Exeter Festival of Beer 2026

The 2026 Exeter Festival of Beer at the Exeter Corn Exchange is taking place from Thursday 15 January until Saturday 17 January. Organised by the Exeter and East Devon branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), it will run from 1600 to 2200 on Thursday and 1100 until 2200 on the Friday and Saturday.

The festival, which has been held in Exeter for 36 years, moved to its current venue, the Exeter Corn Exchange, in 2023 and is a celebration of real ales and real ciders. It is situated close to the main city centre and is a superb venue for this type of festival and provides an excellent opportunity to sample a diverse range of approximately 70 beers from British breweries far and wide and ten ciders/perry over the three days. The beer festival was such a great success last year that the amount of casks of beer has been increased.

In addition, there will be three tutored tasting sessions, two for beer and one for cider: “Understanding the difference between bitter beers and pale ales: Past present and future” and “Beer instead of Heineken - an illustrated history of the Dutch brewery revolution” both presented by Devon-based beer writer Tim Webb, co-author of The World Atlas of Beer. “Meet the Cider Makers”, will be presented by Barny Butterfield of Sandford Orchards and Claire Daniels of Rull Orchard. Entry to these sessions are by ticket only which is available on the website. An additional charge applies to each session.

For cider lovers there is the opportunity to sample a number of quality West Country ciders which are not usually found in local establishments. A full list of the beers and ciders will be available on the Exeter and East Devon CAMRA website nearer the event. Alternatively, you can pick up a copy with your festival glass on the door.

In addition, hot and cold food together with wine and spirits will also be available from the Corn Exchange bar.

A spokesperson for CAMRA said “We are really excited to be able to return for a fourth year at the Exeter Corn Exchange. The venue has been well-received by those who attended in previous years and we look forward to welcoming familiar faces and those who are attending for the first time, for what we hope will continue to be a festival with a very friendly atmosphere. We would also like to thank all our sponsors and supporters who help make this event possible."

Entry is 'on the door' but a number of advance tickets are also available to purchase on www.exeter.camra.org.uk.

For more information see www.exeter.camra.org.uk, email efob@exeter.camra.org.uk or phone Ray Dwan on 07800 920901.