GBBF to introduce the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign this year
The festival, organised by The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is to bring in the campaign to assist festival-goers with escaping unsafe or uncomfortable situations.
Visitors to the festival need simply to “Ask for Angela”, a phrase that acts as a code to alert security and staff that some kind of assistance is needed, who can then help that person in a discreet manner.
Global campaign
The initiative originated in Lincolnshire, but has received global attention as a way of helping people who feel unsafe on dates in pubs, festivals and other venues across the country.
To publicise the initiative, the festival will place informational posters in male and female toilets and around the venue and inform visitors through its website and onsite programme guide. All festival volunteers will be briefed on the campaign and be in a position to help as required.
The Great British Beer Festival is one of the biggest events in the beer and cider world. It takes place this year between 7-11 August at Olympia London.
Modern safety net
GBBF organiser Catherine Tonry said: “Safety is a priority at the Great British Beer Festival and at all CAMRA events and festivals. In the age of modern technology and internet dating, the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign provides a safety net for anyone who may need help removing themselves from an uncomfortable or dangerous situation.
“Everyone who passes through the doors to the Great British Beer Festival should feel safe during their stay, and this is just another way we’re making sure our visitors can enjoy their time safe in the knowledge that we will look after them if they need help.”
Last month, CAMRA members voted to approve a motion calling for the organisation’s board of directors (National Executive) to set equality and diversity targets and report back on progress annually.
The vote, taken at the organisation’s AGM, came after months of discussions and debates on the issue of sexism within beer.
