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. Since then the festival has grown from strength to strength, adding more music and rugby each year.

Beer Festival Partners

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 2009 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 Chris Akers.

Ashford Beer Festival 2009 - Starring Chas Hodges

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. This year's music includes a live performance by Chas Hodges of Chas n' Dave.

The Beer Festival is held at the Ashford Rugby Club in Ashford, Kent. In 2009, the Festival will be held over the weekend of 4th to 6th 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 4th September and from 10:30 am on Saturday and Sunday.

Real Ales

We have a total of 46 Real Ales all served direct from the cask. These include beers from around the regions of the UK that are rarely seen in Kent. Old vet enjoys his beer Previous favourites include Timothy Taylor's Landlord, from Yorkshire. The range includes light summer bitters of 3.5% abv, to dark heavy ales in excess of 6% abv. Sadly, many modern rugby players - typically those youngsters under 45 - don't appreciate the benefits of cask conditioned ales and ciders. For them, mass produced lagers and cider are available from the club bar. All tastes are catered for.

Real Cider

As well as Real Ale we also stock real ciders. The most popular come from the Biddenden Vineyard, located on the edge of the Weald of Kent.

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 Electric River and teachers from Norton Knatchbull school. The Festival is always on the lookout for new talent. This year's line up includes Chas Hodges of Chas n' Dave fame. If you're interested in appearing contact Chris Akers using the e-mail link in the sidebar.

Rugby

The rugby is designed to cater for all tastes and levels. From 1st team mens, to ladies, to veterans to non-contact tag. Participation is invited from players and non-players alike. Ashford Ladies 2008

The above photo shows the Ashford Ladies Rugby Team at the 2008 festival in their new T shirts sponsored by Ball Contractors.

Photos of 2007 Beer Festival

We have a set of photographs from last year's event. These are available at Ashford Beer festival 2007.

Junior Rugby - Sign-up for the new season

Sunday 6th September is sign-up day for the thriving Junior section of the Ashford Rugby Club. You can download the subscription form here. Please print out, fill-in in advance and bring along with your payment. Potential players aged from 6 to 17, and their families, are welcome to come along from 10am. If you like what you see, stay for the whole day.

Ashford Rugby Club Links

Ashford Rugby Club - Main Site
Ashford Junior Rugby
How to find us.

Ashford Beer Festival

Real Ales, Real Music, Real Rugby - 3rd to 5th September 2010