The group was started in a pub in Kerry, Ireland, when four friends, on a drinking holiday, united in their opposition to the growing mass production of beer and the homogenisation of the British brewing industry.
Interest in CAMRA spread rapidly, and within two years, more than 5,000 people had joined up, while by 1991, membership reached 30,000.
It is now the largest single-issue consumer group in the UK, with more than 170,000 members across more than 200 branches.
And to celebrate CAMRA’s golden jubilee, here are 17 pubs in the district that are featured in the Good Beer Guide.
1. The Black Rock
Black Rock, 19 Cross Square, Wakefield. The Good Beer Guide says: "An arched, tiled facade leads into this compact city centre local, where a warm welcome is assured. The comfy interior includes photographs of old Wakefield. The Rock stands as one of the few proper pubs left in the middle of the clubs and bars of Westgate, and is popular with drinkers of all ages looking for a real pint. Customers are encouraged to suggest beers to try, with four regularly changing guest ales on the bar."
2. Fernandes Brewery Tap and Bier Keller
5 Avieson Yard, Kirkgate, Wakefield. Guide says: "An Ossett Brewery tied house with Fernandes Brewery in the cellar. Eight handpulls dispense four Fernandes beers, two from Ossett and two guest beers and there are two bag-in-box ciders. The Bier Keller, which opens Friday and Saturday evenings, has premier foreign beers on key plus draught Ossett beer and one bag-in-box cider."
3. The Polka Hop
60 George Street, Wakefield. Guide says: "Following major refurbishment, this pub reopened under its new name in 2018. The bar has been relocated to a recess, creating a comforable seating area with secluded corners and a real fire complements the warm welcome."
4. Wakefield Labour Club
18 Vicarage Street, Wakefield. Guide says: "The Red Shed, as the club building is known, is a secondary army hut that has been extensively refurbished and is hope to many union, community and charity groups. It has three rooms, two of which can be hired for functions. Occasional live music and open mic folk music night. An extensive collection of Union plates and badges is displayed over thebar and numerous CAMRA awards adorn the walls."