Drinkers across Oxfordshire are enjoying the return of beer festivals.
These events were abandoned during the pandemic but many have now returned.
The Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has welcomed their return.
Read again: The worst street for parking fines in Oxford
Following festivals at The Perch in Binsey and the White Hart in Headington, more events are now lined up for the summer and autumn months.
Charlbury Beer Festival takes place on Saturday at Charlbury Cricket Club, from 12 noon until late, and this now claims to be the country’s largest independent one-day beer festival.
It’s back after a two-year Covid-induced hiatus, and will be aiming to attract around 3,000 visitors while raising money for community projects, both in the Charlbury area and overseas.
At this year’s event it expects to pass the landmark of having served 10,000 gallons of beer since it started, with around 50 real ales, a variety of craft beers, a range of ciders and perries, wine, gin, and Pimm’s; a selection of food; and live music.
There will also be a culture tent with a varied programme of performances and talks; children’s entertainment; plus sport with the 10th World Aunt Sally Singles Championships.
Read more: New beer festival coming to Oxford this summer
The festival website says: “The event is entirely non-profit, run by volunteers, with 100% of profits going to local groups and causes, plus an overseas cause each year.”
On Sunday, August 28, Tap Social Movement at the Curtis industrial estate in Botley will host the Change is Brewing Fest, from noon until 11pm.
During the festival there will be a range of breweries pouring their own beers, as well as live music, DJs, street food, live podcasting and panel discussions.
This is a new festival and takes place during the Bank Holiday weekend.
The Oxford Brewers Alliance returns on Saturday, September 17 with the Big Oxford Beer Bash, held successfully for the second time last year but not in 2020.
This outdoor event in the grounds of The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) in Cheney Lane, at the top of South Park, features most local brewers who are available to talk through their latest beers, along with food stalls and live music - tickets are already on sale at £10.
Read more: 10 photos of Oxford in the 1980s
Then there is the return of the Oxford Beer and Cider Festival at Oxford Town Hall in St Aldate’s, last held in 2019.
This will take place on Thursday October 20 and Friday, October, 21 but opening on Saturday, October 22 may not happen as the attendance on previous Saturdays did not cover costs. Further details including opening times will appear nearer the time.
For more visit oxforddrinker.camra.org.uk.
Read more from this author
This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here