Our History

CAMRA started in 1971

The Campaign for the Revitalisation of Real Ale was formed in 1971. The first issues of What’s Brewing and Good Beer Guide and the first national beer festival went in the 1970s, and CAMRA became a limited business in 1976. In the 1980s, beer order reform forced the six big breweries to sell and free from tie over 11,000 pubs and the APPLE committee representing real cider and perry was formed. In the 1990s, CAMRA helped found the European Beer Consumer Union and the first Great British Beer Festival(GBBF) was held. In the 2000s, the government passed a statuary code to regulate pub companies and planning protection for all pubs in England was secured.

Volunteers Organisation

CAMRA consists of a hierachical organisational structure of Volunteers covering the UK

CAMRA consists of a hierarchical structure of Volunteers covering the whole of the UK. CAMRA is led by a board of directors known as its National Executive (NE). The NE sets our direction and strategy and is directly elected by our membership at our annual Members’ Weekend, AGM & Conference. The UK is split into 16 regions with a regional director and regional committee who manage the CAMRA branches in their area. 210+ CAMRA branches consist of a committee and CAMRA members. There are also additional committees and working groups which specialise in specific areas.

CAMRA Staff

CAMRA volunteers are supported by a dedicated staff based in the office in St Albans

The CAMRA Staff roles are:

Senior Staff Team: Responsible for the staff team divisions (Campaigns & Communications, Commercial and Support) and reporting directly to the National Executive
Communications & Campaigns: Taking care of Communications, Campaigns and Education & Training teams
Commercial Division: Made up of both the Trading & Events Marketing teams and the Membership team
Support Division: This division is responsible for our financial strategy, budgets and business plans and for ensuring smooth support across IT, Logistics, Volunteer Services and H&S.

Pub Campaigning

Campaigning for Pubs

CAMRA Volunteers campaigning against a possible pub closure, encouraging Councils to adopt pub-friendly planning policies, or lobbying the Government to take action on business rates. Pubs are a force for good in society, providing social and well-being benefits for people across the UK. CAMRA is proud to lead the fight to ensure our pubs stay open and thrive.

CAMRA Learning

CAMRA offers many opportunities to learn more about Beer, Cider and Perry

CAMRA offers you high-quality, informative content and learning workshops to support your lifelong learning about beer, cider and perry. Find out what’s going on with CAMRA beer magazine, what’s Brewing and our local branch magazine Pint Taken. There are many branch events, training courses, beer judging training and more to build your knowledge.

CAMRA Membership

CAMRA members enjoy exclusive benefits

CAMRA Membership has so much to offer you in many different ways every year. Support our vital campaigns to save pubs, clubs, your pint and more. Enjoy exclusive benefits, including beer vouchers and discounted entry to authentic ale festivals. Each member receives a welcome pack to help you make the most of your membership. Receive Award-winning BEER magazine and What’s Brewing newspaper. Why not get involved with a vast number of activities, events and socials at your local Worcester CAMRA branch