Barrels are being rolled in for the annual beer festival at Oxford Town Hall.
The Oxford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is busy getting ready for the three-day celebration of real ale at the St Aldate's venue.
From Thursday drinkers will be able to enjoy 140 real ales, 20 ciders and perries and, for the first time, up to 40 craft keg beers as the festival is also hosting a regional competition for SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers).
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At least 10 breweries from Oxfordshire will be represented, proving that the local brewing scene is buoyant despite the loss of names such as Wychwood and White Horse.
The festival – the 25th to be held at the town hall – runs until Saturday, with more than 2,000 people.
The increase from 100 real ales last year to 140 this year means there will be plenty left to try on the Saturday, unlike last year when all the beer sold out and the event had to close early.
“But independent breweries are stepping in to fill the gap, with the Independent Beer Report for 2024 showing that SIBA members have increased real ale production by 10 per cent to 63 per cent of their total.
"SIBA will be staging its own competition for the Midlands region at our Oxford festival, and we are delighted to welcome them.
"SIBA members also make excellent craft keg beers, a selection of which will be at the Town Hall. But there are no plans to offer keg beers at our festival in future.”
“All SIBA members are truly independent, and the Oxford festival will allow breweries from Oxfordshire and further afield to engage with a new audience.”
Ed Turner, deputy leader of the city council, said it was important for Oxford to stage such an important event at a time when more people want to know where their drinks and food actually come from.
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“The atmosphere at the festival is incredible, and the Oxfordshire brewing scene has really blossomed in recent years. To have these independent names showcased at the town hall is great for the city,” he said.
The Oxfordshire breweries represented include a newcomer, Twisted Tree, which has started production on a private estate near Bicester.
There is room too for very small breweries such as Craftsman and Barn Owl of Abingdon, while the better known names include Little Ox, Loddon, Loose Cannon, Oxford Brewery and Tap Social Movement.
“Without any doubt, there is something for everyone this year,” added Dave Richardson.
“Thursday would be the best day to come if you want to actually meet the brewers, whereas Friday is usually the busiest day."
The Oxford Beer and Cider Festival is at Oxford Town Hall from 3-11pm on Thursday, October 10, 11am-11pm on Friday, October 11 and 12-9pm on Saturday.
Entry will cost £18 (CAMRA members £15) including non-returnable glass and £10 of tokens. Online booking for Thursday and Friday only is available: https://tckty.camra.org.uk/e/289/oxford-beer-cider-festival-2024
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Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here.
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