OUTSIDERS might think that the York Beer Festival is all about getting as much quality real ale down your neck before time is called.

Well, outsiders are right. But there is another side to the annual glug, organised with panache by the York branch of Camra, the Campaign for Real Ale.

Each year it raises cash for charity. And the event in Priory Street in February raised a barrel-full of money for SNAPPY (Special Needs Activities and Play Provision York).

The cheque for £650, which came from the generous donations of visitors and staff at the beer festival and from previous Camra-organised events, was accepted on behalf of SNAPPY by Dean Chesher, deputy project manager, and Paula Clarke, group leader.

The presentation took place at the York Brewery Club in Toft Green, during a thankyou party for the volunteers who worked so hard to make the beer festival a success.

York Camra want to say a huge thank you to all the local businesses for their support with donations to the tombola.

All tickets were sold out well in advance of this year's event which had a Roman theme. A total of 5,700 pints of beer was consumed over the three days.

Plans are well ahead for next year's beer festival which will take place at the Priory Street Centre again, from March 17-19.

u INTO the Bar Talk Inbox drops a press release from Badger Brewery.

"Before it's too late, take advantage of the summery weather and enjoy a lavish picnic or barbecue," it begins. "Badger Ales has a range of premium bottled beers that make perfect accompaniments to a variety of different picnic food.

"Tanglefoot is Badger Ales' flagship beer and is a full-bodied brew that's light in colour, with a slightly spicy tasting note. With traditional appeal, Tanglefoot is ideal for serving with meat pies or sausages."

Although Bar Talk is partial to a drop of Tanglefoot, we are sorry to inform the Badger folk that it is already too late. The summer has disappeared.

As we do not wish our beer to be watered down, we will be supping indoors for the foreseeable future.

Updated: 10:38 Saturday, July 17, 2004