Everything You Need to Know About: Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival
Beer lovers, assemble! The city’s biggest and best beer and cider fest is returning and we’ve got all the info you need to know to make the most of it.
Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just a casual brew fan, you’ve probably heard of Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival – the city’s biggest and best celebration of all things craft brewed.
As the festival prepares to return this April, we found out all the details you need to know to make the most of this fantastic annual event.
What is the Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival?
It’s an annual gathering of beer and cider fans hosted by the Tyneside and Northumberland branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) that celebrates the UK’s craft brew scene by bringing together a smorgasbord of brews for attendees to try.
When and where is it happening?
The festival takes place from Wednesday 15th April to Saturday 18th April on the first floor of Northumbria University Students’ Union. Doors open at 6pm on Wednesday and 12pm every other day of the festival. The festival closes at 11pm Wednesday to Friday and at 7pm on Saturday with last orders called 45 minutes before close.
How much are tickets?
Admission only tickets cost either £5 or £10 depending on the day, but guests can upgrade to a Starter Pack (£17.20 - £22.20) which includes glass hire and 12 drink tokens or to the Whole Hog package from Thursday to Saturday which is priced at £37.50 and includes glass hire and 30 drink tokens. Glasses can be kept as a souvenir or returned for a £2 refund.
If you're a CAMRA member, however, admission is free when tickets are booked in advance and you can enjoy additional discounts on the Starter Pack and Whole Hog package too. To book tickets, visit the Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival website.
How do the tokens work?
Tokens are redeemed for drinks at the festival, with drinks on average costing 2 tokens for a third or 3 tokens for a half. Additional tokens are available to purchase at the festival.
What kind of beer and cider will be available?
There’ll be around 70 beers and 30 ciders on tap, ranging from microbrewery ales to brews from big, well-known names.
Among the highlights for beer fans are Edinburgh’s Moonwake Beer Co, Yorkshire's Wensleydale Brewery and Tiny Rebel Brewery in Newport, Wales plus plenty of local delights from the likes of Wylam Brewery, Two by Two Brewing and Newcastle University's very own Stu Brew. Cider fans, meanwhile, can enjoy samples of scrumpy from the likes of Cockeyed Cider, Snail's Bank and Dudda's Tun.
On Wednesday and Thursday, there'll be a festival-run spirits bar before the Nicky Noo Mobile Bar takes over on Friday and Saturday to showcase some fabulous spirits from local producers like St. Mary's, Hepple Spirits and Newcastle Gin Company alongside offering whisky, vodka and prosecco too.
What else is happening?
Lots! There'll be live music throughout the festival and on Thursday 15th April, it's "Hat Day" when guests are encouraged to express themselves and wear their favourite or most silly hat. For the hatless, local charity St Oswald’s Hospice will be running a stall selling unique headwear so nobody has to feel left out (and you get to support their amazing work in the process!).
With all that beer and cider waiting to be sampled, plus four whole days of hop-fuelled fun and live music, Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival is a must-do for both brew fans and the beer-curious. To find out more and to book tickets, visit the Newcastle Beer & Cider Festival website.
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