Posted on Tuesday 23rd July 2024 at 12:00
Food and drink festivals are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, as lovers of fine dining and delicious beverages seek to expand their tastes and discover the next big thing.
Beer festivals are a great way to get together with friends, try new and exciting beers, and let your hair down. From ales and lagers to pilsners and stouts: whether it’s keg or cask that takes your fancy, beer festivals across the UK have the finest offerings in all things beer. There’s something for all tastes.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time festival goer, grab your souvenir glass and guide and get yourself to some of the best beer festivals across the UK. We’ve got everything you need to know about the best UK beer festivals happening this year near you.
Attending a beer festival in the UK offers an enjoyable and enriching experience, whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just a casual drinker. Beer festivals give you the opportunity to explore a diverse array of beers from both local and international breweries.
These festivals often feature limited-edition brews, giving an exclusive chance to taste rare and experimental concoctions not found anywhere else. However, beyond the beverages, beer festivals provide a vibrant and communal atmosphere where you can connect with fellow beer lovers, learn from brewers about the art and science behind their creations, and enjoy various entertainment options such as live music, games, and food pairings. It’s a great opportunity to get together with your friends, family and loved ones and enjoy the atmosphere together.
Beer festivals are a must-visit event for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of beer and enjoy a memorable and merry day out.
The UK has a truly unparallelled selection of beer festivals taking place every year in all corners of the country. Not only this, the range of different and unique beer festivals in the UK showcases a truly staggering number of different types of beers, independent breweries, international heroes and incredible venues.
You’re bound to find a beer festival near you – keep reading to find out which upcoming beer festivals are happening near you.
There are a number of organisations such as CAMRA for beer lovers, who will have all the information on new beers, festivals and the latest news in the world of brewing.
If you want to be the first to know which beer festivals are happening and going on sale, be sure to subscribe to Gigantic Tickets’ mailing list – we’ll send you updates direct to your inbox, so you’ll be the first to know about new and upcoming beer festivals, as well as all the best gigs, festivals, family events, theatre productions and more.
There’s never been a better time to secure a ticket to a beer festival near you, whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular festival-goer!
At Gigantic Tickets we’re thrilled to partner with some of the finest events and brewers the UK has to offer. Grab a ticket, enjoy, and always remember to drink responsibly!
Oktoberfest returns to the stunning Walton Hall & Gardens with traditional steins, cuisine and even an oompah band as well as other entertainment! Get ready for a fun filled Oktoberfest in this incredible location. Expect a huge beer hall transformation at Walton Hall's Old Riding School, live oompah bands, authentic German food, Bavarian beats and so much more.
The Arboretum Beer Festival is returning after several successful years, bringing warm and fuzzy summer vibes to Nottingham’s historic green heart. Now a popular fixture on the city’s calendar, the all-day event at the Arboretum will once again showcase dozens of great real ales and craft beers from local breweries and beyond.
Road Rail & Ale Festival is set in the incredible grounds of the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre. Enjoy up to 40 casks of beer and local lager, alongside an offering of cider, wine and soft drinks, all beside the backdrop of classic trains, buses, dray wagons and more. You can also expect live music from some incredible local Nottingham talent, plus free bus trips and model railway rides.
Nottingham Craft Beer Festival has become an essential big weekend in the discerning drinker's calendar. Join esteemed brewers from right across the Midlands and beyond for two days sampling the finest brews and ales, plus live performances from cutting-edge artists and awesome DJs. Be there!
Missed out this year on an event near you? The beer festivals below have been and gone for another year, but watch this space for 2025 tickets to be announced soon!
This incredible event takes place across two days, among the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park. See a dreamy line-up of rare, limited edition beers from 35 of the world's best breweries, plus low-intervention wine and cider, live music, DJs, and incredible street food.
Don’t believe us? Past attendees said:
“Wonderful event. Second time visitors and booked accommodation for next year already. Great staff, lovely location, can't fault anything.”
“A superb craft beer festival in the South Downs near Lewes. Excellent selection of beers from around the globe, great food, great background DJ and music, really, really great organisation and facilities for such a rural location. Superb, will be back next year!”
“Our group of six really enjoyed our Saturday night at These Hills. Excellent selection of beers and food, great vibe and music. Will be back next year!”
The two-day annual party is located in the Nottingham Brewer's site grounds, the yard party brings all things Castle Rock into one space. Expect some of the best live music, street food, and beer that Nottingham has to offer. Plus, the site is just a few minutes from the train station to get yourself home.
Don’t believe us? Past attendees said:
“Expertly organised, very enjoyable and lots of beers, ciders and gins on offer. Some good music throughout the day with plenty of space to enjoy. Plenty of food stalls, brewery tour for free, comedy sets and very clean toilets. Really impressed at the organisation and security around the site and well worth the small entrance fee.”
“Fantastically well organised event with a great selection of beers. I particularly enjoyed the brewery tour. Will definitely go next year.”
“Great atmosphere, great music and beer and lovely sunshine. Good value for money too!”
This is the biggest beer festival in the north of England and now enters its 25th year. Expect a dizzying array of casks, cider, and perry lining the huge marquee, you will be spoilt for choice.
Don’t believe us? Past attendees said:
“KBF is the first and sometimes only event that goes into the family calendar. It has such a great atmosphere, and we simply love it.”
“Brilliant event. Great choice of beers to try. The musical entertainment was very good on both evenings Very popular event in aid of a good cause.”
“We absolutely loved the festival. The organisers must have worked so hard to pull off yet again an amazing event. Everything had been thought of. We felt safe, and the selection of beers, lagers and ciders were unreal.”
Taking place in the beautiful surroundings of the Peak District, Thornbridge is located just down the road, bringing you a range of their beers plus a whole host of guest ales. Alongside the beer, there are numerous tasting events and even a pub quiz every night. Why not ditch the car and the designated driver; you can camp over for the weekend too!
Don’t believe us? Past attendees said:
“Really enjoyed the whole experience. The acts were good, atmosphere relaxed, and the beer good”
“Year on year the festival gets better and better. Great beer, great entertainment and fab food - please keep it up Thornbridge!”
“It was our first time at Peakender and can say how well organised the whole event was. There was a good selection of drinks and food and all the staff working at the event were very good. I must say the live music was brilliant. We will be looking to stay over next year to enable us to join in the final night after party and disco, it looked like everyone was having a great time when we were leaving. Well done all.”
Derby Beer Con takes place at the Chocolate Factory on John Street (aka Bustler Street Food Market) and brings with it a massive lineup of fantastic breweries! Derby Beer Con is an essential beer festival for residents of Derby and beyond.
Don’t believe us? Past attendees said:
“Had a great time our first beer con festival. Great to try a variety of drinks. All the brewers were friendly and informative and very helpful.
“This was my second time, and I really enjoyed it. I brought my boyfriend last minute and we both sampled a few beers as well as a cider. Definitely going to be visiting some of the local breweries to try more at some point. The food selection was outstanding as well. Roll on next year.”
“Brilliant set up, amazing venue, excellent choice of different beers from a really good choice of breweries. It’s always a really good crowd with a great atmosphere. The food choices are really good and the quality is second to none."
Experience a feast for the senses with over 30 beers flowing across four bars on the day at Siren Brewery, featuring an array of cask beers, mystery and rare releases, and not forgetting our four exciting new anniversary brews.
Indulge in a culinary adventure with a plethora of food options from various street food vendors offering both savoury and sweet delights.
Don’t believe us? Past attendees said:
“From the beginning of the Siren 11th Birthday Bash the staff were all great. Many interesting beers both from Siren and further afield. Would recommend a visit to the Hop Yard anytime.”
“Well organised, plenty of toilets, loved the free glass, live music and range of beers.”
“Excellent selection of beer with good size options, with choice of third and half pints. Plenty of serving space and staff helped reduce any queue time.”
Indie Beer Feast is a popular two-day beer festival held in Sheffield, UK, celebrated for its dedication to showcasing a diverse range of craft beers from independent breweries. The festival is a gathering of beer enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and brewers who come together to celebrate the artistry and creativity of the craft beer scene.
Don’t believe us? Past attendees said:
“Superb yet again, can’t fault this festival. Think this is our fourth time travelling from Hull. All hail to the ale!”
“Opportunity to taste some great beers and to talk directly some of the brewers at the event. Really friendly atmosphere. Overall, a great event.”
“An excellent, well organised event. A spacious room, not too crowded. A nice selection of breweries and beers with other drink options available. Nice food choices to suit vegans & carnivores alike. Will definitely be back for the next one.”
Sumptuous beverages and tasty bites can be found courtesy of the best craft breweries and food traders at Burger & Beer Festival. Head down to Bustler Street Food Market in Derby this summer to enjoy gastric delights, plus games, live music and even eating competitions! It’s an unmissable day out, so grab your ticket with Gigantic right now.
The Spring Beer Festival at Binks Yard is an ideal gathering for enthusiasts who enjoy a stein (or a few!), relish a vibrant Bavarian ambience, and savour an al fresco April evening beneath the outdoor stretch tent. Attendees enjoy the presence of a lively oompah band to uplift the atmosphere, outdoor smokers, and steins overflowing with authentic Bavarian brews from Hofmeister.
Join Buckley's very own real ale festival at The Tivoli. With over 30 different types of ale available each night, ranging from £2, they've got something to satisfy every palate, including Ales, Lager, Bitter, Cider, and Gin.
The Three Leg Brewing co. pull out all the stops! A stellar line-up of their absolute favourite breweries and beer maestros are exclusively invited to bring the house down with their extraordinary brews. Plus, dynamic guest speakers, meet-the-brewer sessions and top-notch DJs.
If you're a lover of the golden stuff, then this one's for you! Binks Yard Terrace is taken over by all things lager. This Is Lager Festivals gives you the opportunity to soak up the sunny spring weather and visit stalls from some of the most delicious lager brands. With food from the Binks outdoor kitchen, a cracking DJ and a schooner of lager with every ticket, this is a key date in any beer lovers’ calendar!
Returning for another year, Deal Folk 'N' Beer Festival brings you a host of family fun in the sun - you will get a whole array of local microbrewers alongside the best in Kentish folk music and some more from further afield. It's the perfect chance to get in the summer festival mood.
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