Frequently Asked Questions
When is the festival?
The next Ealing Beer Festival is between Wednesday 4th to Saturday 7th July 2012
What are the opening hours?
The festival is likely to be open from 12pm to 10.30pm Wednesday to Friday, 12pm - 6pm Saturday.
What do I have to pay to get in?
Prices will be set closer to the festival
Why do I have to pay to get in?
The cost of hiring marquees, fencing, generators, offices and electricity is eye watering! The entrance charge goes a third of the way toward meeting these costs. In addition a park fee is levied on us by Ealing Council.
Do I have to buy a glass?
You will need to buy a souvenir oversized festival pint or half pint glass when you arrive unless you have brought your own lined glass or tankard with you. When you leave the festival you can keep the glass as a souvenir or alternatively return it to the glasses stand for a refund.
Do you sell thirds of a pint?
Yes, all our glasses have one third of a pint lines
What is there to drink?
We will have over 200 different real ales varying in style from golden ales to milds and stout. We will also have a range of European beers on draught and in bottles together with a large range of ciders and perries.
Why aren't all the beers in the programme available
Some beers become unavailable between ordering and delivery so our distributors substitute them with others usually from the same brewery. The keystone of the cask may blow either during transit or when on site losing all the beer. If a beer is cloudy or it is 'green', that is to say fresh or unpalatable, then it should not be sold, but left to condition further. Beers may also be unpalatable because there is an infection present, in this case they will be condemned and returned to the brewery. This festival does not keep beer back. It goes on when it is fit to serve and goes off when the cask is empty!
How much is a pint?
Prices reflect the ABV and average Ealing pub prices.
Is there anything else to drink?
Soft drinks will be available.
Do you sell Lager?
No. Lager is normally mass produced and CAMRA's aim is to support local and independent breweries, therefore you will not find the big brand lagers, however you should find some 'Real Lagers' made using Lager ingredients but using natural real ale processes. Many of the blonde beers should also be palatable to lager drinkers. Alternatively visit the cider or foreign beer bar.
What food will be available?
We hope to have three caterers onsite. Snacks such as crisps and nuts are available behind the bars.
Can I bring children?
Under 18's will be freely admitted with a responsible adult. Due to licensing laws, under 18's are not permitted in bar areas, however they will be allowed in the food tent. They must be off site by 8pm.
Can I bring a bicycle into the festival?
There is space for a number of bikes to be chained to fences. In the event of this becoming full, there are plenty of bike stands in Walpole Park.
What about dogs?
Dogs are allowed but not in the marquees. If they become aggresive you will be asked to take them from the festival site.
Will I have to queue to get in?
Queues in 2011 were kept to at most 10 minutes.
Can I buy tickets in advance?
We can only offer tickets in advance for groups of 10 or more. Contact us for more details.
Do you offer corporate packages?
Yes - please contact us for more details.
Can I leave the festival and come back later in the day?
Yes - as long as you are still wearing your festival bracelet.
Do you need bar staff?
All our staff are CAMRA volunteers.
Any More Questions?
Email us