Burton upon Trent Beer Festival Guide: What to Know

Why Burton upon Trent is the Capital of Brewing

For centuries, the market town of Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire has held legendary status in the brewing industry. Thanks to the unique mineral composition of the local water supply—rich in gypsum from the surrounding hills—Burton became the undisputed brewing capital of the world during the Victorian era. The process of modifying brewing water worldwide is still known as 'Burtonisation' in tribute to the town's chemical heritage. Today, Burton retains that rich brewing soul, boasting famous commercial breweries, innovative craft microbreweries, and a calendar of events that draws real ale aficionados from across the United Kingdom and beyond.

Chief among these celebrations is the annual Burton Beer & Cider Festival, organised by the local CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) branch. Whether you are a dedicated cask ale connoisseur or simply enjoy sampling artisan ciders in a lively atmosphere, attending this iconic festival should be high on your travel itinerary.

The Burton CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival: What to Expect

Hosted in the magnificent Victorian setting of Burton upon Trent Town Hall, the Burton CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival is the headline event in the town's beer-drinking calendar. The Town Hall itself, with its soaring gothic arches, stained glass, and historic wood panelling, provides a dramatic backdrop for sampling some of the finest beverages produced in the UK.

Visitors to the festival can typically look forward to:

• Hundreds of Real Ales: A vast, curated selection spanning traditional bitters, pale ales, rich porters, imperial stouts, and experimental IPAs from both national stalwarts and regional microbreweries.
• Cider and Perry Cellar: A dedicated bar serving dozens of traditional, still, and sparkling ciders and perries pressed by independent orchards across the country.
• Commemorative Glasses: Souvenir festival glasses (usually available in half-pint and pint measures) that serve as your tasting vessel and a memento of the weekend.
• Live Entertainment: Musical acts and acoustic performers that keep the atmosphere buoyant throughout the evening sessions.
• Independent Food Stalls: Independent festival caterers operating within the venue grounds serving hearty hot snacks, hog roasts, and traditional pasties to accompany your tastings.

Top Tips for Making the Most of the Festival

To get the best out of your visit to the Burton upon Trent Beer Festival, a little planning goes a long way:

• Arrive Early for Rare Casks: The most exclusive one-off brews and limited-batch festival specials often cellar out first. If there are specific ales or award-winning guest casks you want to sample, aim for the afternoon sessions.
• Sample in Thirds and Halves: With so many diverse styles on offer, ordering third-pint or half-pint measures allows you to explore multiple flavours responsibly without overdoing it.
• Hydrate Regularly: CAMRA festivals provide free tap water stations throughout the venue halls. Make sure to alternate beers with fresh water to stay refreshed.
• Study the Programme: Take a few minutes when you arrive to review the festival tasting notes. The festival programme categorises beers by style, ABV, and region, making it simple to chart your tasting path.

Explore Burton's Historic Real Ale Pub Trail

A trip to Burton for the festival is incomplete without discovering the town's historic public houses. Burton's town centre is home to some of the most famous real ale venues in Britain, each within walking distance of one another:

• The Coopers Tavern: Located on Cross Street, this historic pub originally served as a maltings store and later as the sample room for Bass Brewery. Rather than a modern bar counter, beer is served directly from casks resting on a stillage behind the service hatch.
• The Burton Bridge Inn: Sitting on Bridge Street, this revered pub is connected to the town's heritage microbrewery movement, serving classic house ales brewed right on the premises alongside rotating guest beers.
• The Devonshire Arms: A classic traditional pub renowned for its dedication to keeping a pristine cellar, featuring a wide rotation of independent cask ales and ciders.

Dining Out in Burton upon Trent

Good sustenance is essential during a festival weekend. While the festival venue hosts hot food vendors, Burton town centre offers a vibrant dining scene just a short walk away. Along Station Street, the High Street, and around the Market Place, you will find independent pizzerias, traditional fish and chip shops, curry houses, modern bistros, and high street cafes. Planning an early evening sit-down meal in town before returning for the evening festival session ensures you are well fueled for the festivities.

Your Accommodation: Three Queens Hotel & Lodge

After an enjoyable day exploring festival halls and heritage pubs, having a restful and convenient base makes all the difference. Three Queens Hotel & Lodge is situated at 1 Bridge Street, perfectly located just a five-minute walk from the town centre shops, restaurants, and pubs, and only one mile from Burton railway station along the accessible A38 corridor.

With 62 rooms, the hotel caters to solo visitors, couples, friends, and groups attending the festival together. Choose from our Single, Standard Double, Executive Double, Standard Twin, Executive Twin, Family, and Quadruple rooms, as well as our spacious Mews Apartment or characterful four-poster Suite. Every room is fully en-suite with a private bathroom, complimentary toiletries, a hair dryer, a flat-screen TV with Freeview and radio, and direct dial telephone.

Practical amenities ensure a hassle-free stay:

• Free On-Site Parking: Leave your car securely parked at no extra charge while you explore the town on foot or by public transport.
• In-Room Tea & Coffee: Every room features its own tea and coffee making facilities so you can start your morning at your own pace.
• Free High-Speed WiFi: Stay connected and look up festival schedules and tasting lists with complimentary internet access throughout the property.
• 24-Hour Assistance: Reception is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, supported by a night porter on duty from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am to welcome late-returning guests.
• Housekeeping & Laundry: Enjoy daily housekeeping during your stay, alongside a 24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service.

Burton upon Trent Beer Festival weekends are exceptionally popular, and rooms across the area book up quickly. Secure your central base today: Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel or call our team directly on 01283 523800 to arrange your festival getaway.

Planning a visit? Book your stay at Three Queens Hotel & Lodge.