A Short History

The idea of an Ashford Beer Festival was conceived by Chris Akers, a rotund and jovial beer aficionado, back in 2001. Chris worked on the idea for 18 months and with the help of a dedicated group of supporters, the first event took place in September 2003. Now in its 10th year the festival has grown from strength to strength, adding more music, beer and rugby each year. Sadly, Chris passed away in September 2010, just days after that year's festival.Chris is much missed by his family and all at the club.

Entry, Parking and Camping

Entry to the beer festival is £5 per day. A daily entry ticket is required in order to enter the bars or to watch any of the musical acts. Parking and camping facilities are provided free.

Beer Festival Partners

Ashford Firework Display

There will be a Firework display on Friday evening. This is a taster for Ashford Rugby Club's grand firework display that will take place on 3rd November. There are discounts for advance purchases and a special priced family ticket. Tickets will be available nearer the date at Ashford Firework Display Tickets.

Drinking Quotes

"Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." Ernest Hemingway

Support the 2012 Ashford Beer Festival

If you are interested in supporting the Ashford Beer Festival and would like to sponsor any part of the event, please contact Steve Kellam.

Ashford Beer Festival 2012 - Our 10th Year

The Ashford Beer Festival is an annual 3 day event. The festival is based around 3 key components of fun: Real Ale, live Music and Rugby.

The Beer Festival is held at the Ashford Rugby Club in Ashford, Kent. In 20012, the Festival will be held over the weekend of 31st August to 2nd September. The Festival is open to club members, local residents and beer, rugby and music lovers from Kent and beyond. The hours are from 4pm on Friday 31st August and from 11am on Saturday and Sunday.

Click on the image to the left to download an A5 poster for this year's festival.

This Year - 70 Real Ales & Ciders

This year we will have more than 70 Real Ales and ciders. All served direct from the cask. These include beers from around the regions of the UK that are rarely seen in Kent. The range includes light summer bitters of 3.5% abv, to dark heavy ales in excess of 5% abv. Sadly, many modern rugby players - typically those youngsters under 45 - don't appreciate the benefits of cask conditioned ales and ciders. For them lagers and keg cider are available. All tastes are catered for.

CocktaIL bar

As well as real ales and real ciders the beer festival also has a cocktail bar. Click on the image below to download a flyer showing the rugby-themed special cocktail drinks.

Music

The festival has developed an eclectic mix of live music. This has included Jazz, Folk and Rock. Appearances have included local bands and ensembles. Popular acts have included local band Electric River. The Festival is always on the lookout for new talent. This year's line up includes Fore Emotion, Live 'n' Kickin, Heroes, Where's Brian, and Think Lizzy. See band running order.

If you're interested in appearing in 2013 please contact Steve Kellam using the e-mail link in the sidebar.