5 Best UK Beer Festivals Not to Miss in 2023

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UK beer festivals can be a lot of fun! With so many to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the 5 best you won’t want to miss.

Many offer live entertainment, delicious food, interesting venues, and even some tasty spirits. Each offers a unique experience.

Find out which one (or more) of these top UK beer festivals you can fit into your plans for 2023, below!

CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn about some of the best UK beer festivals you’ll want to check out, including:

Top UK Beer Festivals Not to Miss
London Craft Beer Festival
Thornbridge Peakender
Indy Man Beer Con
The Big Oxford Beer Bash
Blair Atholl Music and Scottish Craft Beer Festival
Final Thoughts on UK Beer Festivals
Next Steps

UK Beer Festivals Not to Miss

Beer is one of the oldest drinks known to humankind and it’s also the nation’s favorite drink, according to research by the British Beer and Pub Association.

With the lifting of restrictions, beer festivals are finally back on the menu for 2023!

This is great news for any beer-lovers looking to celebrate their favorite tipple.

If you’re a fan, then you won’t want to miss these UK beer festivals. They are among the best beer festivals in the United Kingdom.

1. London Craft Beer Festival

This year marks London Craft Beer Festival’s 10th anniversary. That means that the birthday celebrations are sure to be in full swing.

Taking place over two days at Tobacco Dock, London between August 10th-11th, the festival will feature some of the most famous brewers from the last decade.

It will also showcase emerging new talent on the brewing scene.

For beer lovers, this is a unique occasion to taste beers from all over the world whether it’s a pilsner or a craft lager.

There will also be food and live music to add to the party atmosphere.

2. Thornbridge Peakender

Another festival taking place this August is the Thornbridge Peakender.

Showcasing beer, food, live music and the stunning scenery of the Peak District, the festival takes place at Bakewell Showground.

Thornbridge Peakenderl takes place between the 18th and 20st of August.

Here, you’ll find camping and glamping facilities, as well as pitches for caravans, campervans and motorhomes so you can make a full weekend of it!

Take in the Meet the Brewer talks and tastings for serious beer aficionados, along with food, live music and entertainment.

Thornbridge Peakender is also a family-friendly and dog-friendly festival so you don’t need to worry about finding someone to look after the kids – or the dog.

You can take them along with you!

3. Indy Man Beer Con

Held at the legendary Grade II listed Victoria Baths in Manchester, don’t miss the Indy Man Beer Con – or Independent Manchester Beer Convention to give the festival its full name!

This event features an enviable line-up of breweries in truly unique surroundings.

Festival-goers can expect to find brewer talks, tastings, food traders and music, all squeezed into the nooks and crannies of this beautiful, historic building.

The festival takes place at the end of September or beginning of October. Dates to be announced!

It’s expected to be a sell-out, with tickets going fast – so yo won’t want to wait to reserve your entry.

4. The Big Oxford Beer Bash

The Big Oxford Beer Bash will be held on May 20th at the Oxford Artisan Distillery.

This one-day beer festival is a celebration of all things beer in the historic city of Oxford.

It aims to bring together all the best brewers from the local area to showcase the diversity and quality of beer on offer.

As well as a wide range of beer, you’ll also find food stalls, music and gin.

That makes this one of the UK beer festivals perfect if you’re planning to bring along a non-beer drinker!

5. Blair Atholl Music and Scottish Craft Beer Festival

craft beer bratwurst | Enjoy Travel Life

If you fancy some award-winning bratwurst, pretzels, and live music with your beer, then you’ll want to head over to the Museum Car Park in Blair Atholl.

Mark your calendar for September 17th for the Blair Atholl Music and Scottish Craft Beer Festival.

You’ll find it in the heart of Highland Perthshire at the gateway to the Cairngorm National Park.

Here, you will not only enjoy sampling Scottish craft beer at the 40-foot bar, but also Scottish craft gins — more than 50 in total at this festival! The venue is outfitted with chandeliers, glitter balls, and fairy lights so it’s sure to be enchanting.

This is the fourth year for this fun affair, with live music on tap from noon to 11pm.

You can join in the Fancy Dress competition and games, or stand by – either is entertaining.

Drinks are available for take-away at this festival, too. But before you go, you might also want to purchase a beer stein as a souvenir.

Parking is free, and you’ll get the best price on tickets when you buy them in advance.

Final Thoughts on UK Beer Festivals

Any one of these fun UK beer festivals would be a good choice to add to your itinerary.

You’ll get to sample some refreshing, creative brews and maybe even find a new favorite drink.

One thing is for certain though – UK beer festivals are a really fun way to spend your day!

Next Steps

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