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 ninth year the festival has grown from strength to strength, adding more music and rugby each year. Please see the page regarding Chris.

Beer Festival Partners

Ashford Firework Display

Ashford Rugby Club are organising a grand firework display on 5th November. There are discounts for advance purchases and a special priced family ticket. Buy 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 2011 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 2011 - Our 9th 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 20011, the Festival will be held over the weekend of 2nd to 4th 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 2nd September and from 11am on Saturday and Sunday.

Click on the image to the left to download an A4 poster for this year's festival.

This Year - 60 Real Ales

This year we will have a total of 60 Real Ales 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.

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 local band Electric River. The Festival is always on the lookout for new talent. This year's line up includes Robbie Williams, Pink Floyd and Thin Lizzy tribute acts. If you're interested in appearing in future years contact Steve Kellam using the e-mail link in the sidebar.

Rugby - Veterans, Ladies, First Team and Youth

The rugby is designed to cater for all tastes and levels. From 1st team mens, to ladies, to veterans.

Aylesford Ladies - Cup Winners 2010

The Aylesford Ladies Rugby Team - Winners of the 2010 Luke Roberts trophy.

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 4th 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.