The Maidenhead Beer and Cider Festival is set to return for its 12th year on Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5, with more than 100 varieties of beer, cider, and perry available for sampling. Now under new leadership, the popular event continues to celebrate community spirit, quality drinks, and live entertainment.
First-time organiser Richard Hemming, a Maidenhead resident of over 30 years, has taken the helm of the long-running festival, hosted by the Maidenhead, Windsor and Slough branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). With decades of experience attending CAMRA events since 1979, Hemming praised the collaborative effort involved in staging the festival.
“It was just time for someone different to pick up the baton,” said Hemming. “It’s a great little festival – there’s no real need to change anything much.”
The festival will again take place at the NMCC Sports Bar in Summerleaze Park, marking its fourth year at the venue. More than 1,200 attendees are expected over the two days, with doors open from 12pm to 11pm each day. Entry costs £7 on the door or £5 for CAMRA members, with tickets including a souvenir glass and a festival programme.
Despite facing challenges last year due to adverse weather, national events such as the General Election and the Euros, Hemming remains optimistic. “We did suffer from an awful lot of rain last year, which we’re hoping we won’t have this year,” he said. Improvements include an even larger marquee than last year, which had already increased capacity by 40 per cent.
The festival promises an eclectic mix of drinks, including approximately 50 cask ales, 10 craft keg beers, and 25 ciders. According to Hemming, more than half the beers on offer are new even to seasoned attendees, appealing to both curious novices and veteran enthusiasts. Local breweries such as Rebellion, Stardust, and Windsor & Eton are among the supporters contributing to the diverse selection.
Beyond the beverages, the event will feature live music and entertainment across both days. Town Crier Chris Brown will return with a spirited festival proclamation, adding a traditional flair to the festivities.
A pizza wagon and the NMCC Sports Bar’s kitchen will provide food options, while a dedicated summer drinks bar will serve popular lagers, wines, gins, Prosecco, and soft drinks.
Funds raised from the festival will support Maidenhead Foodshare, a local charity. Organisers describe the festival as a light-hearted, sociable event offering visitors a chance to reconnect, relax, and enjoy a shared passion for quality drinks.
“There’s no better place to be than behind the bar at a CAMRA beer festival,” Hemming remarked, capturing the spirit of camaraderie and celebration that defines the event.
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