The Campaign for the Revitalisation of Ale was formed by four men who were disillusioned by the domination of the UK beer market by a handful of companies pushing products of low flavour and overall quality. The West Lancashire branch, which encompassed Blackpool, was formed as the fourth of its kind on June 25, 1973 and the Fylde branch followed in 1974.
Their first meeting was held in the Kings Arms, Blackpool. By 1980, the branch had renamed itself Blackpool Fylde and Wyre CAMRA. Beer and Cider festivals are still hugely anticipated events on the Fylde Coast - here are a selection of pictures from CAMRA events across the years.
1.
Members of Fleetwood lifeboat crew (off-duty!) turn up for a pint, with L-R: Coxswain Tony Cowell, Ian Ellarby, Lizzie Dykes, Paul Ashworth and Bryan Blund
2.
Lynne Hornby and Annabel Earnshaw tuck into their pints at Fleetwood Beer Festival in 2004
3.
CAMRA named The Taps pub in Lytham both Regional and Lancashire Pub of the Year in 2002. Landlord Ian Rigg (centre). CAMRA Regional Organiser Ray Jackson(left), and brewers from across Lancashire who joined in the celebrations.
4.
Blackpool Cricket Club Beer Festival 2011. 'Don't look at the pump name Andy!' From left, Alan Cross (Camra), Peter Campbell (Cricket Club bars manager) and barman Andy Armstrong.
5.
The Saddle pub beer festival in Marton. Alan and Marian Doggart from Blackpool Fylde and Wyre CAMRA.
