Bristol and the Somerset region have longstanding legacies for cider making, as an area rich in orchards throughout history.
But the city has attained a reputable status for its beer offering in recent years, with multiple new breweries opening up in the last decade. Brewers including Bristol Beer Factory, Moor and Wiper & True have all garnered a strong reputation in recent years.
To celebrate the growing brewing scene, there are several beer and cider festivals throughout the year - many of which offer all your drinks included in the ticket. Whether you're looking to discover new favourites or simply enjoy a pint in the sun, here's our guide to all of the beer festivals confirmed so far this year in and around Bristol.
Read more: The Downend gastropub with stunning Sunday roasts putting the area on Bristol's food map
Bristol Craft Beer Festival
When? June 9-10, 2023.
Where? Bristol harbourside
This harbourside beer festival has one of the biggest ranges of craft beers in the country with more than 300 beers from over 50 breweries across the UK. There will be local representations from LHG, New Bristol Brewery and Arbor as well as Tiny Rebel from over in Wales, Mikkeller, Utopian Brewing and many more.
All of your beer is included in the ticket plus, there will be dozens of food stalls to choose from at an extra cost as well as DJs and music. Tickets are on sale now available in one of three sessions across the weekend (£55 or £50 per person for groups of four) or pay £135 to give you access to the whole weekend.
Hopyard Craft Beer Festival
When? April 15-16, 2023
When? Propyard, 39-46 Feeder Rd, Bristol BS2 0SE
Propyard's Easter beer festival is returning to Bristol this year with a strong line-up of breweries and food traders. Hopyard will be coming to Feeder Road in April to showcase some of the very best brewers in Bristol and across the UK - and best of all, all the beer is included in the ticket price.
This year's line-up at the popular BS2 venue will feature South West legends ARBOR Ales, Left Handed Giant, Wiper & True, Fierce & Noble, Lost & Grounded, Cider Box and many more. Tickets are on sale now for £45 as a first release.
Bristol Cider and Cheese Festival
When? April 1, 2023
Where? Propyard, 39-46 Feeder Rd, Bristol BS2 0SE
The annual Bristol Cider and Cheese Festival has been upgraded to a larger venue due to a huge surge in demand. The festival is hosted by the Cider Box and the Bristol Cheesemonger - who are considered experts in their crafts - to celebrate local cider and cheesemakers.
It will now be at Propyard spread across two rooms priced at £20 per ticket. This includes a festival cup, two half pints of cider as well as all workshops and tastings for the day.
OutCider Festival
When? August 3-6, 2023
Where? Fernhill Farm, Bristol BS40 6LD
OutCider Festival is an old school, no-nonsense weekend of live music, cider and madness in the Mendip hills just south of Bristol. It features more than 35 acts over two alternating, barn-covered stages alongside comfortable camping on-site.
Tickets cost £89 for the whole weekend, part of the Fuelled By Cider family of events.
If you have a festival to add to this list email louisa.streeting@reachplc.com
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