I RIDE to work every morning past the huge white marquee on Knavesmire, at the Mount end, and see it being slowly dismantled and with a touch of sadness think only a few days earlier that marquee was a heaving mass of happy people having a great time.

I am reflecting on the CAMRA beer festival, the seventh held on Knavesmire. This venue is without doubt the best in the history of CAMRA festivals and just goes from strength to strength.

I remember many years ago the festivals being held in school halls, Priory Primary being one of them. A pretty staid affair, but things got better since the start in 1971.

Now as a CAMRA volunteer, some friends and myself help out behind the bar, pull pints and revel in the success of this festival.

Yorkshire is by far the biggest producer of micro and small breweries (must be the water), but with over 450 beers from Britain and 100 ciders, plus foreign beers and wines, the event lures people not just from all over Britain.

I must raise a glass to Melissa Reed, the festival organiser, for doing a grand job.

Bob Waite, Windmill Rise, Holgate, York