The Oxford Beer and Cider Festival will throw open its doors at the Town Hall on Thursday this week, and all the 40-plus breweries and cider producers are independent companies committed to the future of traditional cask production.
A vast amount of work is going on behind the scenes to prepare for the event, and more volunteers are still needed for the set-up days of Tuesday and Wednesday as well as to serve drinks, and then dismantle the festival kit on Sunday. CAMRA members should contact staffing@oxford.camra.org.uk
People will be able to enjoy nearly 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 independent brewers association SIBA. 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 from Thursday October 10 to Saturday October 12, with well over 2,000 people expected to be there. 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.
“The latest figures show that production of real or cask ale is falling as the big multi-national breweries focus increasingly on mass produced keg beer, with Marston’s – now 100% owned by Carlsberg – closing breweries including Wychwood in Witney,” said Dave Richardson, editor of the Oxford Drinker and media spokesman for Oxford CAMRA.
“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 over 10% to 63% 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.”
SIBA’s regional director for the Midlands, Anneli Baxter of Loose Cannon brewery in Abingdon, said: “Consumers often think they are drinking an independently produced beer when this is not the case, as multi-nationals have acquired brands such as Beavertown which is owned by Heineken.
“All SIBA members are truly independent, and the Oxford festival will allow breweries from Oxfordshire and around the Midlands to engage with a new audience.”
Councillor 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.
“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 range of beer styles available might surprise even the more adventurous drinker. In addition to bitters, IPAs, New World pale ales and golden ales, the festival will offer milds, porters, stouts and speciality drinks such as raspberry wheat beers and coffee stouts. Cider producers are also keen for visitors to discover their products, with traditional apple and pear ciders being joined by traditionally matured drinks with other fruits added.
The Oxfordshire breweries represented include a debutante, 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. Well-known but still independent breweries attending from around the Midlands include Castle Rock, Burton Bridge, Dancing Duck, Everards and Titanic, with some breweries sending up to six different beers.
“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. We are pleased to be offering more beers this year with plenty left for Saturday, and we hope more people will discover the delights of independent brewing at the Town Hall and give the usual mass produced beers a miss.”
For lists of the real ales and ciders available, see the Oxford CAMRA Facebook page.
- 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 October 12. Entry will cost £18 (CAMRA members £15) including non-returnable glass and £10 of tokens. Online booking is available.
