Get a taste of York’s ale at annual festival (From York Press)

Get a taste of York’s beer at annual Assize of Ale

8:33am Friday 3rd August 2012 in Pints of View

THE quality of York’s beer will be put to the test in the city’s annual Assize of Ale.

The civic tradition, whereby the Sheriff of York summons members of the Guild of Scriveners, his Serjeants, to test the quality of the ale served in the city’s fine establishments, will take place on Saturday, August 11.

The tradition dates back to medieval times, but was resurrected in 1991.

Entertainment will begin in St Helen’s Square at 11am with a pillory and New York brass band before the procession starts at 1.50pm.

The party will wear medieval dress and march from the Mansion House in St Helen’s Square to take in 12 city centre pubs, concluding with a medieval banquet at Bedern Hall.

Paul Firth , Sheriff of York, said: “We’re hoping for a good day and a good crowd of supporters all suitably attired in medieval outfits.

“We’re very grateful to all of the pubs for taking part in the festival.”

Adrian Widdowson, Master of the Guild of Scriveners, said: “It’s a chance for a large crowd of the city’s professional community to raise some funds for some very worthwhile causes while having some fun at the same time. I’m very much looking forward to it.

“It’s an example of what I get out of being a member of the Guild – a chance to be a part of the civic tradition of York.”

The Guild of Scriveners will be collecting money in tins and announcing the results of the charity prize draws held at each of the pubs.

The money raised will be split between the Lord Mayor’s charities , The Special Olympics of the City of York and SSAFA Forces Help, and the Guild of Scriveners’ chosen charity, York Citizens’ Advice Bureau.