It's back! Raise a glass to Newbury Real Ale Festival

THE hugely popular Newbury Real Ale Festival will make its much-anticipated return next month.

It will be held, as usual, at Northcroft Fields on Saturday, September 10, from noon until late, and will feature a fantastic line up of artists.

The event – the biggest one-day beer festival in the South of England – will see an estimated 20,000 pints poured, 500 minutes of live music played and 150 volunteers serving.

There will be more than 200 ales, craft beers and ciders to try, with many of them produced locally.

These include old favourites and some Great British Beer Festival winners.

On the main stage, there’s a kaleidoscope of music, including acoustic, indie, pop, funk, ska and operatic rock.

KillerQueen, the UK’s biggest Queen tribute act, are headlining as a warm-up to their world tour, which finishes off at Wembley Arena in November.

This year will also see the introduction of a new SeptemberFest tent featuring German-style beers and a large, seated area and the return of the fantastic Open Mic session.

Newbury’s The Catherine Wheel pub will once again attend to serve gin and rum cocktails.

In 2022 Pimm's and sparkling wine will be added to the festival offering.

Organised by Newbury and Thatcham Hockey Club, the festival will once again be sponsored by Newbury-based web design and digital marketing agency Fusion Group, Visit Newbury and the newly-branded Renegade Brewery.

Festival organiser David Whittingham said: "This year’s festival promises to better than ever before and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.

"We have heavily invested this year to improve the experiences of everyone attending or involved with the event.

"We have a sensational drinks list and a vivid array of performers.

"So, there really is something for everyone.

"With kids still coming free of charge, it’s a perfect day out for the whole family."

He added: "We strongly encourage everyone to buy their tickets now, to help us ensure that the right range of real ales, craft beers and ciders will remain available throughout the day and into the evening."

Since the event started in 2003, more than £100,000 has been donated to several organisations.

One of the principal charitable causes in 2022 is Sport in Mind, which provides sport and exercise sessions to improve mental wellbeing.

For more details and to book tickets, visit www.newburyrealale.co.uk