Willie White took over as festival director in September 2011.

Later the festival director remarked how surprised he was that the audience "allowed" me these liberties.

I was the festival director until after the sixth festival.

Simon Clews was appointed the new festival director, a post he held until 2005.

In 1987 he took over as festival director.

James Haba, the festival director, has brought together writers from a variety of disciplines and cultures.

Leo Schofield, restaurant critic, advertising professional and arts festival director.

"People just stop and smile," said Ted Killmer, the festival director.

The festival director, Daniel Bradford, says he wants people to embrace the "entire beer family."

"We thought we'd try to get ambitious, and look what happened," Judy Mitoma, the festival director said.