St Albans Beer & Cider Festival United Kingdom 2025

Background & History

The St Albans Beer & Cider Festival, organized by the South Hertfordshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), began in 1996 and celebrates its 28th year in 2025. Held annually at the Alban Arena, this volunteer-run, non-profit event supports CAMRA’s campaigns to promote real ale and local charities. It has become Hertfordshire’s premier beer and cider festival, drawing thousands with its extensive beverage selection and vibrant entertainment.

The 2025 festival commemorates the centenary of the Ballito Hosiery Mill, a significant St Albans landmark that employed hundreds of local women in the mid-20th century, reflected in the festival’s themed branding and souvenir glass designed by Howard Brewitt.

Event Highlights

• Over 350 beverages, including British cask ales, craft beers, international brews, ciders, perries, premium wines, and spirits.
• Live music performances daily, featuring a mix of new and returning bands in the main auditorium.
• Street food vendors offering diverse cuisines, from local to international flavors.
• Festival games, including nightly music bingo and traditional pub games.
• Special events like tutored tastings, beer and food pairing sessions, and meet-the-brewer opportunities.

Special Events and Activities

The festival hosts unique events such as a sour/wild beer and cheese matching session with James Grant of No2PoundSt and beer writer Des de Moor, and an exclusive talk and beer tasting by author Roger Protz. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, author talks, and book signings. A trade session for pub, beer, and cider industry professionals is available (contact emily@stalbansbf.org.uk for details).

Commemorative Theme

The 2025 festival celebrates the centenary of the Ballito Hosiery Mill, a key part of St Albans’ industrial history. The logo and souvenir glass honor this legacy, highlighting the mill’s impact on local employment and community.

Date

• Dates: September 24 – September 27, 2025

Duration

• Duration: 4 days

Venue

• City: St Albans, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
• Main Venue: The Alban Arena
• Address: Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3LD, United Kingdom
• Notable Areas: Three floors with bars and seating, an outdoor patio for additional seating, and a stage area for live music performances. The Alban Arena is a cultural hub hosting concerts, comedy shows, and community events year-round.

Contact Information

• Official Website: stalbansbf.org.uk
• Email: publicity@stalbansbf.org.uk
• Staffing Inquiries: staffing@stalbansbf.org.uk
• CAMRA Ticketing Platform: tckty.camra.org.uk
• Phone: Not directly listed; contact via email for inquiries.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available through tckty.camra.org.uk or at the door. Advance online tickets include a souvenir glass (worth $6.30) and a $12.60 refundable drinks token.

• Afternoon Value Package (entry before 4 PM, stay beyond):
  • Wednesday: $24.55
  • Thursday: $24.55
  • Friday: $25.19
  • Saturday: $30.85
• All-Day Package (entry during opening hours, 12 PM–11 PM):
  • Wednesday: $30.85
  • Thursday: $30.85
  • Friday: $30.85
  • Saturday: $30.85
• Discounted Packages (CAMRA members or students with a valid ID):
  • Wednesday: $24.55
  • Thursday: $24.55
  • Friday: $25.19
  • Saturday: $24.55
• Multi-Day Festival Season Pass (admission only, no glass or tokens):
  • General: $31.49
  • CAMRA Members/Students: $15.75
• On-the-Door Admission:
  • General: $12.60
  • CAMRA/NUS Members: $6.30.
  • Drinks are purchased via a token system ($6.30 increments). Souvenir glasses require a $6.30 refundable deposit. Cash and major credit/debit cards are accepted.

Cultural Experience

The festival immerses visitors in British pub culture, emphasizing real ale traditions. Expect lively sing-alongs to live music, from traditional folk to modern hits, and a communal atmosphere. The Ballito Hosiery Mill theme connects attendees to St Albans’ heritage, with displays and talks about local history. Casual attire is common, though some wear traditional British pub or festival-themed clothing. Nightly music bingo and pub games foster a friendly, inclusive vibe.

Food & Drinks

Must-try specialties include:

• Cask ales and craft beers from over 100 breweries, including local Hertfordshire favorites and international brews (~$5-$8 per pint).
• Ciders and perries, with a dedicated cider bar offering regional varieties (~$5-$7).
• Street food such as fish and chips, gourmet burgers, Indian curries, and vegan options (~$6-$12).
• Premium wines and spirits for non-beer drinkers (~$6-$10). Drinks are served in pint, half-pint, or third-pint measures, with non-alcoholic options available.

Family & Accessibility

The festival is family-friendly until 5 PM daily, with supervised children welcome. Activities like games and music bingo suit all ages. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and toilets at the Alban Arena. Well-behaved pet dogs are allowed in the outdoor patio, and guide/assistance dogs are permitted throughout. Contact the venue for specific accessibility arrangements.

Getting There

• By Air: London Luton Airport (LTN, 12 miles, 20-minute drive or 30-minute train via Luton Station). London Heathrow (LHR, 40 miles, 1-hour drive or train via London Paddington).
• Public Transport: St Albans City Station (10-minute walk to Alban Arena) is served by Thameslink trains from London St Pancras (20 minutes). Local buses stop at St Peter’s Street.
• By Foot: 5-minute walk from St Albans city center.
• Parking: Limited at the Civic Centre; use nearby public car parks like Russell Avenue or Drovers Way. Pre-book via stalbans.gov.uk.
• Taxis: Available at St Albans City Station or book via local services.

Volunteer Opportunities

The festival relies on volunteers for roles like bar service, ticketing, and setup. Volunteers receive complimentary drinks and join a vibrant team. Email staffing@stalbansbf.org.uk to sign up.

Local Attractions

St Albans offers a rich history, including:

• St Albans Cathedral (5-minute walk) is a 1,000-year-old Norman landmark.
• Verulamium Park and Roman Museum, showcasing Roman ruins.
• Clock Tower, open during Heritage Open Days in September. Explore the city’s cobbled streets and historic pubs like Ye Olde Fighting Cocks.

Accommodation Tips

Book early for hotels near the Alban Arena, such as Sopwell House or Premier Inn St Albans City Centre. Budget options in nearby Hatfield or Hemel Hempstead are 15-20 minutes by train. Prices rise during the festival, so reserve by early summer.

Safety and Etiquette

• Carry cash for some vendors; ATMs are available but may charge fees.
• Respect communal seating and bar staff; tipping is appreciated ($1-$2 per order).
• Bags are subject to checks; large backpacks are discouraged.
• Follow CAMRA’s responsible drinking guidelines to ensure a safe experience.