Discover the Top Ales, Ciders, and Perries at the Shrewsbury Beer Festival
As the historic medieval St Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury transforms into the county’s biggest pub for four days, beer enthusiasts are gearing up for the annual Shrewsbury Beer Festival. With a diverse selection of ales, ciders, and perries on offer, along with craft gins and country wines, this event promises to be a celebration of all things brewing.
The highlight of this year’s festival is the Rainbow Pride brew, a special creation by the Shrewsbury and West Shropshire Campaign for Real Ale, Shrewsbury Pride, and local beer experts Salopian Brewery. Coinciding with Shrewsbury Pride weekend, the festival is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the streets of Shrewsbury.
Preparations are in full swing at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, where beer enthusiasts can sample a wide range of unique brews. In addition to the festival, Rainbow Pride will also be available at selected real ale-focused pubs in Shrewsbury and Oswestry, including The Prince of Wales, The Admiral Benbow, Cromwell’s Tap House, The Three Fishes, and The Bailey Head in Oswestry.
Noteworthy Ales to Try
The festival lineup boasts an impressive array of ales from both local and regional breweries. Some of the top picks include Bang The Elephant brewery’s Dark & Stormy, a Ginger, Lime & Rum Stout with a 7.6% ABV, Black Iris brewery’s Better The Devil You Know at 5.5% ABV, and Bragdy Tanat brewery’s Sgwarnog, a 5% pale from Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant near Oswestry.
Other notable ales to look out for include Church End brewery’s Gravediggers Mild at 3.8% ABV, Clun brewery’s Solar at 4.3% ABV, and Hobsons brewery’s Mild at 3.2% ABV. With offerings from Ludlow Brewery, Pig & Porter brewery, Roosters Thornbridge brewery, and many more, there’s no shortage of unique and flavorful ales to sample at the festival.
Delightful Ciders and Perries
For cider enthusiasts, the festival features a selection of refreshing ciders and perries. Cider Chiefs offer creations like Ow’d Slapper and Edward Cider Hands, both at 6% ABV, while Gwatkins Perry provides a taste of their signature perry at the same ABV. These fruity and aromatic options are sure to please those looking for a different kind of brew at the festival.
A Festival Experience Beyond Beer
In addition to the extensive beer selection, the Shrewsbury Beer Festival offers a variety of experiences for attendees. For non-beer drinkers, craft gins and country wines are available for tasting, adding a touch of variety to the festival offerings. Designated drivers can enjoy free soft drinks at the Drivers’ Bar by obtaining a special wristband upon entry, ensuring everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time at the event.
Food options at the festival include Indian street food and rolls with various fillings, providing a flavorful accompaniment to the diverse beer selection. Attendees are welcome to bring their own sandwiches or finger food into the festival, although cutlery is not provided. While outside food that generates a lot of waste is discouraged, there are plenty of options for those looking to grab a quick bite in Shrewsbury town center before returning to the festival.
Supporting Charities and Community
Beyond the celebration of beer, the Shrewsbury Beer Festival also aims to give back to the community through charitable donations. The festival supports The Churches Conservation Trust in refurbishing the stained glass at St Mary’s Church, with proceeds also benefiting charities like The Poppy Appeal and Team Cleo, a local feeder charity for The Brain Tumour Charity.
CAMRA members contribute to charity efforts through activities like a tombola, with proceeds this year going to the Severn Hospice. By attending the festival and participating in these charitable initiatives, beer enthusiasts can make a positive impact on the local community while enjoying a weekend of great brews and entertainment.
With its diverse selection of ales, ciders, and perries, the Shrewsbury Beer Festival promises a unique and exciting experience for beer lovers and enthusiasts alike. From special brews like Rainbow Pride to traditional favorites, this event showcases the best of the brewing world while supporting charitable causes and community initiatives. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to explore new flavors, the festival offers something for everyone to enjoy.
