A beer festival celebrating its 26th year is to be based on the theme of the 26-mile Marathon taking place at this summer's Olympics.

Nick Millea, of Charlbury Beer Festival said: "A winning combination of an Olympic year and the 26th festival naturally led us towards a theme based on the 26-mile race that captures the spirit of the Games like no other.

"None of the Saturdays in June included the 26th so we're delighted to announce this year’s event will take place on Saturday June 29."

There will be 60 real ales from all over the country (Image: Edmund Blok/Oxford Mail)

The Charlbury Beer Festival attracts up to 3,000 people for a family day out with a huge selection of 60 real ales, raising money for community projects, both in the Charlbury area and overseas.

To register for the World Championship, please visit the Charlbury Beer Festival website at:  https://charlburybeerfestival.org/aunt-sally

After the last festival the total funds raised for good causes totalled around £300,000.

Grants were awarded to Charlbury’s Baby and Toddler Group, Community Centre, Community Workshop, Cricket Club, Exhibition Foundation, Girl Guides, Pre-School, Primary School, Scout Group, Wildlife Society, Youth Football Club, and Chipping Norton Theatre; as well as an overseas project supporting education for children and young women in Afghanistan.

As well as around 60 real ales, there will be a variety of craft beers, a range of ciders and perries, wine, gin, and Pimm’s, a great selection of food and live music throughout.

The Culture Tent will host an eclectic programme of performances and talks, children’s entertainment plus top-notch sport.

The 12th World Aunt Sally Singles Championships, sponsored by Witney-based accountancy firm Bronsens, will be held at the festival and see Rob Bradford attempting to win the crown for the third year on the bounce.

Aunt Sally World Champion 2022 and 2023 Rob Bradford (Image: Charlbury Beer Festival)

The first prize is £100 in cash, plus an impressive replica trophy to take away. The second prize is £50.

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The winner will have their name engraved on the main trophy, the Finings Cup, which will be retained by Charlbury Beer Festival as this is now a well-established annual competition.

Many of the World’s best players have already signed-up to compete in the 2024 event, so players should register early to avoid disappointment.

Charlbury Cricket Club is two minutes from Charlbury Station, with excellent all-day (including late night) bus and train services to Charlbury from Oxford, Chipping Norton, Witney, Worcester and London. 

Fun, festivity and fundraising for all the family is taking place at Charlbury Cricket Club, Oxfordshire from 12 noon to 9pm on Saturday June 29.