Are you heading to the York Beer & Cider Festival? Here's everything you need to know, courtesy of the organisers Camra.

The official festival website is here: www.yorkbeerfestival.org.uk

 

Where is the festival?

In a giant marquee on York’s famous Knavesmire just off Tadcaster Rd, York, YO24 1DJ

What are the opening hours?

5.30pm -11pm on Wednesday 16th and midday-11pm on Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th September

How do I get to the festival?

It is a 20 minute stroll from York Rail Station, from where you can also take a taxi or catch bus services 4, 12, 13, 21, 37, 843,844, 845 & X43. From York city centre, Stonebow bus stop services 12, 13, 21, 843, 844, 845 & X43.

Let’s get down to business, what is there to drink?

There will be over 450 real ales; over 100 real ciders and an international bar selling a selection of 20 draught foreign beers (draught and bottled beers including lagers). There will also be a selection of English wines and soft drinks.

What are the admission charges?

We’ve kept them the same as 2014.

  • Wednesday 16th - Public £3, CAMRA members £1
  • Thursday 17th - Public £4, CAMRA members £2
  • Friday 18th/Saturday 19th - Public £5, CAMRA members £3

Why do I have to pay to get in?

The cost of putting on a festival of this scale is very significant and admission charges go towards covering just some of the outlay on things such as marquee hire, fencing, generators, toilet facilities, bar equipment & scaffolding.

Do I have to buy a glass?

You will need to buy a souvenir polycarbonate festival pint or half pint “glass” when you arrive (licencing conditions do not allow real glass) which can be refunded should you choose, when you leave the festival.

Are there beer tokens or is it a cash bar?

There will be no beer tokens – you pay cash for your beverage, as you would in a pub.

How much is a pint?

Visitors in previous years will know that we keep prices as reasonable as possible. Beers will be priced individually to reflect their strength (ABV).

Do you sell drinks in thirds of a pint?

Yes, glasses are marked for third and half pint measures as well.

Will there be a programme available?

Yes, for a very small charge you can buy a programme listing all the available beverages with tasting notes.

Will all the beers in the programme be available at all times?

We will endeavour to have the greatest range of beers on at all times but reserve the right to keep beers from sale due to them not being ready for drinking. The range will of course diminish as beers sell out.

Do you sell lager?

Do not expect the mass produced brands that you would see in your local! Although this is primarily a real ale festival there will be a selection of premium world lagers available at the Foreign Beer Bar.

Can I bring my own beer?

No - soft drinks only in plastic bottles.

Can I bring children?

Yes, under 18's will be admitted with a responsible adult but will be required to leave by 8pm.

Will I be able to buy food at the festival?

Yes, there will be a wide variety of different hot and cold foods encompassing cuisines from around the world including vegetarian options.

Is there a smoking area?

There is a very large beer garden that accommodates smokers.

Will there be parking available?

There is plenty of parking for bikes. There will be limited on-street parking for cars adjacent to the festival on Knavesmire Road, but of course we do not recommend driving to the festival unless you are a non-drinker.

What about dogs?

Dogs that are kept under control and on a lead at all times are allowed.

Is there live entertainment?

There is a varied programme of live music covering most sessions - exact details of the music acts and various sessions are still being finalised and will appear nearer to the festival.

What if it rains?

There is plenty of standing room in the cavernous marquee as well as plenty of seating.

Will I have to queue to get in?

Most of the day there will be no queue (apart from opening time). In 2014 the peak was 15 minutes on Friday night. If we reach our safety limit then we may have to go to "one out - one in".

Can I buy tickets in advance?

We do not offer advance tickets, just pay on the door when you arrive.

Do you still need bar staff?

Over 200 volunteers selflessly work on all aspects of the festival, from setting up to taking down. We are still recruiting volunteers (CAMRA members) to work in all areas of the Festival. If you work a full session at the festival either behind the bar or in any other capacity we will give you a food and drink allowance as a thank you. Contact us to volunteer at: staffing@yorkbeerfestival.org.uk

Can you recommend accommodation?

There is an onsite separate area for caravans that is run by the Caravan Club (contact them for details of costs) and you can book accommodation at www.visityork.org/book

Are you on twitter and facebook?

Yes, @beerfestyork and www.facebook.com/yorkbeerfestival