What’s happening – and when – at the Newbury Real Ale Festival today
Today is a big day for Newbury as the annual real ale festival returns to Northcroft Fields.
Across the course of the day, thousands of pints will be pulled as people enjoy live music, good food and a catch-up with friends and family.
Many local breweries are represented, including beers from Renegade, Siren Craft Brew, Hermitage, and Mysterious Brewing.
There will also be ciders from breweries such as Tutts Clump, and gins from Berkshire Botanical.
Alcohol free, gluten free and vegan friendly beers will also be available and marked accordingly.
Food options include sweet treats such as Crazydayz Doughnuts and Crown Ice Cream.
Meal options include pizza from Pizza On The Square, burritos, nachos, tacos from Chuckwagon, and vegetarian alternatives from Vegivores.
Where is the entrance?
The Newbury Real Ale Festival takes place on Northcroft Lane.
This year, the entrance has been moved to the leisure centre end, accessible from its car park.
What is the weather going to be like?
The Met Office said the day will be sunny and cloudy … but dry.
It will be a high UV day, so sun tan lotion may be needed by some.
Temperatures will hit 18ºC, but a wind chill will make it feel a little colder.
As the day goes on, temperatures will drop and, by the time the Newbury Real Ale Festival ends, it will be around 12ºC.
What time does the event run?
Gates to the festival open at noon, and the event will continue until the evening.
The exact time will depend on when the final music act, a Foo Fighters tribute band, end their set. At that point, last orders will be called.
They start their set at 7.30pm.
How much does it cost and can I buy tickets at the gate?
It is possible to get tickets for the Newbury Real Ale Festival on the gate.
They cost £35, and include a glass plus one half pint, an event programme and full access to the day's entertainment.
Carers and children under five get in free. Youngsters aged five to 18 pay £10.
How much are beer tokens and how do I get them?
Instead of a cash bar, to speed up purchasing and allow people to try as many different real ales, ciders and perries as possible, bar staff take tokens.
One token will allow the purchase of a half pint of ale, cider or beer.
A single gin or rum is three tokens, while a double is four.
Measures of Prosecco, Aperol and Pimms are also three tokens.
Tokens can be purchased in multiples of four. Four cost £12, eight cost £22, and 12 for £30.
Will the beer run out?
If supplies are running low during the day, contingency measures are in place.
Dave Whittingham is one of the team members organising the event.
He said: “We have a very experienced team that have sourced the various drinks, the ales and the ciders. “It’s very rare to run out completely, although some of the most popular will sell out.
“But the breweries are on hand to make sure we’re on top and there are lots of contingencies.”
Who is performing on the Second Stage?
This is an acoustic stage offering an alternative to the main stage.
It opens at 12.30pm with a set by Lizzie Cullen, and ends with a performance by DJs Stop and Start.
Here is the timetable:
12.30pm – Lizzie Cullen
1pm – Josh Smith
1.30pm – Barry Newman
2pm – Sion Whiley
2.30pm – Ronan Hatfull
3pm – Colorado River
3.30pm – Krimson Key Unplugged
5.30pm – DJs Stop and Start
Who is performing on the Main Stage?
The Newbury Real Ale Festival features music from the start of the event through to the end, making it a memorable day out.
12.15pm – Cluster Truck
12.45pm – Rude Not 2
2pm – 21st Century Abba
3.15pm – Red Giant
4.30pm – Space Cowboy
6pm – The Britpop Boys
7.30pm – Faux Fighters
How can I find out more information?
Visit https://www.newburyrealale.co.uk/ for full details about the day, including a run down on the artists performing and the types of food available to purchase.
It also has a comprehensive Q&A page explaining more about the event.
