Gloucestershires Best Beer And Cider Festivals

The South West is famous for its real ale and cider, and nowhere takes it more seriously than Gloucestershire. The county is spoilt for choice when it comes to quality drinks festivals, from intimate CAMRA gatherings for ale aficionados to party weekenders for cider lovers. Whatever you’re into, give one of these festivals a try, and you won’t be disappointed.

Frocester Beer Festival

Running since 1979, Frocester Beer Festival is a Gloucestershire institution. Starting out as a small beer festival, it’s grown into one of the county’s biggest and best, with all the profits donated to supporting great local causes. The beer list is seriously impressive, and will take you more than the weekend to work through — so pick wisely! Cider and wine are also on offer, along with plenty of food options and live music. Make a weekend out of it and camp in ‘Tent City’, along with the other revellers.

Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Canal Beer, Cider and Perry Festival

Pub, Restaurant, British

Held at the scenic waterside pub, The Wharf House, the H&G Canal Beer, Cider and Perry Festival is held every year in August, as part of the H&G Canal Festival. Attracting thousands of visitors over the weekend event, you can expect a large range of beer, cider and perry to sample, as well as plenty of other festival entertainment. Heritage boat processions and rides, live music and great food make this a fun, family-friendly day out.

Cotswold Beer Festival

The Cotswold Beer Festival started back in the ’70s and claims to be the country’s oldest beer festival (they haven’t been challenged over the claim yet, so they are sticking to it!). Held at Postlip Hall’s picturesque tithe barn, it’s certainly one of the prettiest settings you’ll find to enjoy a pint of traditional beer or cider. With a BBQ and live music, it’s got everything you need for a memorable summer’s day out.

Witcombe Cider Festival

Held in the shadow of Cooper’s Hill, Gloucestershire’s famous ‘cheese rolling’ hill, the annual Witcombe Cider Festival is a cider lover’s dream. With an amazing selection of over 30 of the West Country’s best ciders and an impressive musical line-up, the festival — held over August bank holiday — is all about the party atmosphere. Book weekend tickets, bring your tent and be thankful you have the Bank Holiday Monday to recover! https://www.instagram.com/p/BLiOdWbDNy-/?taken-by=witcombeciderfestival

CAMRA Gloucester Beer and Cider Festival

Bar, British

Take your real ale seriously? Then you’ll be in good company here. The CAMRA Gloucester Beer and Cider Festival has around 100 beers and over 30 ciders and perries on offer, and you can expect to mix with an eclectic crowd with a real passion for the good stuff. There’s an artisan cheese bar, to soak up all that beer, as well as live music over the two days. But if you’d prefer to chat with friends over a pint, or drink your ale in peace, there are some quiet spaces available to get away from the crowds.