Things to Do in Cambridge: The Cambridge Beer Festival

The Cambridge Beer Festival

The Cambridge Beer Festival is one of the UK’s longest-running and most popular beer festivals, held annually in May.

The Cambridge Beer Festival is one of the UK’s longest-running and most popular beer festivals, held annually in May on Jesus Green in Cambridge. Organized by the Cambridge & District branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the festival celebrates traditional British ales and ciders, along with international beers, wines, and other beverages. It is a beloved local event that attracts thousands of visitors yearly, from beer enthusiasts to casual drinkers.

The Cambridge Beer Festival offers a unique opportunity to sample a wide array of real ales and craft beverages in a fun, relaxed setting. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur looking to try new brews or simply want to enjoy a sunny day with friends, the festival is a highlight of the Cambridge social calendar. Its focus on local beers and regional food, combined with the charm of its riverside location, makes it an authentic and enjoyable way to experience the city’s vibrant community.

With a strong sense of tradition, a focus on quality, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Cambridge Beer Festival is a must-visit for anyone in Cambridge during the spring. So, let’s see what it’s all about!

What to Expect at the Festival

  • Wide Selection of Beverages: The festival is renowned for its impressive variety of real ales, with over 200 beers from breweries across the UK. In addition to ales, there is a broad selection of ciders and perries, as well as foreign beers from Belgium, Germany, and beyond. You can also explore wines and meads, making it a well-rounded experience for all kinds of drink lovers.

  • Local Cambridge Breweries: Many of the beers on offer come from local Cambridge-area breweries, giving visitors a chance to taste some of the finest craft beers from the region. The festival serves as an excellent platform for showcasing the rich brewing heritage of East Anglia.

  • Food Stalls: To complement the drinks, the festival features a range of food stalls offering traditional festival fare such as pies, cheeses, bread, and sausages. The Cambridge Beer Festival Cheese Counter is particularly famous for its wide selection of artisanal cheeses that pair perfectly with the beers on offer.

  • Relaxed Atmosphere: The festival is held on Jesus Green, a beautiful open space by the River Cam, which contributes to its laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Visitors can relax at picnic tables or on the grass, enjoying their drinks in a sociable and family-friendly setting. It’s an event where locals, students, and visitors alike come together to celebrate good beer in a picturesque environment.

  • Events and Talks: The festival often includes talks and presentations by brewers and beer experts, offering insight into the brewing process, beer styles, and industry trends. It’s a great opportunity for beer aficionados to deepen their knowledge.

  • Charitable Contributions: The festival also has a charitable component, with many proceeds going to local charities. In recent years, it has supported various causes, making it not just a celebration of beer but also a way to give back to the community.

The Midsummer Fair Today

Today, Bonfire Night in Cambridge is a major annual event that draws thousands of people to Midsummer Common for a grand celebration. Held around 5th November, the event features a spectacular fireworks display, a large bonfire, and an array of food and entertainment stalls. It’s one of the largest Guy Fawkes Night events in the region and is entirely free, although donations are encouraged to help cover the costs of the event.

The bonfire is traditionally lit first, followed by a breathtaking fireworks show that lights up the sky, lasting for around 20 minutes. The event also often includes fairground rides, games, and food vendors offering a variety of treats, making it a fun, family-friendly night out. Safety and crowd management are key concerns, so the event is carefully organised, with plenty of space on the common for spectators to spread out and enjoy the show.

How to Get There

The Cambridge Beer Festival is held annually on Jesus Green, a central open space in Cambridge, making it easy to access by various modes of transportation. Here’s how to get there:

By Foot or Bicycle

  • If you’re already in Cambridge city centre, Jesus Green is within easy walking or cycling distance from most major landmarks. It’s located just north of the city centre, near the River Cam and the Jesus College grounds.

  • Cambridge is a very bike-friendly city, and there are plenty of bike racks near Jesus Green.

By Train

  • Cambridge Railway Station is about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from Jesus Green. You can walk to the festival in around 25-30 minutes, or take a bus or taxi from the station.

  • The train station has direct services from London (about an hour) and other major cities like Norwich and Birmingham.

By Bus

  • Several bus routes run through central Cambridge. If you’re coming from outside the city, the Cambridge Park & Ride services are a good option. The Drummer Street Bus Station is around a 10-15 minute walk from Jesus Green.

  • Local bus routes, such as those operated by Stagecoach, also stop nearby.

By Car

  • If you’re driving, it’s best to use one of Cambridge’s Park & Ride services, as parking in the city centre can be limited and expensive. The nearest Park & Ride locations are at Milton or Trumpington, and both have regular buses that will drop you near the city centre, within walking distance of Jesus Green.

  • For those needing central parking, options like the Grafton Centre or Park Street car parks are relatively close, though spaces may be limited during busy periods.

More Cambridge Markets & Fairs

Cambridge is home to vibrant markets, with the Market Square being the most popular. These events make Cambridge a dynamic city throughout the year, filled with culture, creativity, and community. Discover all of them, when to visit, and what to try if or when you do.

Things to Do in Cambridge: The Stourbridge Fair. Image courtesy of AO'D via Flickr Commons.

The Stourbridge Fair

The Stourbridge Fair was once the largest and most famous medieval fair in England, held annually just outside Cambridge!

Things to Do in Cambridge: The Mill Road Winter Fair

The Mill Road Winter Fair

The Mill Road Winter Fair is one of Cambridge’s most vibrant and beloved annual community events, held every December.

Things to Do in Cambridge: The Cambridge Bonfire Night

The Cambridge Bonfire Night

Cambridge Bonfire Night is an annual event celebrated on Midsummer common on or around 5th November to mark Guy Fawkes Night.