate 30 years of twining with Derby. He had a special beer brewed for him called Garbrinas Gold..
2008
Amber Valley CAMRA founded as a sub-branch of Derby CAMRA.
2010
Winter Festival moves to historic Roundhouse, Pride Park. Have a look at the program 9th Derby Winter Beer Festival 2010 (5Mb)
2011
Amber Valley assumes full CAMRA Branch status, independent of Derby.
2012
Derby CAMRA receives Branch Membership award at national AGM.
Ashbourne Sub-Branch founded.
2013
First City Charter Festival under canvas in Derby Market Place.
2014
First of three National Winter Ales Festivals held at the Roundhouse. Have a look at the program 17th National Winter Ales Festival 2014 (10Mb)
2017
40th Derby City Charter Beer Festival held on the Market Place.
2019
Final curtain call for the University of Spondon Footlights Club, as the Christmas show ends at the Flowerpot.
2020
Roundhouse, Pride Park, hosts Derby Winter Ales Festival for the last time.
2021
Derby Drinker returns following pandemic induced suspension.
Last updated 26th May 2024
