The Great British Beer Festival celebrated its 40th year in 2017. It comes at an interesting time both for CAMRA and the industry. CAMRA's Revitalisation project continues while their membership continues to grow. The number of breweries continues to rise, albeit beer sales are flat. Supermarket sales are on the rise and US brewers are important more than ever before. We hear from Tim Page, CAMRA's Chief Executive, Colin Valentine, CAMRA's Chairman, Neil Walker from SIBA, Lotte Peplow from the Brewers Association, beer writers Ray Bailey and Jessica Boak, plus we tracked down John Waters, the only person who has volunteered at every single GBBF. We explore the history of GBBF, where it currently stands and where it may go in the future.