National Star chosen charity for Cheltenham Beer Week

Beer lovers can discover Gloucestershire’s pub and brewery gems while supporting a county charity for young people with complex disabilities and learning difficulties.

Cheltenham Beer Week runs from 13 to 22 September and involves 30 different venues in its Ale Trail.

Eight county breweries have also worked together to create a collaborative beer. All profits from the sale of Star Session will go to National Star which supports young people with complex disabilities and learning difficulties.

It is the second year National Star has been the event’s chosen charity.

National Star student Sam Hows, aged 19, has designed the label for the collaborative organic IPA which has been brewed by Stroud Brewery.

The collaborative beer has also involved Battledown Brewery, Corinium Ales, Cotswolds Brewing, DEYA, Gloucester Brewery, Brewhouse and Kitchen and Goffs Brewery.

Working with National Star Creative Arts Tutor Louise Adams, the duo created a design incorporating sustainability and organic ingredients. Sam then transferred the design on to a printing block and did all the printing.

‘For Sam to be involved in a real project with an incredibly short deadline and to see the finished result on a product is an incredibly valuable learning experience and something he can be proud of,’ said Louise.

Last year Cheltenham Beer Week raised £7,704 for the charity and organisers hope to match that amount this year.

‘National Star does great work, helping young people with disabilities realise their potential as equal and active citizens in control of their lives,’ said Leigh Norwood, who is the chair of the Beer Week organising committee.

‘We are so pleased to continue our partnership as we can really see how the money makes a difference.’

Details of events and the Ale Trail can be found on the Cheltenham Beer Week website.