What Makes a Great Cider Festival? (And Who’s Getting It Right This Week)
There’s something uniquely joyful about a good cider festival. The hum of a local crowd, the promise of discovering a new favourite blend, the tell-tale clink of glasses in a sun-drenched beer garden or a cosy town hall — it’s a combination that never gets old.
But what actually makes a great cider festival? After supplying hundreds of them over the years, here’s what we think it comes down to:
1. A Proper Range
It’s not just about quantity — it’s about choice. From crisp and dry to juicy and fruity, a good cider festival gives drinkers the chance to explore styles they might never see in a supermarket. Bonus points for low-ABV and alcohol-free options too.
2. Atmosphere
Whether it’s a bustling beer hall or a laid-back rugby pitch, the best festivals are built on good vibes. Great music, a welcoming team behind the bar, and a real community feel all go a long way.
3. The Right Setting
Festivals rooted in their local area always stand out. Whether that’s being hosted at a football ground, town hall, or a much-loved local pub — it’s the setting that often makes the experience memorable.
This week, we’re proud to be supplying three brilliant events that tick all those boxes:
🍻 Lincoln Beer Festival – now in its 43rd year, with over 70 real ales and a fantastic cider and perry lineup from us
🏛️ Skipton Beer Festival – taking over Skipton Town Hall this weekend, featuring a huge selection of standout cider
⚽ Dulwich Beer & Cider Festival – hosted by Dulwich Hamlet Football Club, serving over 50 cask ales, Belgian and German bottles, and 25 ciders/perries across a three-day celebration
We’ve also had some lovely repeat orders from favourite pubs including the Halfway House, Keg & Comfort, and Chorlton Tap, plus a warm welcome to The Black Horse in Preston, who joined us for the first time this week.
As a family-run business, it’s a real privilege to supply events and venues who take their drinks offering seriously — and who care about supporting small producers across the UK.
Need help curating a festival cider list? Get in touch.
